A Taste of London: 14 Foods You’ll Love

London’s food scene is wild, in the best way possible. Picture yourself in a city where you can score a spicy tikka masala, a buttery Chelsea bun, or crispy fish and chips—all within a 10-minute walk. Sound tempting? It gets better. Some of these bites taste even better from a park bench or a market stall than a fancy restaurant table.

If you want to eat like a local, forget only looking at big-name spots. London’s real flavor beats in its pubs, food markets, and hole-in-the-wall bakeries. And yes, there’s more than just tea and scones (though, those are worth a bite too). If you’re still deciding where to start, don’t stress. I’ve rounded up a mix of classics and secret hits, so you can build your own food trail across the city. A London trip without a proper pie or a crispy bacon bap? That’s just not on, is it?

Don’t be afraid to try things you've never heard of. Pie, mash, and liquor might sound strange, but it’s a comfort food staple here. Same with jellied eels (yeah, they’re slippery, but some locals swear by them). Street food is booming—Borough Market, Camden Market, and Maltby Street are all packed with options. My tip? Follow your nose and the longest queues. Locals know what’s good.

• Key Dishes to Try
• Where to Find Authentic Eats
• Insider Tips for London Foodies
• Frequently Asked Food Questions

Key Dishes to Try

Get ready to eat your way through London’s food scene. There’s more variety than you might think. Here’s what you actually need to look for:

• Fish and Chips: The classic London comfort food. It’s all about the fresh, flaky fish, crispy batter, chunky chips, and a sprinkle of salt and malt vinegar. Some joints, like Poppies or The Golden Hind, still wrap it in paper for that old-school vibe.
• Full English Breakfast: If you want to eat like a local, hit up a café for the full spread—eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. The “greasy spoon” versions are usually the most legit.
• Sunday Roast: Roast beef with crispy potatoes, huge Yorkshire puddings, roasted veg, and lashings of gravy. Many pubs dish this out every Sunday, and it really brings people together. Book a table, especially at places like Hawksmoor or your local pub.
• Pie and Mash: Proper East London comfort food. You’ll spot traditional pie shops in places like Hoxton and Bethnal Green. Order a minced beef pie, creamy mash, and parsley “liquor” (it’s a herby sauce—not actual booze).
• Chicken Tikka Masala: One taste and you’ll see why it’s called ‘Britain’s true national dish.’ Spicy, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy rice. Brick Lane is packed with curry houses that specialize in it.
• Afternoon Tea: From posh hotels offering delicate sandwiches, scones, and pastries to pocket-friendly tearooms. It's worth booking in advance, especially at places like Fortnum & Mason or Sketch.
• Scotch Egg: A boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. Surprisingly good—try one fresh at Borough Market.
• Bacon Bap: Basically a soft bun packed with crispy bacon. Grab one from a market stall or a café. Add some brown sauce if you want to be truly local.
• Salt Beef Bagel: Head to Brick Lane’s Beigel Bake for soft, chewy bagels with salty, tender beef, pickles, and mustard. Iconic 24/7 spot—good for a late-night snack.
• Sticky Toffee Pudding: Sweet sponge cake drowned in warm toffee sauce, usually with vanilla ice cream. British dessert heaven, and you’ll find it on a lot of restaurant menus.
• Eton Mess: Crunchy meringue, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries all mixed together. It’s messy in the best way, especially in summer.
• Cockney Jellied Eels: This one’s for the bold. Eels boiled in spiced stock until they set in jelly. It’s a piece of old-school London and you’ll still find it at traditional pie shops.
• London Street Food: Don’t skip out on street markets. Camden and Borough Market offer things like Ethiopian stews, duck wraps, and halloumi fries. The scene changes all the time so look for stalls piling up with customers. If it’s packed, you’re probably in for a treat.
• Cheese Toastie: Think of this as the grilled cheese sandwich’s bigger, oozy cousin. Kappacasein in Borough Market is famous for these, and you’ll see why when you’ve had one straight off their hotpress.

You won’t go hungry in London—promise. The big lesson: try something new. Maybe you’ll find your new favorite dish, or at the very least, you’ll have a great story for your next dinner party.

Where to Find Authentic Eats

If you’re looking for real London flavor, go where the locals do. The city’s food is way more than what you see on the main tourist drags. Some of the best bites are hidden in markets, pubs, and old-school bakeries. Let’s cut to the chase—here’s where to get the proper stuff.

Borough Market is a must for anyone serious about food. You’ll find legendary fish and chips at Fish! Kitchen, while Maria’s Market Café serves a classic bacon bap without fuss. Maltby Street Market is smaller, but you can grab a Scotch egg from The Gyoza Guys or dig into an epic salt beef bagel at Monty’s Deli. Camden Market is a wild mix—get your taste buds on Ghanaian jollof rice, or try a British pie from Pieminister.

If you want the full-on pub experience, head to The Golden Hind in Marylebone for fish and chips that have been around since 1914. For pie and mash, Manze’s in South London is one of the oldest surviving shops—still serving traditional eel liquor if you’re feeling brave. And don’t miss Brick Lane for late-night bagels at Beigel Bake. Open 24/7, so you can snack after a show or night out.

