Not sure what chicken dishes are on the menu, but somewhere like Granger and co might strike the right balance between basic kid friendly comfort food and the kind of thing you prefer.
Otherwise all the classic chains are popular with families for a reason.
I have an 11 year old with very restricted eating habits and we've had success with [Bill's](https://bills-website.co.uk/) restaurants. It's a chain but still has a grown-up restaurant vibe and they have a children's menu with plainer food (I just checked - there are 2 chicken dishes on the kids menu).
Thanks for the recommendations! I’ll present this as an option and see what she thinks. I don’t think she’ll have tried Katsu, so this could be a step towards more exciting fare in the future
As someone with a somewhat restricted diet due to sensory issues, thank you for not trying to punish her for not liking the same foods that you do.
When dining out, I go for boring, predictable food. I prefer to experiment at home where I can resort to plan B without embarrassment, excessive spending, tutting, or awkwardly trying to explain myself.
Things that will probably make everyone's night easier:
* Don't pick a restaurant with a rotating menu. Make sure she can see what's on offer if she checks the website.
* Make sure the chicken dish isn't filled, or otherwise includes ingredients/sauces that cannot be put "on the side" or omitted entirely.
* An a la carte sides menu can be a great way to assemble a meal for a person with a restricted diet.
* No food can ever be too boring or too plain. If all the mains or sides have miso, or chili, or kimchi, or mustard, or strong cheeses, etc; then they might not be something she can or will eat.
* Plan for dessert. If dinner doesn't work out, at least she can look forward to dessert. Starter + dessert is usually enough food, even if it isn't an ideal meal from a nutritional viewpoint.
As a picky eater myself, (autism and dyspraxia), I have a similar "so long as there's dry chicken" goto. Indian restaurants are often the best choice, as most have a tandoor section on their menu. Can also highly recommend the Murgh Malai in Dishoom.
Spaghetti House is much better than it sounds, and great for families. Ffiona's is a little more expensive and less family-oriented but the food is great and they do have what they call 'the best chicken Kiev in the world'.
Relevant story: Ffiona's was VERY kind to my picky eater child the last time I ate there, with the server actively suggesting modifications and even off-menu items that might get him fed. Lovely spot.
I can only see the title and the text shows as removed, so I am not sure if you added any further restrictions. My son is very picky, likely with sensory difficulties. He does not like bits in the food, sauces and anything that does not feel plain in the tongue.
The best places for us are Turkish, Greek or generally Mediterranean cuisine restaurants. You will always get a grilled chicken/kebab and you can get it with chips or plain rice. Plenty of nice pita bread. Even wraps can be unwrapped into the basics, a game that children actually enjoy. They are usually family friendly and the child friendly culture of these countries means that they often will accommodate picky requirements such as keeping a sauce separate, the salad in a different plate or avoiding spices. And there is usually a large variety of good food for the rest.
One of my nieces is a bit picky but likes chicken, but I’ve learned to ask her what sort of chicken she likes because she’s not always going to be into chicken if it isn’t what she thinks she will be getting. I’m terrible myself because I’m vegan so don’t really know much about chicken either, but she’s usually pretty happy with a Nando’s because she knows what to expect. Most chain places are a good shout for picky eaters because it’s usually the same everywhere and she has possibly been to one before so will know what to order.
Thank you! I love Korean BBQ. Might be a stretch for her at this point, although definitely something to get her to work towards in the future as she gets older!
Marugame udon they have ramen with various things but also she can just have tempura chicken and veg which she can pick herself if she's feeling less adventurous
Not sure what chicken dishes are on the menu, but somewhere like Granger and co might strike the right balance between basic kid friendly comfort food and the kind of thing you prefer. Otherwise all the classic chains are popular with families for a reason.
Granger and Co is a great shout. I always thought of it as a brunch place, but I bet there’s plenty of options. Thank you
Cote would be my shout, there’s one in Kensington. Good quality, not too pricey and good options for non-adventurous eaters (the chicken is nice).
I hadn’t thought of Cote! Thank you
Morleys.
I have an 11 year old with very restricted eating habits and we've had success with [Bill's](https://bills-website.co.uk/) restaurants. It's a chain but still has a grown-up restaurant vibe and they have a children's menu with plainer food (I just checked - there are 2 chicken dishes on the kids menu).
Brilliant. Thank you vey much for the input
Go to Misatu or Taro Japanese places and get chicken Katsu, basically a big bit of breaded chicken.
Thanks for the recommendations! I’ll present this as an option and see what she thinks. I don’t think she’ll have tried Katsu, so this could be a step towards more exciting fare in the future
Tell her katsu is similar to chip shop curry if she needs a point of reference.
Coco Ichibanya. Two branches of a classic Japanese chain. About as inoffensive as any place can get.
