The UK’s top chefs eat McDonald’s too

The UK’s top chefs eat McDonald’s too — here’s what they order

Courtney Pochin Published February 3, 2026 5:04pm Updated February 3, 2026 5:04pm Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook Comment now Comments A Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Fries and milkshake on a red background with the McDonald's Golden Arches logo.

Top London chefs have shared how often they really go to McDonald’s and what they order (Picture: McDonald’s)

When we’ve had a long day and can’t be bothered to head to the supermarket, we might be tempted to call in at McDonald’s for some nuggs and fries.

And it seems we’re in good company… the UK’s top chefs can’t resist the allure of a cheeky McDonald’s meal from time to time either – with some paying a fortnightly visit to the Golden Arches to get their fix.

Marco Pierre White, who made history in 1995 as the youngest chef to earn three Michelin stars, has sent the internet into meltdown after posting a video of himself eating a McDonald’s burger with Heinz ketchup.

The clip, seemingly inspired by Andy Warhol’s hamburger video from 1981, has garnered mixed reactions from Marco’s followers, with some claiming he had ‘sold his soul’ and others thinking it was ‘iconic’.

The comments prompted the chef to claim McDonald’s ‘serves better food than most restaurants in this world’ and he also took to Instagram stories to celebrate getting a like from the fast food chain, boldly claiming it was ‘more important to me than winning three stars!!!’

https://www.instagram.com/p/DUNvNxOjVnW/

And it’s not just Marco that’s a fan of the fast food chain…

Two other London-based chefs have revealed their favourite items on the McDonald’s UK menu, as well as some of the things they’d never order from Maccies.

For Jack Godik, the executive chef of London-based Argentinian restaurant Sucre, it has to be a classic Big Mac. His go-to order involves a large Big Mac meal, Chicken Selects with BBQ sauce, and a chocolate milkshake to wash the whole thing down with.

‘I always ask for extra Big Mac sauce on the side to dip my chips in, but they have never once said yes,’ he tells Metro.

Jack can’t resist a classic Big Mac (Picture: Timothy Zhbanov)

How often does he indulge in this fast food feast? His official answer is once a month, but that’s not quite the case.

‘The real answer is every other week,’ Jack admits.

There are a few things you’d never catch him ordering from the chain, though, and that includes salad or fruit – both of which he claims ‘completely defeat the purpose of eating at McDonald’s’.

Eran Tibi standing in front of restaurant counter with his arms folded

Eran has a ‘naughty’ off-menu hack (Picture: Cunningham Captures photography company)

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Eran Tibi, the founder and executive chef of Kapara and Bala Baya, also enjoys a McDonald’s burger when he’s ‘feeling naughty’, but his favourite order is a little bit more creative than Jack’s.

‘If I’m looking for something quickly, I get a Fillet-O-Fish and a Cheeseburger,’ he says.

But if he’s not in a rush, there’s an off-menu item he constructs, using Quarter Pounders – and many will likely be inspired to give his hack a try.

‘I order three Quarter Pounders and assemble them into an off-menu Triple Pounder with cheese.’

Dozens Sickened In E. Coli Outbreak Linked To McDonald's Quarter Pounders

The chef orders three Quarter Pounders and creates a Triple Pounder, with cheese (Picture: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

He explains: ‘I pick this because the patty in the Quarter Pounder is larger than the bun (which I love). Ketchup and mustard are a must for sauces, and I go for chips and a banana milkshake – which is a drink as well as a dessert.’

But when it comes to McDonald’s, it’s not just the food that the chef is a fan of – he’s also quite impressed by the opportunities the chain offers its staff.

‘The food might feel like a naughty treat, but I believe their ethos for training their team members, introducing McDonald’s diplomas, apprenticeships, and other certifications, alongside in general giving opportunity to people across the world from underprivileged backgrounds the chance to progress in employment, is very positive,’ he says.

‘In the fast food industry (as much as it isn’t 100% sustainable), McDonald’s pioneers change in their industry with their sustainability efforts, which I think should be celebrated.’

That said, you won’t find him in the Maccies drive-thru every week, as he’s keen to eat healthily ‘most of the time’. However, like most people, when on a long drive, if he spots the giant yellow ‘M’, the craving for a cheat meal is ‘hard to resist’.

Comment now What is your favourite McDonald’s meal or off-menu hack?Comment Now

This comes after McDonald’s recently unveiled some brand new menu items.

The fast food chain has launched a new Friends Meal that’s perfect for 90s kids, as well as Monica’s Marinara sauce, which was inspired by the sitcom.

Prices for the meal vary, but start from £9.09, and the meal includes a burger or McNuggets, fries, a drink, sauce, and a limited-edition toy.

There are six little figurines of all the Friends characters, with mini versions of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, Joey, and Ross available.

But the bad news is, these toys won’t be available to purchase separately – you have to buy the meal if you want to collect them all.

Also joining the line-up are a Tikka Chicken Wrap, Pizza Mozzarella Dippers, a Doughnut Crumble Latte, and a Brownie Pie.

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A version of this article was first published on February 23, 2025.

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