I don’t know what it is about Gen Z, but they seem absolutely obsessed with ordering food off touch screens. Whether it’s via their phones on some food delivery app or standing in front of a massive screen in a restaurant, they’d rather tap and swipe their way to lunch than, god forbid, speak to an actual human being. And sure, it’s a trend that generally grates on me. Call me old-fashioned, but there’s something to be said for a bit of banter with the person taking your order, if only to make sure they’re aware of your irrational fear of coriander. But, I’ll admit, every now and then, these touchscreens have their perks—especially when you’re facing a menu that might as well be written in hieroglyphics.
Enter Buy & Bite in Farringdon, a little lunchtime spot that embraces the full might of touchscreen ordering with what I can only describe as alarming zeal. The screens greet you at the entrance, brightly lit and ready to be prodded at by busy Londoners who clearly have no time for pleasantries, much less a good chinwag. Here, the screens serve a noble purpose: narrowing down an almost overwhelming selection of bowls, wraps, and bento boxes with photos to guide the way. As someone unfamiliar with the menu, I found myself—shockingly—enjoying the process. Tapping through colourful images of Omurice, noodle bowls, and Bao Buns felt more like window-shopping than ordering lunch.
After a solid five minutes of deliberation (and yes, the queue behind me was growing with an air of silent judgment from office workers who looked far too Gen Z to approach an actual counter), I settled on a classic: Katsu Curry. Because if you’re going to test out a place like this, you go with something you know they can't mess up.
And you know what? They didn’t. The food was excellent. Hot, tasty, and with a satisfying crunch to the breaded chicken that made me forget for a moment how much I hate this newfangled ordering trend. The curry was just spicy enough to make me take notice, without overpowering the subtle sweetness of the sauce. And for what it was—quick service, lunchtime bite—it was great value.
So, will I be back? Absolutely. Though next time, I might make sure I have a bit more practice with the touchscreen beforehand. After all, I don’t want to keep the Gen Z...
Read moreAn Unforgettable Experience at Buy and Bite London!
From the moment I walked into Buy and Bite London, I knew I was in for something special. The food? Absolutely divine – every bite was bursting with flavour, cooked to perfection, and beautifully presented. It’s clear the kitchen takes real pride in what they do.
But what truly made the experience unforgettable was the exceptional service – and that’s all thanks to Rinil. From start to finish, Rinil was an absolute star. Warm, welcoming, and incredibly attentive, he made us feel like VIPs the entire evening. His recommendations were spot-on, his timing impeccable, and his energy truly infectious. It’s rare to come across someone so naturally gifted in hospitality – Rinil didn’t just serve food, he delivered a memorable dining experience.
If you're looking for great food and world-class service in London, this is the place. And if you're lucky enough to be looked after by Rinil, you're in for something truly special.
10/10 – Can’t wait...
Read more★★★★★ Buy & Bite Omurice - New Fulham Road Location
As a regular at their first location, I was excited to try Buy & Bite's new branch near Imperial College - it's even better than I hoped!
What's great: Opening Day Special (June 10): ALL main dishes just £1! Week-long 20% discount (June 11-16) Authentic Japanese omurice - the eggs are incredibly fluffy New exclusive items like truffle wagyu version Perfect location: 5min from South Ken tube, next to V&A
Pro tips: Upgrade to cheese version for +£1 (worth it!) Their mentaiko mayo sauce is legendary Comes with free miso soup during soft opening
The portion sizes are very generous for London (I couldn't finish mine). Already planning my next visit!
Accessibility: Small but efficient space, quick service,...
Read more