Traditional British dishes are losing their spot at the table — and it’s not because we’ve lost our appetite. The nation is in the midst of a food revolution driven by migration.
Out With the Old, In With the Global
While fish and chips, roast dinners and shepherd’s pie might once have defined British comfort food, today’s palates tell a different story. Over half of Brits (55%) rarely eat traditional British food, and only 22% list it as their favourite cuisine. Meanwhile, 68% of households cook international dishes weekly, and 49% order non-British takeaways on the regular — with Italian, Chinese, Indian, and Mexican cuisines topping the charts.
A surprising 24% of people have never tried steak and kidney pie, and say they don’t plan to either. It’s a telling sign of how migration and global culture have reshaped the nation’s taste buds.
Gastronomic Diversity and the Power of Food
Experts are calling this shift Gastronomic Diversity — a celebration of how migration enriches the UK’s food scene, economy, and social fabric. Migrant entrepreneurs contribute £6.6 billion annually to the UK economy, redefining what it means to be “British” and breathing new life into local high streets.
Food, though, is about much more than flavour. A huge 72% of Brits believe sharing meals helps bridge cultural divides, showing that food remains one of the most powerful tools for connection and understanding.
The Challenges Behind the Kitchen Doors
Despite their vital contributions, migrant chefs and entrepreneurs continue to face systemic barriers. Over a third (36%) of those who’ve moved to the UK within the last two years say local regulations are confusing and hard to navigate. One in five (22%) report being blocked from opening a food business due to unreliable transport — and nearly seven in ten (69%) say they’ve had to work harder and longer to succeed.
It’s not a lack of skill — it’s a lack of access.
Celebrating Migrant Talent: Ravinder Bhogal and Marshmallow
To spotlight these stories, Marshmallow has teamed up with acclaimed chef Ravinder Bhogal — owner of the celebrated restaurant Jikoni. Together, they’re highlighting the richness of the UK’s food scene and the real challenges faced by migrant entrepreneurs.
“Running a food business in the UK takes passion, resilience and hard work,” said Bhogal. “International chefs bring incredible creativity to our high streets but face challenges like finance, regulation, and transport — all of which affect the wider ecosystem.”
Oliver Kent-Braham, Co-Founder and CEO of Marshmallow, added:
“We see the energy and innovation that migrants bring every day. International cuisines are transforming our communities, strengthening local economies, and enriching life across the country. But many still face barriers — from finance to fair insurance. Marshmallow is here to make migration easier and fairer for everyone.”
Research from Marshmallow, the car insurance company designed for newcomers to the UKTo learn more about Marshmallow’s mission, visit www.marshmallow.com.
