A few of the generalizations about London was that it was going to rain every single day, be cold, and there’d be a fish and chips shop on every corner. Well, it isn’t quite as rainy as advertised and 40-50 degrees isn’t cold by any stretch of the imagination, especially with what’s going on in New Jersey.                         

That brings us to the third expectation: fish and chips everywhere. That’s just not the case. In fact, fish and chips shops are advertised in the touristy areas to try and feed off foreign preconceptions. Moving past that, food is subtly different in London. Thankfully it’s not as drastic as a change in eatery as it would be in, say, China, but it’s definitely worth noting. Firstly, there’s less sugar in everything. On the first sip of Coca Cola, it’s evident that it’s different. Granted, that means it’s healthier, but still, it tastes a little different. “I’d say food in the UK tastes better and I can tell from the first bite,” said Sarah Clooney, sophomore study abroad student from The College of New Jersey majoring in math education. “The portion sizes are accurate rather than insanely large like in the US. The options they give you in restaurants are more health conscious with less fat and the coca cola definitely has less sugar.”

For Bre Gaul, sophomore study abroad student from Oregon University majoring in journalism, it’s all about the different kind of variety than she’s used to in the states. “I like the variety of food [because it] is slightly different than home,” said Gaul. “Around here, it’s nearly impossible to find a good Mexican place. However, the Indian food around here is really good.”

The portions are a little smaller but adequately filling. For instance, pizza in London is good enough, except it’s difficult to find anywhere in which to buy a full pie of pizza, everything is personal.

Chipotle is a regular fan favorite in the vicinity of Kean University and there’s a few restaurants in London. The line curved through the tables and out the door, typical of the edition on Route 22. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the front with the foot traffic, where  customers instruct the employee to construct their burrito from its delicious scratch, and straight away it all looks a little off. The tortilla is wheat, the rice isn’t quite as brown, the salsa isn’t quite as red and the cheese isn’t quite as white. All of this meant, again, it was healthier but it isn’t the full taste like what to expect in America.. It was like watching a once elite athlete past their prime laboring on as an above average player, it was disappointing.

Food chains seen around America are here as well. McDonalds, Burger King, Starbucks, etc., are around but also different, such as menus, which are tampered a bit to fit the country they’re in.

Chicken restaurants are big here, especially the chain Nandos. Nandos has begun opening restaurants in America, too, so maybe they’ll be more commonplace as they are in England. They’re a popular spot, especially near Queen Mary, University of London as there’s one just across the road. “In comparison to fast food places in the US, it’s substantially better. Fast food spots in the US are just covered in grease while at Nando’s, everything is fresh and healthier for you,” said Clooney.

Food in America may be bigger and a little better, but the food in England is healthier. Variety is good, but not as great as it is back in the states. At any rate, food is food no matter where it is. Students from America studying in the UK are more than happy with what they get to eat, just as content as they’d be back home. Change and differences don’t always have negative connotations.