More than half of UK students are now combining different takeaway orders to create unusual mash-up meals, such as chow mein burritos and butter chicken pizzas, according to new research.
Fusion food favourites
The study by Nationwide found that 60% of students mix different cuisines in a single order. Chinese and Italian emerged as the nation's favourite fusion pairing, with 84% saying they blend cuisines because they are bored of familiar takeaways.
On average, students spend £45.60 on takeaways each month and place five orders monthly. Nearly three quarters (72%) say takeaway nights bring people together, with 24% enjoying two to three such meals with housemates weekly. For 23%, group dinners help reduce loneliness.
NationFried pop-up
To mark the start of the university year, Nationwide has teamed up with TV personality and radio host Chloe Burrows and foodie content creator Max Khadar. Together, they have created a menu of one-of-a-kind dishes, including chow mein burritos, butter chicken pizza and ice cream fries.
The fusion feast will be served free at a NationFried pop-up in London later this month. Chloe said: "Students have never let food rules get in the way of a good takeaway. If it fits on the same table, it's fair game; I mean, who doesn’t love picky bits but on a whole new level?!"
Max added: "I thought I'd seen it all when it came to food combinations, but students have completely raised the bar. A chowito? A butter chicken pizza? Some of these ideas sound like they were invented at 2am after a night out, but somehow they just work."
Event details and student benefits
Chloe and Max will welcome students to NationFried at 227-229 Hoxton Street, London, N1 5LG, from 6pm to 9pm on Tuesday August 25. Guests will receive a free, limited-edition fusion menu and exclusive giveaways, including "fried" sliders.
The pop-up coincides with the return of Nationwide's FlexStudent account offer, giving new customers £100 cash plus £120 worth of Just Eat vouchers. Fred Powell, head of current accounts, said: "Starting university is an exciting milestone, and shared meals are often where new friendships begin. Last year, our FlexStudent account helped students enjoy more than 528,000 takeaways, and through NationFried and benefits including £120 worth of Just Eat vouchers, we're proud to help students make their money and their meals go even further."