Street food is a big deal here. You’ll always spot long queues at KERB markets (find them at King’s Cross and Southbank). The variety’s wild: think crispy haloumi fries, Nepalese momos, or even vegan "fish" and chips. If you’re hitting Portobello Road, look for fresh pastries at GAIL’s or classic British pies at The Castle Deli.

• For Sunday roast, try The Hawksmoor or Blacklock—both do massive Yorkshire puddings and proper gravy.
• Chelsea buns? Pop by the original Chelsea Bun House spot, or just hit up Fitzrovia’s Ole & Steen for a sticky fix.
• Curry craving? Skip the chains; go to Dishoom in Covent Garden for a big helping of chicken tikka masala, the city’s undercover national dish.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Here’s the thing: London’s food scene rewards curiosity. Mix up old pubs with food stalls and bakeries, and you’ll taste the city’s real culture. Don’t just eat near the big attractions—taking the Tube makes it easy to reach local favorites. If you’re unsure where to start, just ask someone in the queue. Londoners love sharing food tips as much as they love grumbling about the weather.

Insider Tips for London Foodies

Eating your way through London takes more than just picking the closest pub or fancy restaurant. If you want the real deal, a bit of local know-how comes in handy. Want in? Here’s what works.

• London food is everywhere, but quality isn’t always equal. For the best bites, go where the locals queue up—think Borough Market for artisanal cheese and Monmouth coffee, or Brick Lane for authentic curry.
• Cash isn’t king anymore. Most street stalls and small cafes lean hard into contactless payments, so whip out that card or phone rather than cash.
• Pubs have quirks. If you order food at the bar, learn your table number first—waiters rarely take orders at your table unless you’re somewhere really posh. Sunday roast is a must, but book ahead: spots like Hawksmoor and The Harwood Arms fill up fast.
• Vegetarians and vegans are spoiled for choice. Try Mildreds in Soho or the vegan stands at Camden Market. Marks & Spencer also does legit grab-and-go veggie sandwiches if you need something quick.
• Tipping is 10–12.5% at sit-down restaurants. Pubs don’t expect tips unless you get table service. For coffee or snacks, spare change is fine but not needed.

Time your meals. Lunch hour (between 12 and 2 pm) is crowded everywhere. If you can, eat earlier or later for less queue hassle. Recent numbers from London & Partners show more than 3,000 restaurants operate in central London, so the busiest times do get hectic.

Markets aren’t just about food. Borough Market, established in 1756, is one of the city’s oldest and busiest, pulling in thousands each weekend. Don’t just stick to the main drag—side alleys sometimes hide the true gems, like bread from Bread Ahead or chorizo rolls from Brindisa.

And here’s a simple hack—download the Too Good To Go app if you want discounted leftovers from bakeries or cafes. It’s a little green trick that many locals love to save cash and cut down on waste.

Frequently Asked Food Questions

Visiting a new city comes with a bunch of questions, especially when food is involved. Here are real answers to the things people always want to know about eating in London.

• Is London food really all about fish and chips? Not these days. While fish and chips are everywhere—and honestly, still a delicious classic—London's got way more going on. You'll find everything from spicy curries to vegan street food and gourmet burgers. The city's food scene is one of the most diverse in the world.
• Where do locals actually eat?

Locals love their neighborhood pubs, quirky lunch cafés, and especially the city’s food markets. Borough Market, Maltby Street, and Hackney’s Broadway Market are favorites for a weekend bite. A 2023 poll by Londonist showed that 68% of Londoners list a market or street vendor as their first choice for quick eats.

• What’s the deal with Sunday roast?

Sunday roast is a meal tradition most Brits swear by. Picture roast beef (or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, crispy potatoes, veg, and plenty of gravy. It’s usually served in pubs on Sundays from noon. Fun fact: Over 1.5 million Sunday roasts are served in London every week, according to the British Roast Dinner Week survey.

• Are there good options for vegetarians or vegans?

Absolutely. London’s stacked with plant-based options. Spots like Mildreds, Farmacy, and the vegan booths at Borough Market are always busy. Even classic fish and chip shops are starting to offer vegan versions. In 2024, over 22% of London restaurants listed at least one vegan main on their menu.

• What’s the best way to discover London food on a budget?

Markets and small, local cafés are your best friends. You’ll get fresh, interesting choices for less than a sit-down restaurant. Plus, check out daily meal deals at Greggs, Pret, and local supermarkets.

“London’s food markets are where you find the city’s real spirit. Don’t just Google your way—show up, ask people in line what’s good, and try something you can’t pronounce.” — Tom Parker Bowles, food critic and author

• What’s the story with afternoon tea? Is it worth it?

Afternoon tea is a must if you want the full British experience—just be ready to plan ahead. It usually includes tea, finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones. Big hotels like The Savoy or Claridge’s are fancy, but you’ll find cheaper (but still tasty) options at local cafés. Pro tip: Booking is almost always required, especially at popular spots.

If you’re unsure about a dish, just ask. Londoners are usually happy to help people get the most out of their food hunt. And don’t forget—queues are a good sign!