What to Eat in London: A Guide to the City’s Culinary Scene

Introduction

London is one of the world’s most vibrant cities, offering a wide range of cultural experiences, iconic landmarks, and unique attractions. Its culinary scene is just as exciting—a melting pot of flavors, cultures, and traditions that have been embraced by locals and tourists alike. From pub grub to Michelin-starred restaurants, London’s foodie scene has something for everyone. This guide will explore the city’s best eats, so you can make the most of your time in London.

Touring the Boroughs: Exploring the Best Local Cuisine London Has to Offer

London is made up of 32 boroughs, each with its own distinct flavor and atmosphere. While there are some dishes that are popular throughout the city, it’s worth exploring the different areas to discover the local specialties. Here are some of the most popular dishes to try in each borough:

Introduction to the Different Boroughs

The 32 boroughs of London are divided into Inner and Outer London. The Inner London boroughs are Camden, City of London, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, and Westminster. The Outer London boroughs are Barking & Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Sutton, and Waltham Forest.

Popular Local Dishes to Try

In Camden, be sure to try the famous Camden Lock Market, where you can sample dishes from across the globe. In Islington, head to the Exmouth Market for a variety of international cuisines. In Hackney, you’ll find some of London’s best pubs serving up traditional British fare such as fish and chips and Sunday roasts. For a taste of the Caribbean, visit Brixton Village in Lambeth. In Tower Hamlets, try the delicious Bangladeshi cuisine on Brick Lane. In Wandsworth, head to Balham for some of the best Thai food in London. And in Westminster, don’t miss out on the exquisite French food at Le Gavroche.

A Guide to the Iconic Dishes of London

London has a rich culinary history, and many of its classic dishes have become iconic around the world. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular dishes in the city:

Fish & Chips

This classic British dish consists of deep-fried battered fish served with chips (fries) and a side of tartar sauce. It’s an integral part of London’s culinary culture, and it can be found at most pubs and restaurants. According to a survey by KFC, fish and chips is Britain’s “national dish”, with almost two-thirds (65%) of people saying they eat it regularly.

Sunday Roast

The quintessential English Sunday lunch, a Sunday roast typically consists of roasted meat, potatoes, vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding. The most popular meats for a Sunday roast include beef, lamb, pork, and chicken. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. According to a survey conducted by YouGov, more than half (51%) of Brits said they had eaten a Sunday roast in the last month.

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a traditional British dish consisting of minced lamb or mutton, cooked with onions and herbs and topped with mashed potatoes. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s often served with a side of vegetables. According to a survey by the British Pie Awards, shepherd’s pie is the nation’s favorite pie.

Bubble and Squeak

Bubble and squeak is a traditional British dish made from leftover vegetables, usually cabbage and potatoes. It’s usually fried in a pan until golden brown and served with a fried egg or bacon. According to a survey conducted by the British Pie Association, bubble and squeak is the second most popular pie in the UK, behind only shepherd’s pie.

Ploughman’s Lunch

A ploughman’s lunch is a traditional British pub meal consisting of cheese, pickles, bread, and other cold items such as boiled eggs, ham, and salad. It’s a simple and satisfying meal that’s often served with a pint of beer. According to a survey by the British Cheese Board, more than two-thirds (68%) of Britons said they had eaten a ploughman’s lunch in the past year.

Full English Breakfast

The full English breakfast is a staple of British cuisine, consisting of fried eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, beans, tomatoes, and toast. It’s a hearty and filling meal that’s often served with a cup of tea or coffee. According to a survey by the British Egg Information Service, more than three-quarters (78%) of Britons said they had eaten a full English breakfast in the past year.

A Foodie’s Guide to London: Where to Find the Best Eats

London is a foodie paradise, with a wide range of eateries to choose from. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to find great food in London:

Pubs

London is home to thousands of pubs, ranging from traditional local pubs to trendy gastropubs. Many pubs serve traditional British dishes such as fish and chips, Sunday roasts, and pies, as well as a selection of craft beers and ales. According to a survey by VisitBritain, pubs are the most popular type of restaurant in the country, with more than two-thirds (67%) of people saying they had visited a pub in the last three months.

