EAT is another fast food chain with 38 shops across the UK, most of them located in London. While they resemble Pret-a-manger concept- and price-wise a bit, I enjoyed their selection of food much more. The various egg noodle salads offered there where absolutely amazing. On one day I ate them for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Otherwise there are sandwiches and wraps on sale which you'd also find at the competitors. Whether theirs are of higher quality, I don't dare to judge.

Marks and Spencer's in another chain, which carries close to anything, with a department store-like concept. The stores in London (at least) have a very nice food selection, though amongst the most expensive. The fruits for instance are packaged as "read to eat" and "will keep for 1 weeks on the counter top" or "may be frozen up to a year", and the such. Perfect if you have no clue (which can happen to otherwise perfectly fine people). There was another gorcery store which was alright: Sainsburry. I'd say that for basic things like paper towels, it's better to get them there. For higher quality fresh food, better to shop at M&S's. There also are "pound stores" (alike dollar stores) a bit all over the place. They have ok kitchenware and stationary.

Just as bretts did, I very much enjoyed the sandwich and drinks selection of Pret-a-manger. They use excellent fresh ingredients, no preservatives, etc. I very much recommend the poached salmon with dill, though everything looked good. The drinks were a bit pricey, but no more than corner stores, actually. However, I heard that this chain belongs to McDonald's, which again, brings me back to the "chain issue": I very much rather try something more unique, even if it's more risky. Nonetheless, Pret-a-manger remains a good and cheap way to remain well-fed in expensive London.

The best espresso, more precisely the best caffe latte can be found in any of the chain restaurants Carluccio's, in my opinion. If memory serves, it was about 2 pounds, so ok priced even converting to North American currency. They also have a very nice foccacia sandwich with fresh (super fresh!) mozzarella, tomatoes and basil.

London can be very expensive for foreign travellers, especially acommadation and food. Well here is one place that is not to hard on the money belt! Most of the Hart's grocery stores have a hot food counter which sells a half chicken dinner, this includes half a chicken, baked beans, corn or salad and chips (french fries) all this for under 3 pounds, cheaper than Mcdonalds and way better!

Germany and Belgium may have the creamiest and most diverse chocolate in the world, but do they have exploding chocolate? My friends and I searched for two weeks before we found the candy we'd heard so much about - the brilliant mixture of pop rocks and chocolate known as Willy Wonka Exploders. This chocolate may taste the same as any other, but it certainly sounds different. Just take a bite and listen. Available at select grocery store in the UK...

If you like the oriental food, I recommend you strongly this restaurante. You will find the finest and delicious Oriental Cuisine in London. They use the best ingredients and seasoned with authentic flavours. 12 Chiswick High road, London W4 020 8987 9791

There are very few decent cheap food options in London - especially any that offer some quality of substance. Pret à Manger is the exception. The chain of sandwich boutiques offer a good selection of tasty and fresh snacks - all at prices that don´t break your budget.

Wagamamas is one of those places you stumble across or someone has to tell you about. Not that it is exclusive but the frosted glass windows and minimal signage make it look more like an ad agency than a restaurant. Once inside (and you have made it through the queue which can be long if you get there around 7pm) you join the masses seated at long benches delighting in a variety of asian noodle and rice dishes. Mmmm. Food is cooked per your order so not all meals come out at the same time - however they are fresh. Great atmosphere - groovi & friendly staff. There are at least 2- Soho and another near the British Museum. If you enjoy the food there are cookbooks for sale as well as other merchandise.

when you're next out on the town, make sure to taste the best chips, and doner kabobs at Dionysis. Open late. Corner Tottenham Ct. Road and Oxford St.