At Marshmallow, we see how migration brings creativity and connection to the UK - and our latest research shows it’s reshaping what we eat, too.
Traditional British food is falling out of flavour. More than half of Brits (55%) eat traditional British meals less than once a month, and just 22% say it’s their favourite cuisine. Instead, international dishes are taking centre stage: 68% of people eat non-British cuisine at home weekly, while 49% regularly order non-British takeaways. Italian, Chinese, Indian and Mexican top the list. A quarter of Brits (24%) say they’ve never even tried steak and kidney pie - and have no desire to.
A new wave of Gastronomic Diversity
Experts call it Gastronomic Diversity: the way migration enriches the UK’s food scene, broadens palates, and boosts local economies. But it’s about much more than what’s on the menu.
Migration is shaping cultural identity, building social connection, and fuelling economic growth - with migrants contributing an estimated £6.6bn¹ to the UK economy through entrepreneurship. They’re redefining what it means to be “British”, one plate at a time.
Food, in this context, is far more than flavour - it’s a force for unity. 72% of Brits believe sharing meals helps bridge cultural divides. When we try new cuisines, we challenge stereotypes, create common ground, and celebrate difference.
Celebrating flavour and ambition with Ravinder Bhogal
To spotlight the flavour and innovation migrants bring to the UK, we’ve partnered with acclaimed chef and migrant entrepreneur Ravinder Bhogal. Ravinder will be showcasing the diversity of the UK’s food scene - and the challenges faced by migrant entrepreneurs, from navigating regulations to securing finance and reliable transport.
As Ravinder puts it:
“Running a food business in the UK takes passion, resilience and hard work. International chefs and food entrepreneurs bring incredible flavours and creativity to our high streets, but they also navigate challenges like securing finance, understanding regulations, and even getting reliable transport to and from work, which affects the whole ecosystem.”
Breaking barriers to opportunity
Behind every buzzing kitchen are entrepreneurs working harder and longer than most to succeed. Over a third (36%) of migrants who’ve recently moved to the UK (within the last two years) say UK regulations are confusing and hard to navigate. One in five (22%) have been blocked from opening a food business or working in hospitality simply because they lacked reliable transport. Nearly 7 in 10 (69%) say they’ve had to work harder and longer than others just to get ahead.
We believe it’s not a lack of talent - it’s a lack of access.
At Marshmallow, we’re proud to help break down those barriers by making it easier for people to get on the road. Reliable, fair insurance helps migrants focus on what they do best - bringing energy, innovation, and delicious food to local communities.
Migration moves us all forward
Our Co-Founder and CEO, Oliver Kent-Braham, says it best:
“At Marshmallow, we see every day the energy and innovation that migrants bring to the UK, and food is one of the clearest examples. International cuisines are transforming our high streets, strengthening local economies, and enriching daily life across the country.
But behind every thriving business are people who still face barriers, from accessing finance to securing fair insurance. That’s why Marshmallow is committed to making migration easy, by offering fair, accessible insurance that helps migrants get on the road, grow their businesses, and continue driving the UK’s cultural and economic success.”
Migration doesn’t just change the way we eat - it changes the way we live, connect and grow. And we’re proud to support the people driving that change forward, one journey (and one meal) at a time.
