London's allure isn't just in its historic landmarks or bustling streets; it's also in its dynamic food scene. This city offers a culinary journey like no other, blending traditional British fare with global flavours, served everywhere from cosy pubs to high-end restaurants for eating in London.
The adventure begins in places like Soho, where the streets buzz with culinary diversity, and you can even explore a foodie dreams in a food tour like Soho Food Tour in the heart of the city. For those seeking the warmth of a traditional British experience, the Sunday roast can also be a way to merge with locals.
With so many dining options, choosing where to eat in London might seem daunting. Yet, certain dishes stand out as essential London experiences. You haven't truly visited until you've savoured the quintessential fish and chips, delighted in sticky toffee pudding, enjoyed a hearty English breakfast, or dined at one of the city's top-tier restaurants.
This guide is designed to navigate you through London's vast culinary landscape, spotlighting the essential eats, top dining spots, and hidden culinary treasures. Whether you're a passionate foodie, a casual eater, or someone eager to explore London through its flavours, you're in for a delectable adventure.
Traditional British Foods
1 - Fish and Chips
Fish and Chips is arguably one of the most iconic and beloved traditional British foods. This dish consists of battered and fried fish, typically cod or haddock, served alongside crispy, golden chips (fries) and often accompanied by mushy peas.
The combination is a staple of British cuisine and can be found in countless fish and chip shops across London. Poppies Fish & Chips offers the best fish and chips experience. They have several locations in Portobello, Soho, Camden, and Spitalfields. Other excellent suggestions are as follows:
- Toff's in Muswell Hill
- Golden Chippy in Greenwich
- Brockley's Rock
- Fryer's Delight on Theobalds Road
PRO TIP: For a true British experience, try the dish with mushy peas, salt, and vinegar.
2 - Sunday Roast
The Sunday Roast is a time-honoured British tradition that brings families and friends together. This hearty meal typically features a roasted meat such as beef, pork, lamb, or chicken, served with a variety of vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and peas, along with roast potatoes and gravy.
Yorkshire puddings are a common accompaniment to roast beef. London boasts an array of fantastic Sunday roast spots. Here are some top recommendations:
- Blacklock Soho: Renowned for generous portions of exceptional food at reasonable prices.
- The Camberwell Arms: Features sharing roasts for two, highlighting premium-quality meats.
- The Bull and Last: Celebrated for its North Essex Shorthorn Prime Rib.
- ROAST: Situated in Borough Market, offering six lunch options, including the 100-Day Aged Belted Galloway Beef Roast.
PRO TIP: Be sure to book ahead, as these popular venues can fill up quickly.
3 - Full English Breakfast
A Full English Breakfast, often referred to as a "fry-up," is a robust and filling meal that includes a variety of components. The traditional ingredients are sausages, bacon, eggs (usually fried), baked beans, toast, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Black pudding, a type of blood sausage, is also a common addition.
This meal is a great way to start the day, especially after a night out or as a weekend treat. You can find Full English Breakfasts in many cafes, pubs, and restaurants across London, each with their own twist but adhering to the core ingredients that make this dish so beloved. The Breakfast Club comes highly recommended for a traditional Full English breakfast. Expect a plate featuring:
- Toast
- Sausages
- Eggs
- Mushrooms
- Tomatoes
- Blood pudding
- Potatoes
London Fast Food (Takeaway)
4 - Pie and Mash
Pie and mash, a quintessential London takeaway, has been a beloved part of the city's culinary landscape for more than a century. This iconic dish features savory meat pie filled with minced beef, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and draped in a unique 'liquor'—a vibrant green parsley sauce. For those seeking an authentic taste, establishments like Goddards at Greenwich and M.Manze stand out, having offered this comforting meal since the late 19th and early 20th centuries, respectively. The Windmill Mayfair it´s also highly recommended as a top choice for this classic dish. Contemporary pie options have evolved beyond the traditional steak and kidney, featuring a wide range of fillings.
5 - Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala, although not originally from Britain, has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of London's fast food and takeaway culture. This beloved dish, a British twist on traditional Indian cuisine, features chicken marinated in a rich blend of spices, then cooked in a creamy, tomato-based sauce. For those craving a quick and flavourful meal, Punjab in Covent Garden has been dishing out this speciality since 1973.
Punjab is celebrated for its authentic Chicken Tikka Masala, lauded for its perfect spice mix and affordability. Additionally, the Harrods Food Hall in Knightsbridge offers a gourmet version of this dish, known for its high-quality ingredients and culinary excellence. You can also try in Kricket, a modern restaurant that that combines British ingredients with the flavours and aromas of India.
PRO TIP: Each of these dishes represents a different aspect of London's rich and diverse food culture, from traditional British classics to multicultural influences.
The Best Food Tour in London
Are you a foodie? Discover a distinctive culinary journey through London with Soho Food Tour. Begin in Seven Dials. For a delectable treat, visit a hidden bakery in Neal's Yard, which is owned by the most well-known restaurant in London. Explore the rich history and culture of Soho by taking a stroll around it. Uncover the fascinating tales of London's historic red-light district and go to the locations where Bowie or Mozart made history.
With this food tour, Sherpa Food Tours guarantees a genuinely exceptional day, feeling full and inebriated, with incredible advice and anecdotes. Come along on a journey that will never be forgotten!
Eating in London
In conclusion, dining in London presents a vibrant and diverse culinary journey, catering to all tastes. The city's food scene ranges from classic British fare such as fish and chips, Sunday roasts, and full English breakfasts, to a rich tapestry of international flavours, including Indian curries at Dishoom, Sri Lankan dishes at Hoppers. Moreover, iconic markets like Borough Market and Southbank Centre Food Market are must-visit destinations, offering a broad spectrum of global cuisines.
Whether your preference leans towards traditional pie and mash, a 24-hour bagel from Beigel Bake, or an upscale dining experience at St. John, London's culinary landscape is vast and inviting. So, gear up to map out your food journey, secure your reservations, and immerse yourself in the delicious and diverse flavours that this magnificent city has to offer.
FAQ About Eating in London
Why Is All The Food In England So Hearty?
British cuisine is regarded as "hearty" in large part because of its historical origins in a climate that required substantial meals to keep people afloat during cold weather. This tradition dates back to World War II, when food rationing necessitated calorie-dense meals to prevent hunger, and it frequently relied on readily available ingredients like potatoes, meat, and hearty grains to create filling dishes like Sunday roasts, pies, and stews.
Which Is The Most Popular Fast-Food Brand In England?
Greggs is a well-known brand in the UK when it comes to fast food. For more than 80 years, this renowned British bakery has been providing mouthwatering sandwiches, pastries, and sweet delicacies.
Are There Any Unique Or Multicultural Food Options Available In London, And Where Can I Try Them?
London is a melting pot of multicultural food offerings. For a taste of diversity, explore:
- Thai-Chinese cuisine in Chinatown, Afro-Caribbean and global cuisines at Brixton Village.
- For more specific tastes, Fatt Pundit serves Indo-Chinese, Cinnamon Club offers gourmet Indian, Ceviche for Peruvian, and Mestizo for authentic Mexican cuisine.
What Are Some Recommended Places To Try Classic British Desserts Like Sticky Toffee Pudding, Banoffee Pie, And Eton Mess?
To indulge in classic British desserts:
- Sticky toffee pudding: Visit the Lygon Arms in the Cotswolds or the Three Ways House, home to the famous Pudding Club.
- Banoffee pie: Widely available at most pubs and cafés across London.
- Eton Mess: Enjoy this dessert at the Parlour at Fortnum & Mason or the Aviary Rooftop Restaurant and Bar in London.