Farmers’ Markets

London is home to a number of farmers’ markets, where you can find fresh produce, artisanal foods, and specialty items. These markets are a great way to get a taste of the local produce and support local farmers. According to a survey by the National Farmers Union, more than three-quarters (76%) of people said they had visited a farmers’ market in the last 12 months.

Street Food Vendors

London is home to a thriving street food scene, with vendors selling everything from gourmet burgers to Mexican tacos. Street food is a great way to sample the flavors of the city on a budget. According to a survey by StreetFoodUK, more than two-thirds (68%) of people said they had eaten street food in the last 12 months.

Exploring London’s Street Food Scene

London’s street food scene is ever-evolving, with new vendors popping up all the time. Here are some of the most popular street food dishes to try:

Popular Street Food Dishes

Gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, burritos, falafel wraps, Vietnamese bahn mi, jerk chicken, fish and chips, and curries are just some of the popular street food dishes you’ll find in London. If you’re looking for something sweet, look out for crêpes, waffles, and ice cream.

Recommended Street Food Markets

Brixton Village and Market Row, Broadway Market, Camden Lock Market, Maltby Street Market, and Netil Market are some of the best street food markets in London. Each market offers a unique selection of food, drinks, and entertainment. They’re also great places to meet locals and experience the city’s diverse culture.

Ethnic Eats in London: A Taste of the World in One City

London is known for its multicultural population, and this is reflected in its culinary scene. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best ethnic eats in the city:

Asian Cuisine

London is home to a thriving Asian food scene, with a variety of cuisines to choose from. Head to Chinatown for Chinese dim sum, Korean BBQ, and Japanese sushi. For Indian food, head to Brick Lane or Curry Mile in Manchester. Other popular Asian cuisines include Thai, Malaysian, and Indonesian.

Indian Cuisine

London is home to some of the best Indian restaurants in the world. From hole-in-the-wall curry houses to Michelin-starred fine dining establishments, there’s something for everyone. Head to Brick Lane for some of the best Indian food in the city, or try the award-winning Dishoom in Covent Garden.

Middle Eastern Cuisine

London is home to some of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in the world. From Turkish kebabs to Lebanese mezze platters, there’s something for everyone. Head to Shoreditch for some of the best Middle Eastern food in the city, or try the award-winning Ottolenghi in Belgravia.

African Cuisine

London is home to a vibrant African food scene, with a variety of cuisines to choose from. Head to Brixton for Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine, or try the award-winning Nok in Notting Hill for Nigerian food. Other popular African cuisines include Kenyan, Ghanaian, and Senegalese.

High-End Dining in London: Where to Splurge on a Meal

London is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, offering a wide range of cuisines and price points. Here’s a guide to some of the best high-end restaurants in the city:

Recommended Restaurants

The Ledbury, Gordon Ramsay at Royal Hospital Road, The Fat Duck, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Hakkasan Mayfair, The Ritz, The Dorchester, and Sketch are some of the best restaurants in London. All offer a unique culinary experience, with menus featuring seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques.

Types of Cuisine

London is home to a wide range of cuisines, from French and Italian to Japanese and modern British. There are also some excellent fusion restaurants, offering a mix of global flavors. Popular high-end cuisines include French, Italian, Japanese, and modern British.

Typical Prices

Most high-end restaurants in London offer set menus or tasting menus, which typically range from £50-£100 per person. Wine pairings are also available at most restaurants, and prices typically range from £25-£75 per person. Be sure to check the restaurant’s website for more information on pricing and menu options.

Conclusion

London is a truly unique destination, offering a wealth of cultural experiences, iconic landmarks, and unique attractions. Its culinary scene is just as varied, offering a wide range of dishes to suit every taste and budget. From classic English dishes to iconic street food and high-end dining, London has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a cozy pub lunch or a Michelin-starred dinner, London has it all.