UK Protesters Queue Up At Indian Food Stalls Amid Anti-Immigration Rally; Video Sparks Online Storm
On September 13, 2025, London witnessed one of its largest far-right demonstrations in decades, with an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 protesters marching under the banner of "Unite the Kingdom," led by anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson. The rally, fueled by chants of "We want our country back" and displays of Union Jacks and St George’s flags, aimed to protest immigration policies in the UK. However, a viral video capturing protesters queuing at Indian food stalls for snacks like onion bhajis and naan wraps sparked widespread online debate, highlighting a stark irony that has ignited both mockery and reflection across social media platforms.
The Rally and Its Context
The "Unite the Kingdom" march, starting at the Southbank Centre and moving toward Westminster, drew significant attention for its scale and intensity. Organized by Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon), the event was billed as a "free speech festival" but quickly became a flashpoint for anti-immigration sentiment. Protesters, some wearing MAGA hats and waving Israeli flags, voiced concerns about illegal immigration and invoked controversial theories like the "Great Replacement." The rally saw speeches from far-right figures, including French politician Eric Zemmour and German MP Petr Bystron, with billionaire Elon Musk addressing the crowd via video, warning of violence if political changes were not made.
The event was not without conflict. A counter-protest organized by "Stand Up to Racism," attended by approximately 5,000 people, led to clashes, with 26 police officers injured—four seriously—and 24 arrests made for offenses ranging from assault to possession of offensive weapons. The Metropolitan Police described the violence as "unacceptable," noting that some protesters attacked officers with bottles, flares, and other projectiles.
The Viral Video: Irony on Display
Amid the charged atmosphere, a video posted on X by user @MikeTown44, which garnered over 12 million views, captured a moment that many found deeply ironic. Protesters, draped in Union Jacks and chanting anti-immigration slogans, were seen lining up at food stalls with names like "Indian Street Food," "Curry Shack," and "Naan Wraps" to purchase onion bhajis, samosas, and other Indian delicacies. The clip, showing demonstrators enjoying snacks brought to the UK by the very immigrant communities they were rallying against, sparked a firestorm of reactions online.
Social media users were quick to highlight the contradiction. Sulaiman Ahmed, identifying as a journalist on X, quipped, “We want our country back… but let me grab that onion bhaji.” Another user, Amar Singh, wrote, “Marching against immigrants fuelled up on samosas and onion bhajis 😂,” while a third commented, “Racist buying an onion bhaji before he protests against immigrants. Bro you’ll starve if immigrants leave the UK 🤣🤣🤣.” The irony was not lost on observers, who noted that Indian cuisine, introduced by generations of immigrants, has become a cornerstone of British food culture, with dishes like naan and masala dosa now staples at markets nationwide.
Mixed Reactions and Defenses
While many ridiculed the protesters’ actions, others defended them, arguing that the rally’s focus was on illegal immigration rather than all immigrants. One X user commented, “There’s nothing wrong with experiencing other cultures. The problem is when people try to force their culture on others or enter illegally.” Another stated, “This is a very misleading tweet… Nobody is saying no to immigration. Legal immigration is amazing, healthy, and vitally important.” Some even praised the protesters for supporting small businesses, with one user noting, “Not a racism protest brother, a protest against illegal immigration. They’re supporting these small businesses.”
These defenses, however, did little to quell the broader online storm, which saw the video as emblematic of the contradictions within the far-right movement’s messaging. The image of protesters enjoying Indian street food underscored the deep integration of immigrant cultures into British life, particularly as Indians were the largest group of migrants to the UK in 2023, with around 250,000 arrivals, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The Broader Implications
The viral video raises important questions about the complexities of immigration debates in modern Britain. Indian cuisine, brought by immigrants over decades, is now a beloved part of the UK’s cultural fabric, with dishes like onion bhajis and curries found in markets, restaurants, and homes across the country. The sight of anti-immigration protesters patronizing these stalls highlights the paradox of rejecting immigrant contributions while embracing their cultural outputs.
The incident also reflects the polarized nature of the immigration discourse. While some protesters clarified their stance was against illegal immigration, the rally’s rhetoric and actions, including violent clashes, drew criticism for promoting division. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the unrest, stating, “People have a right to peaceful protest… But we will not stand for assaults on police officers or people feeling intimidated because of their background or the colour of their skin. Britain is a nation proudly built on tolerance, diversity, and respect.”
Conclusion
The "Unite the Kingdom" rally and its viral food stall moment encapsulate the contradictions and tensions surrounding immigration in the UK. As protesters chanted for stricter immigration policies, their pause for Indian snacks became a symbol of the deep-rooted multiculturalism that defines modern Britain. The online storm sparked by the video reflects both amusement at the irony and deeper debates about identity, integration, and the contributions of immigrants. As the UK navigates these complex issues, this incident serves as a reminder that cultural exchange—whether through food or otherwise—remains an undeniable part of the nation’s fabric, even amidst heated protests.
Sources: India Today, Times Now, The Economic Times, LiveMint, The Indian Express, Zee News, NDTV, Deccan Herald, The Guardian, ABC News
