Norwich Food Diary

This is a food diary chronicling my opinions of food in Norwich—chains and local spots alike. I have a diverse palate and strong opinions. Cheers!

For a map of locations I recommend, check out my Google Maps list

November 24: Souk North African Grill (9/10)

Flavorful grill located inside YALM Foodhall. Order from your phone and get it delivered right to your table. 

I ordered the spiced falafels with olives, tabouleh, and harissa sauce wrapped in a flatbread. It came with a side of potatoes and was so delicious and filling.  

Located at: 23–24 Royal Arcade, Castle Street, Norwich NR2 1NQ

Visit its website here

Falafel sandwich

November 2: Plan Burrito (7/10)

Tex-Mex street food

This is the closest I could get to genuine Mexican food here in Norwich. Yummy but not as good as the Mexican at home, but still curbed the craving! I ordered the beef brisket burrito with black beans. On the menu, black beans were listed as "black turtle beans." I also got a pineapple Jarritos and chips and salsa, which were just ok. 

Located at: 21 Timber Hill, Norwich NR1 3JZ

Visit its website here

Beef and bean burrito

October 18: Yard (8/10)

Pasta, wine, and cocktails with a ground-level and basement seating area, located in the City Center. 

I went here with my friend Violet because we both were craving good food and wanted to try something neither of us had tried before. I had a glass of Pinot Noir with notes of cherry and black pepper paired with their bucatini cacio e pepe and garlic toast. I enjoyed this meal, though I found it difficult to finish because of how rich the cacio e pepe was. A very yummy, hearty meal. 

Located at 6 Pottergate, Norwich NR2 1DS

Visit its website here

Yard's Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

October 12: Voodoo Daddy’s Showroom (10/10)

Connected to Gonzo’s Tea Room, quirky pop-culture atmosphere with colored lighting and fun pizza options. 

I had been to Gonzo’s for drinks before but I had never ordered pizza from next door. My parents and I sat in Gonzo’s Tea Room and ordered pizza from Voodoo Daddy’s since they shared the same kitchen. We shared a Dallas Cowboy and a Chiellini. Both are delicious in their own ways, but I enjoyed the Dallas Cowboy one more because it was topped with ranch and pickles! Our server simply said “the cowboy one” when dropping it off at our table; I got a kick out of it. 

Located at 68a London St, Norwich NR2 1JT

Visit its website here 

Chiellini Pizza (left) and Dallas Cowboy Pizza (right)

October 13: Maid’s Head Hotel WinePress Restaurant (10/10)

Historic hotel offering afternoon tea service plus more near the Norwich Cathedral. 

The atmosphere was beautiful and the afternoon tea was delightful. We got three tiers of sandwiches, savory pastries, and desserts. There were many loose-leaf teas to choose from, I chose first Earl Gray and then switched to Darjeeling—I enjoyed the Earl Gray more. I enjoyed the variety of food offered and did not dislike a single thing. 

Located at 20 Tombland, Norwich NR3 1LB

Visit its website here

Afternoon tea at The Maid's Head

October 12: Compleat Angler (7/10)

Riverside pub serving classic pub eats within walking distance of the train station. 

I ate the steak and ale pie with a side of garden peas and chips. The steak and sauce were savory and the crust was flaky. Delicious and filling, would have liked more steak in it. They were out of mashed potatoes and I would have preferred that over the chips. Overall very good classic steak pie and I would order it again. 

Located at 120 Prince of Wales Rd, Norwich NR1 1NS

Visit its website here

Steak and ale pie with a side of chips and peas

October 12: Giggling Squid (10/10)

Unconventional thai restaurant located right in front of the Norwich Cathedral. Lovely restaurant with a pretty atmosphere, food presentation, and well-designed menu.

I was with my parents and we ordered prawn crackers and vegetable spring rolls to share. The prawn crackers were served in a cute wicker basket with chile sauce on the side. For my main I got the chile and basil stir fry with jasmine rice. I was not thrilled that rice was not included with every dish but it can be excused. It was saucy, sweet, and spicy and had an overall incredible flavor. 

Located at 24 Tombland, Norwich NR3 1RF

Visit its website here

Chile and basil stir fry with chicken

October 3: Wagamama’s (6/10)

An Asian-inspired chain comparable to American bistro P.F. Changs.

I went with my roommates and had to wait forever to be seated and waited again for table service and waited again for the food to be brought out. Wait time was seriously ridiculous and they were out of several ingredients for food and cocktails. Both things I initially ordered were 86ed. Ridiculous. I ended up getting some sort of chicken and teriyaki noodles. But, the food was good and I did enjoy it, however, it was unremarkable and the portion was stupidly small for the price. I would order a different dish next time, if they actually have all the ingredients in stock that is. 

Located at 408 Chapel Field Plain, Chapel Field E, Norwich NR2 1SZ

Visit its website here 

Chicken teriyaki with noodles

September 21: Pho (10/10)

A Vietnamese chain restaurant offering several pho options, noodle and rice bowls, curry, and cocktails. 

I ordered the hot and spicy chicken pho with a dragon fruit and lime martini. At this point in time, this was the best food I had eaten since I arrived and I was blown away by the rich flavors and spice. Both noodles and broth were delicious. This place is one of my favorites for sure.

Located at 5 Queen St, Norwich NR2 4SG

Visit its website here

Spicy chicken pho and a prickly pear martini

September 20: McDonald’s (7/10)

An American fast food chain popular for its quick service, burgers, and chicken McNuggets. You already know the jist. 

I ordered the sweet chile chicken wrap with french fries, chicken McNuggets, sweet and sour dipping sauce, and sweet curry dipping sauce. I was extremely impressed with how tasty the wrap was. It had a little kick of spice and the curry sauce was a nice change since I am typically a sweet-and-sour loyalist. I was also impressed with the plant-based choices one of which is called the McPlant—clever. 

Located at 18 Haymarket, Norwich NR2 1QJ

Visit its website here 

The Americans enjoying their McDonald's feast

September 17: Nando’s (5/10)

A South African chicken place blending Portuguese and British flavors. 

I got the halloumi sticks and chile jam to start and a sunset burger. Very saucy and messy, with nice flavor and good chicken, but would have liked its medium sauce to be spicier than what I perceived as mild. Good but nothing to write home about. It is possible I did not order the best thing on the menu, I may have to revisit.

Located at 23-25 Red Lion St, Norwich NR1 3QF

Visit their website here

Sunset Burger

This blog was written for HON491C