David Saunders
Banana Tree, the award-winning pan-Asian restaurant group, has declared war on limp late-night noodles this Freshers’ season. Instead of another sad packet of instant ramen, students can trade their stash for a steaming bowl of Banana Tree’s famous Pad Thai—absolutely free.
From now until 10th October, the Big Student Noodle Swap invites students to bring in a packet of in-date instant noodles to their nearest Banana Tree between 3–6pm. In return? A Pad Thai worth £14.50, with chicken or tofu on offer. The only catch: you order a side and a soft drink, because even revolutions need a little structure.
For those who believe in going large, there’s the option to upgrade to the brand-new Steak Pad Thai—a bold twist on the classic, and perhaps the only reason you’d be glad your noodles didn’t survive the journey from halls.
And this isn’t just about feeding hungry undergrads. Every packet of noodles collected will be donated directly to local food banks, ensuring no packet goes to waste.
The initiative marks the launch of the Big Student Flavour Club, Banana Tree’s new loyalty scheme designed exclusively for students. Members can look forward to £10 credit on sign-up, rotating freebies, early dibs on new dishes, and wallet-friendly deals like three sides for the price of two. It’s essentially a cheat code for student dining—without the reheated leftovers.
Banana Tree is also looking to recruit three Student Ambassadors as part of the launch. These lucky foodies will bag a free meal every week from October through July—worth around £500—while also shaping the menu with new student-friendly dishes and deals. To apply, hopefuls just need to upload an Instagram reel about why they love Banana Tree and tag the brand as a collaborator.
A Banana Tree spokesperson summed up the whole mission neatly: “University life is too short for instant noodles. We know students love value, but we also know they deserve proper flavour. That’s why we’ve launched the Big Student Flavour Club to swap bland for bold and bring students into the heart of Banana Tree. Plus, with all instant noodles donated to local food banks, we’re making sure every pack still makes a difference.”
So whether you’re a fresher finding your footing or a seasoned student veteran, Banana Tree is offering more than a free meal—it’s handing out flavour, community, and a small act of rebellion against soggy noodles everywhere.
For details on the Big Student Flavour Club and how to join the Big Student Noodle Swap, visit: www.bananatree.co.uk
