An American woman’s TikTok video criticizing British food has sparked controversy and received backlash from Brits. The video, posted by TikToker @lunchpailgin, has gained nearly 1 million views and features her disappointing experience with British cuisine. In the video, she claims to have been shown around by locals and tried various food recommendations, but enjoyed almost nothing she ate.
The TikToker begins by acknowledging the recent trend of attacking British food on social media. Many non-British people have made videos reacting to the food or mocking it. However, instead of challenging this prevailing narrative, @lunchpailgin affirms it.
According to her, she visited popular food chains in England, such as Wetherspoons and Toby’s, and even had a “proper Chinese” meal. However, she describes all the food as “terrible.” She goes on to say that while some British people argue that the US lacks carveries, there are better alternatives than Toby’s, and a Brazilian steakhouse in the US surpasses it.
@Lunchpailgin also dismisses Nando’s, a popular British food chain, calling it a mild version of Chipotle and nothing special. However, she admits that Nando’s was the only thing she could consistently eat during her visit, as everything else was a “fucking gamble.”
The TikToker further criticizes British Chinese food, specifically mentioning her experience in Bath, England, and labeling it as “suicide.” She claims that even the worst Chinese food she’s had in America is superior to what she tasted there. Additionally, she criticizes British people for not using enough seasoning in their food, though she regrets not having the opportunity to try any Indian cuisine.
While many viewers agreed with @lunchpailgin’s negative assessment of British food, others pushed back on her opinions. Some Americans expressed their enjoyment of British cuisine, while Brits suggested that she had tried the wrong food and missed out on British staples like fish and chips or Sunday roast dinner. Several Brits also found the notion of Wetherspoons being the best food option laughable.
Another TikToker, @elisheva.abramson, who claimed to have lived in the UK for half of her life, stitched @lunchpailgin’s video and playfully suggested that recommending Wetherspoons or Toby’s as representative of British cuisine was a prank. Other commenters compared these chains to American establishments like Olive Garden and Applebee’s.
@Iamnobirdnet, a TikToker who has lived in the UK for eight years, disagreed with @lunchpailgin’s argument and theorized that American palates might struggle with British food due to its lack of additives compared to American food. They also noted that in England, people are expected to season their food themselves, and British households tend to use more seasoning.
Overall, the TikTok video has sparked a debate about the quality of British food, with divided opinions from both Americans and Brits. @Lunchpailgin has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
