Famous Food of London: A Must-Eat List for Food Lovers

Think the best thing about London is its old buildings or red buses? Wait until you try the food. This city doesn’t just do classics—it constantly reinvents them. Whether you’re after something fried and crispy or worth braving a long line for, London’s food game is next level.

Maybe you’ve heard of fish and chips or a full English breakfast—but do you know where to find the freshest ones, or what sets one curry house apart from the next? London is stacked with local gems, secret bakeries, and decades-old chippies. Even the street food scene has surprises tucked away in markets and side streets.

Whether you’re in for traditional meals or looking to try inventive street eats, London is full of options. You’ll find recommendations here for every taste and budget, and a few insider tricks locals swear by—like which salt beef bagel truly rules Brick Lane and why proper chips are so much more than just fries.

• Quick Hits: London's Must-Try Foods
• The Real Story Behind London’s Food Scene
• Classic Dishes That Shaped London
• Where to Find the Best Bites
• Tasty Tips for Eating Like a Local

Quick Hits: London's Must-Try Foods

If you land in London and only have time for a few meals, here’s what you shouldn’t skip. These are the London food staples loved by locals, tourists, and food critics alike. Some are classics, some are newer street food stars, but all have one thing in common—they show what makes eating in London special.

• Fish and Chips: No list of must-eat London foods is complete without this one. The city has spots frying up golden, crispy fish with chunky chips—usually best with mushy peas and a splash of vinegar. For the oldest experience, check out Rock & Sole Plaice in Covent Garden or Poppies in Spitalfields.
• Full English Breakfast: Wake up hungry for this spread—eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, grilled tomato, mushrooms, hash browns, and toast. Best enjoyed at classic cafés like Regency Café or Dishoom for an East-West twist.
• Chicken Tikka Masala: Many claim this dish was actually invented in London. Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, you’ll find standout versions in Brick Lane or at Dishoom and Tayyabs. Ask for extra naan—you’ll need it.
• Salt Beef Bagel: London’s answer to the New York deli experience. Beigel Bake on Brick Lane is open 24/7 and known for warm, chewy bagels stuffed with juicy salt beef and hot English mustard.
• Pie and Mash: This isn’t just a meal, it’s tradition. Minced beef pie with a side of mashed potatoes, topped with ‘liquor’ (a herby parsley sauce) and sometimes a portion of jellied eels. F. Cooke and M. Manze are old-school favorites.
• Sunday Roast: Roast beef or chicken, crispy roasties, veg, and Yorkshire pudding, all drenched in gravy. Book ahead at pubs like Hawksmoor or The Harwood Arms.
• Sticky Toffee Pudding: When it’s cold and damp outside (which is often), nothing beats this sponge cake covered in warm toffee sauce—usually served with ice cream or custard.
• Street Food Bites: For the latest in London street food, head to Borough Market or Seven Dials Market and try bao buns, halloumi fries, or Ethiopian stews. There’s no better way to taste the city’s diversity.

Trying even a couple of these gives you a real sense of British cuisine and what makes eating out in London so much fun. You don’t need fancy reservations—some of the best bites are found at humble counters or busy markets. Just follow the crowds, your nose, and this list, and you won’t go wrong.

The Real Story Behind London’s Food Scene

London is bursting with flavors from every corner of the globe. It’s not just about so-called “bland British food” anymore—that’s an old stereotype that doesn’t fit. Today, the London food scene is one of the most diverse and exciting anywhere, thanks to a long history of immigrants shaping what you see on your plate.

Let’s get real—curry is now as British as roast beef. Chicken tikka masala? Created in Britain. Walk down Brick Lane and you’ll smell the mix of Bangladeshi spice shops and bagel bakeries. That’s London: always swapping recipes, always mixing it up. And you can taste this global mashup everywhere, from food stalls to classic pubs.

There’s also a pride in local tradition. Lots of the must-eat British cuisine here has a story. Take pie and mash—once a cheap street meal for London’s working class, now a comfort food you’ll find everywhere from family-run shops to trendy cafes. Even jellied eels (yes, really) have their die-hard fans, carried on from East End markets.

If you love data, this might surprise you: a recent survey reported that London’s home to over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants, more than any other UK city. But you don’t have to spend big to eat well. The city’s street markets—Borough, Camden, and Maltby Street—are where you’ll find the latest street food trends alongside long-time local favorites.

