Snobby about chain food

[limeandwater]

Are people on MN snobby about chain restaurants?

I only ask because some of the comments on the £52 lunch thread.

I consider myself a bit of a foodie and enjoy fine dining.

But I also enjoy an American Hot at Pizza Express, a burger at GBK, the Katsu curry at Waggamamma's, a wrap at Nando's.

Am I a wrong un?

Fair in the case of McDonalds as they deliberately vary them in each location and it’s quite interesting to see what they are like.

But for example these people who travel to South East Asia and eat at fast food restaurants all the time, not touching any of the local food. What’s the point going somewhere famous for a specific food and eating in a global chain?

I consider myself a bit of a foodie

I think this line sums it up.

Most people on MN are playing at being something they can’t truly be. So they end up being too insecure to eat in a chain restaurant.

For some it might be the only way they can feel smug and like the image they are trying to project. Let them crack on with it, keeps they riff-raff out of the restaurants after all.

The Ivy’s good, don’t like Cote though.

I agree, I went to McDonalds in India to see what they served, bearing in mind they don't eat beef. McPaneer was an alternative and it was bloody lovely!

I agree with a pp about value. You pay basically the same for a chain vs an independent these days, but I’m rarely wowed by chain food. I’m not opposed to eating in one… las Iguanas for example is local, easy and nice. But I wouldn’t talk about it the same way I talk about some other more memorable restaurants.

Went to Madrid for a week with work once where our manager insisted we went to Hard Rock Café for dinner every night. I left the role shortly after for many reasons, but this was one of them. Christ!

Is there anything users here aren’t snobby about?

I'm a bit of both - if with the kids and it's the closest then we tend to use a chain like wagamamas as I know they will eat it.

But we wouldn't go out of our way if it wasn't the closest and if there was a independent then would choose that.
Similarly if only DH and I then we always pick an independent.

But we are also a family of food intolerances/dietary requirements so generally base somewhere to go on using other apps to check how safe it's likely to be! Often that's not a chain!

i love a Nando’s! My kids love a Pizza Hut and a carvery. I am not impressed with the cost of these things now, they used to be a little cheap treat tea for a star of the week or a man of the match reward if they had done well and now we have to budget these things in. My wage has not gone up in line with costs as most people’s haven’t and I think that’s the issue on the thread. Being charged Michelin star prices for what is really cheap processed food

There is a time and a place for different types of food. I find chains reliable for allergens and consistency. If you go to pizza express with a group of kids, you know they probably know what they like and it’s easy.

Some of the best and also some of the worst meals I’ve had have been independents. And I’d say generally are more expensive.

Regardless, i’m finding the cost of eating out harder to justify despite being a high earning household. The cost is increasing but I find every year the experience is getting a bit worse. I miss the days when you could get some brilliant meals out on a taste card. I used to eat out loads midweek in London in pretty fancy restaurants for good prices. I was earning much less but it felt more affordable.

I really like Cote, Ive only just discovered it a few months back, never went in one before but a friend took me. I liked it.

I am with you. We try local maccie's items. It can be quite interesting.

It is rather nice to have something tasty but bad for you once in a while, like a huge slice of pizza, from a takeaway, with loads of toppings, which is just a big chunk of dough with very salty toppings, or a full English in a hotel.

Chains are great for their reliability/sameness which for some people is very important. We tend to choose a chain when it’s a ‘quick bite’ scenario/with people who only eat beige food/convenience is the priority. It’s never great but equally it’s never awful.
All that being said, Five Guys is my absolute guilty pleasure and I will manufacture reasons to go there!

The PP didn’t say it was exciting though, did she? She said she likes good food, eats in lots of independent and Michelin starred restaurants, but also likes Wagamamas and Pizza Express, that’s all. No mention of excitement.

I think lots of people - particularly in London and those above the age of 30 are (myself included). When I was 19, Pizza Express was great, especially when someone else paid. Now I'm over twice that age and have had the chance to eat in more varied environments, I actually wouldn't go back, unless under extreme duress. They're not cheap financially, but they taste cheap and the restaurants aren't exactly a lovely environment to eat in. I'd rather save and go somewhere lovely with great food and service. It doesn't have to be expensive, but I have to actually feel that the money I'm paying was worth what I am eating...and it has to be better than something I'd make at home.

That's criminal. I would have just refused and gone somewhere else.

For me it depends. I have a couple of intolerances and i know there are certain chains where I can get something to eat without a big fuss.

If we were going for "proper" meal out I would take the time to research but if i just want food I know I can have ABC at XYZ restaurant

I lived in Madrid for 2 years and didn’t even know there was a Hard Rock Cafe!

I'm actually only snobby about Wagamama funnily enough. Mainly because I've been to Japan a few times and I don't think it compares in any way. Also I'm in London so plenty of other places to get curry or ramen, although I do tend to make my own. Also, Wagamama actually means selfish, which tells me they just went for a name they thought sounded good without even checking what it means! To me that does not bode well for an authentic experience.

I'll eat all sorts of other crap though 😂

Yes we visit really frequently but never knew

Its the sort of thing my OH would say as well, he's always going on abou going to KFC wherever we are

That I wont allow!!!

I have spent 6 weeks in Japan.

Depends on the chain. I doubt many people would describe a Costa egg sandwich as a treat.

I’m a little bit snobby about all food, yes. Problem is that a lot of chain restaurants are shite. And expensive. Last time I went to Wagamama’s (which admittedly was 2 years ago because I am a snob and I don’t eat out unless it’s going to be excellent), I got a ramen that was literally spaghetti in room temperature broth (and not even good proper ramen broth). For £22. It was sad.

I have ramen often at home. I use proper noodles. I make my own broth or use a miso based one. It’s filled with lovely tasty things. Costs me probably £3 to make a bowl and it’s delicious.

I only eat out if it’s truly something spectacular that I wouldn’t make myself at home. Otherwise, my own food is always nicer and cheaper and yes, I’m a snob so I prefer it.

In relation to your first paragraph, is that true?
If so it's hilarious!😀