19 London Foods That Will Ruin You For Life

Mind the gap that's been left in my heart.

1. Sainsbury's £3 Meal Deal

You're a poor college student in the most expensive city in the world. The £3 Meal Deal is your only chance of survival.

2. Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken

Eating at Nando's is hands down one of the best things about studying abroad in the U.K. Sandwiches, wraps, wings – this spicy grilled chicken is a serious obsession. There are Nando's in the Washington, D.C. area, but is it the same? Of course not.

3. Gelato from Gelupo

Perfection exists in the form of handmade gelato on Soho's Archer Street. I thought I could forget you, Gelupo, but where else will I find flavors like Ricotta Chocolate and Black Pepper? This long distance thing isn't working.

4. Chorizo Rolls from Brindisa

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The best days in London include walking around Borough Market with this sandwich in hand – grilled chorizo, Spanish peppers, and arugula on chewy ciabatta. This is why studying abroad in London ruins you for life.

5. 2-Liter Bottles of Strongbow

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These exist, and they are glorious.

6. Wasabi's Sushi

Mix and match, build your own box, pop in for a full lunch or just a snack. Wasabi's individually-wrapped pieces of sushi are a gift.

7. Cookies from Ben's Cookies

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BRB, flying across the pond for a warm, melty chocolate chip cookie from Ben's. They're that good.

8. Pimm's Cup at Wimbledon

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Whether you queued for grounds tickets or got a seat on Centre Court (lucky you!), you know the epitome of summer in London is drinking a Pimm's Cup at the All England Club.

9. Hummus Bowl from Hummus Bros.

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This is what every young chickpea aspires to be.

10. Cadbury Creme Egg McFlurry

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There's absolutely no excuse for this not existing in the United States. We have McFlurries. We have Cabury Creme Eggs. Get it together, McDonald's.

11. Meat Pies from Pie Minister

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Pie Minister is both an A+ pun and the best place in the city for meat pies. Try the Moo Pie made with British steak and craft ale, or any one of their creative offerings, and then bring one back for me.

12. Wagamama's Noodles

Like the hot Brit you met while you were abroad, Wagamama will break your heart when you have to go back home. It's no one's fault, but it still hurts. Unless you live in Boston.

13. Fish and Chips from Poppies

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Classic. You can try to recapture the magic, but your neighborhood fish fry or local Irish pub won't hold a candle to this.

14. Anything from Pret A Manger

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Of course you can find Pret A Manger in big cities in the U.S., but you only actually eat there when you're in London. Mostly because they're on every corner and it's delicious, but also because you eventually got tired of the Sainsbury £3 Meal Deal.

15. Latte from Monmouth Coffee

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Just because the Brits make such good tea doesn't mean they skimp on quality coffee. A Monmouth latte is almost good enough to convince you to stay in London forever, even if you always have to queue for it.

16. Curries from Your Favorite Curry House

The Brits take their curries very seriously, and if you're studying in London, you will too. You'll have a favorite (maybe one of these), it will be hard to deviate from it, and that's OK.

17. Scotch Eggs from Scotchtails

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Scotch eggs are soft-boiled eggs encased in sausage, rolled in breadcrumbs, and deep fried. You will become addicted to eating them all the time, then forced to go through an insane withdrawal. (But if it's any consolation, you can use this recipe to make them at home).

18. Fortnum & Mason's Afternoon Tea

Even if you didn't drink tea before you studied in London, you started almost as soon as you landed at Heathrow. You paid wayyy too much for afternoon tea, but didn't complain at all when they said you could have as many plates of scones as you wanted.

19. Mince Pies at Every Christmas Party

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Christmastime in London means lights on Oxford Street, festive jumpers, and parties all over the city with mince pies and mulled wine. You'll come home and expect the same. It won't compare.