A Culinary Tour: Food in London
Welcome to your ultimate gastronomic guide to London, a city that is every food lover’s dream. In this guide, I’ll take you through a culinary journey of discovery, exploring some of the best eats London has to offer. From food markets that will excite your senses to the best international cuisine and traditional British fare, there’s something for every palette in this bustling metropolis. Let’s embark on this delicious adventure!
The Food Markets
Borough Market: Begin your journey at Borough Market, one of the oldest and largest food markets in London. The air here is thick with the scents of exotic spices, freshly baked bread, aromatic cheeses, and more. It’s a foodie’s playground with both local and international fare. Don’t miss out on the oysters from Richard Haward’s stand or the mushroom pate from Pate Moi.
Maltby Street Market: Tucked away under railway arches, Maltby Street Market is a hidden gem. It’s a haven for street food, with vendors serving up a vast range of delicious offerings like African Volcano’s peri peri chicken, St John’s delectable doughnuts, and Little Bird’s sensational gin cocktails.
Traditional British Fare
Full English Breakfast: Start your day the British way! A full English breakfast typically includes sausages, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, beans, and black pudding. Try it at The Regency Café, a traditional London café known for its classic British breakfast.
Sunday Roast: Another classic is the Sunday Roast, traditionally served in pubs across the city. It usually consists of roasted meat, potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, and gravy. The Harwood Arms in Fulham is renowned for their exceptional Sunday Roasts.
Fish and Chips: No food guide to London would be complete without mentioning fish and chips. Head to Golden Union Fish Bar for the best in town – crispy batter encasing tender fish, served with golden chips and mushy peas.
Afternoon Tea
Experiencing a traditional English afternoon tea is a must-do in London. The quintessentially British ritual involves delicate finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, a selection of sweet pastries and cakes, and, of course, a pot of tea. The Ritz offers one of the most opulent afternoon teas in the city, while Sketch provides a more modern twist on the tradition.
International Cuisine
London is a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in its food scene. From the best curry houses on Brick Lane to fantastic Lebanese food in Edgware Road, the city has a lot to offer.
Indian Cuisine: Visit Dishoom, inspired by the old Irani cafés of Bombay, for a contemporary take on Indian cuisine. Their black dal is legendary!
Italian Cuisine: For some mouth-watering Italian food, head to Padella in Borough Market. They offer a concise menu of freshly made pasta and antipasti. Their pici cacio e pepe is a crowd favorite.
Asian Cuisine: You can find a bounty of Asian cuisines in London, especially in Chinatown. For a mix of traditional and modern Japanese dishes, visit Dinings SW3. For authentic Chinese, head to Imperial China,and for delicious Korean BBQ, Koba is a must-visit.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
London has rapidly grown into a paradise for vegetarians and vegans. The city is brimming with plant-based options, with dedicated vegan eateries and numerous restaurants offering creative veggie dishes.
Mildreds: A stalwart of London’s vegetarian scene, Mildreds offers a global menu of tasty and hearty plant-based dishes. Don’t forget to try their Sri Lankan sweet potato and green bean curry.
Vegan Nights: This monthly food and music event in Brick Lane gathers the best vegan traders from across London, offering a dizzying array of dishes. From vegan pizzas to vegan kebabs, there’s something for everyone.
Michelin-Star Dining
For a more exclusive dining experience, London has a plethora of Michelin-starred restaurants. These establishments offer the highest quality food and outstanding dining experiences, but do remember to book in advance!
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay: For an unforgettable dining experience, this three Michelin-starred restaurant in Chelsea offers exquisite French cuisine. The beef Wellington is a must-try.
Dabbous: This one-star Michelin eatery offers a creative and modern menu in a unique industrial-chic setting. Their tasting menu is a journey through contemporary British cuisine.
Sweet Treats
No culinary tour is complete without indulging your sweet tooth, and London offers countless places to do just that.
Duck & Waffle: For a sweet treat with a view, head to Duck & Waffle. Located on the 40th floor, it offers British and European cuisine. Their signature Duck & Waffle dish is divine, but the real star of the show might just be their dessert menu. Don’t leave without trying the torrejas, a delicious caramel apple dessert.
Ben’s Cookies: A London institution, Ben’s Cookies, has been serving up delicious, chunky cookies since 1983. With locations all over the city, it’s the perfect spot to satisfy a cookie craving.
Wrap Up
London’s culinary scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just someone who loves a good meal, you’ll find a wealth of delicious experiences waiting for you. This guide is just the tip of the iceberg lettuce; there’s so much more to explore, so many more tastes to try. I hope you enjoy your culinary adventure through London as much as I have enjoyed guiding you through it.