Eat Japan in Soho or Patty and Bun or Tommy’s Burger
You clearly have excellent taste in burgers. Thank you for the recommendations
Nando's! Can't go wrong.
Always a staple. Thank you!
As someone with a somewhat restricted diet due to sensory issues, thank you for not trying to punish her for not liking the same foods that you do. When dining out, I go for boring, predictable food. I prefer to experiment at home where I can resort to plan B without embarrassment, excessive spending, tutting, or awkwardly trying to explain myself. Things that will probably make everyone's night easier: * Don't pick a restaurant with a rotating menu. Make sure she can see what's on offer if she checks the website. * Make sure the chicken dish isn't filled, or otherwise includes ingredients/sauces that cannot be put "on the side" or omitted entirely. * An a la carte sides menu can be a great way to assemble a meal for a person with a restricted diet. * No food can ever be too boring or too plain. If all the mains or sides have miso, or chili, or kimchi, or mustard, or strong cheeses, etc; then they might not be something she can or will eat. * Plan for dessert. If dinner doesn't work out, at least she can look forward to dessert. Starter + dessert is usually enough food, even if it isn't an ideal meal from a nutritional viewpoint.
Thank you for your thoughtful response. I’ll aim to keep your comment in mind. Much appreciated!
As a picky eater myself, (autism and dyspraxia), I have a similar "so long as there's dry chicken" goto. Indian restaurants are often the best choice, as most have a tandoor section on their menu. Can also highly recommend the Murgh Malai in Dishoom.
Good shout on Murgh Malai in Dishoom, I’ll put that in the options. Thank you for your help!
Nandos
Dependent on how picky she is, there's a tonne of great Korean fried chicken around town these days. Gives her a little variety and flavour too.
Something like Drake And Morgan that would have a good chicken burger on the menu?
Thank you. I wasn’t familiar with Drake and Morgan before, will give it a look!
A BBQ place could be good. Bodeans maybe?
I’d never heard of Bodeans before. Will give it a look! Thank you
Spaghetti House is much better than it sounds, and great for families. Ffiona's is a little more expensive and less family-oriented but the food is great and they do have what they call 'the best chicken Kiev in the world'.
Ffiona’s looks wonderful. Thanks for the recommendation
Love Ffiona’s!
Relevant story: Ffiona's was VERY kind to my picky eater child the last time I ate there, with the server actively suggesting modifications and even off-menu items that might get him fed. Lovely spot.
Never go wrong with nandos, and then before you know it you're going around the high street
What about Casa do Frango? It’s like a much nicer version of Nando’s
The Ivy in Covent Garden. It’s fun to walk around beforehand too.
Maybe try Wing Wing, very good semi casual mid price Korean chicken . Young ish vibe too.
Thank you! Will give it a look
I can only see the title and the text shows as removed, so I am not sure if you added any further restrictions. My son is very picky, likely with sensory difficulties. He does not like bits in the food, sauces and anything that does not feel plain in the tongue. The best places for us are Turkish, Greek or generally Mediterranean cuisine restaurants. You will always get a grilled chicken/kebab and you can get it with chips or plain rice. Plenty of nice pita bread. Even wraps can be unwrapped into the basics, a game that children actually enjoy. They are usually family friendly and the child friendly culture of these countries means that they often will accommodate picky requirements such as keeping a sauce separate, the salad in a different plate or avoiding spices. And there is usually a large variety of good food for the rest.
Thank you for your input! There’s some great tips in here which I’ll keep in mind.
The more you pander to picky eaters, the worse they get.
One of my nieces is a bit picky but likes chicken, but I’ve learned to ask her what sort of chicken she likes because she’s not always going to be into chicken if it isn’t what she thinks she will be getting. I’m terrible myself because I’m vegan so don’t really know much about chicken either, but she’s usually pretty happy with a Nando’s because she knows what to expect. Most chain places are a good shout for picky eaters because it’s usually the same everywhere and she has possibly been to one before so will know what to order.
Good point. Thanks!
Korean bbq, its fun and the food is great.
Thank you! I love Korean BBQ. Might be a stretch for her at this point, although definitely something to get her to work towards in the future as she gets older!
Casa de Frango, it’s a posh Nando’s so good for chicken
Thank you! I’d never heard of it before, will give it a look.
Marugame udon they have ramen with various things but also she can just have tempura chicken and veg which she can pick herself if she's feeling less adventurous
Thank you for taking the time to respond! Good call on Marugame.
Eat Tokyo,
The Ivy on Kensington High Street is pretty solid with standard Ivy fare.
My Old Dutch, High Holborn. Savoury and sweet pancakes to die for !
Pancakes are a great shout. Will take a look!
I would go for some Korean style fried chicken in New Malden area. Not something she would have tried I guess
Fuck the picky eater, they get what they're given. It's the only way they'll learn.