So if you’re into must-eat London dishes or want to try food you’ve never eaten before, this city never disappoints. The secret? Don’t stick to one place or one style—wander, taste, and see what makes London a true taste adventure.

Classic Dishes That Shaped London

If you want to get the real taste of London, you can’t skip the classics. These dishes aren’t just old-school—they’re at the heart of what makes London food famous. Ask any local and you’ll see these platefuls pop up in every corner café or pub.

Fish and Chips isn’t just a meal, it’s part of the city’s history. London’s first fish and chip shop opened back in the 1860s in the East End, and people have been queuing up ever since. The trick? Crisp batter, chunky chips (never skinny fries), and lashings of salt and vinegar. For most, fried cod or haddock is the go-to.

Full English Breakfast is a morning power move. Picture bacon, eggs, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast—served all on one massive plate. Most London cafés serve this every day, and it’s great any time you’re hungry, not just breakfast.

• Pie and Mash: This was the classic working-class lunch back in the day. Think handmade pies loaded with minced beef, a side of mashed potatoes, and a big spoonful of parsley ‘liquor’ (which is not alcohol—it’s a green, herby sauce). Try it at a real pie shop in East London for the full vibe.
• Curry: London’s curry scene is huge, thanks to the city’s South Asian communities. Brick Lane is packed with curry houses serving up everything from creamy kormas to spicy vindaloos. Fun fact: Chicken tikka masala—one of the UK’s favorite curries—was actually invented in Britain, not India.
• Sunday Roast: Sundays in London? You’re not doing it right unless you tuck into roast beef, crispy potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, loads of veggies, and serious gravy. Most pubs still serve this tradition every weekend, so you can dig in like a proper local.
• Bangers and Mash: This is British comfort food at its simplest: sausages (“bangers”) with creamy mashed potatoes and a generous pour of onion gravy. Perfect pub grub, especially when the weather turns gloomy.

Here’s a quick look at how often these must-eat London dishes pop up in local restaurants and cafés:

The best part? You don’t need a fancy reservation or a big budget. London’s British cuisine is easy to find and there’s a good chance your next favorite meal is just around the block.

Where to Find the Best Bites

You can't enjoy London food to the fullest without knowing where the top spots are. Some places run purely on hype, but others have earned their stripes serving up the real deal for years. Ready to do London the right way? Here’s where to get the big hitters from the must-eat London list.

Fish and Chips: Sure, you’ll spot it everywhere but Poppies in Spitalfields and Camden nails that crispy batter every time. If you want something old-school, head to The Golden Hind in Marylebone—they’ve been at it for over 100 years. Want a quick fix? Head to a traditional chippy like Toff’s in Muswell Hill, which always pulls a crowd on Friday nights.

Full English Breakfast: The Regency Cafe is an Instagram favorite, but it actually tastes as good as it looks. Greasy spoon not your vibe? Check out Terry’s Cafe in Southwark for a breakfast that will keep you full all morning.

London Street Food: For something more casual, Borough Market is an essential stop. You’ll find Scotch eggs from Scotchtails and London’s famous Bread Ahead doughnuts here. Dinerama in Shoreditch is another goldmine if you want to taste a lot in one visit—think fiery jerk chicken, loaded burgers, and steamed bao buns.

Indian Curries: Brick Lane is legendary for its curry houses, but watch out for aggressive invite tactics. Two standouts: Dishoom (for a fancier take) and Tayyabs in Whitechapel, which is famous for sizzling lamb chops and long queues. Looking for something extra spicy? Try Lahore Kebab House nearby.

Salt Beef Bagels: This is where locals get fired up. Beigel Bake versus Beigel Shop, both on Brick Lane. Try both and join the never-ending debate. Top tip: get yours with mustard and a pickle for the full effect.

Sunday Roast: You can’t skip this classic. The Hawksmoor is famous for their beef with all the trimmings, though you’ll pay for it. For a cozier, less pricey option, check out The Harwood Arms in Fulham—London’s only Michelin-starred pub. Book early, especially on Sundays.

To help you out, here’s a handy table with best spots for iconic London dishes:

If you’re in a hurry, don’t be afraid to grab and go—lots of these places are used to the lunch rush. Stick to local chains or food stalls with lines (trust me, that’s a good sign). And always check opening times, because some wow-factor spots run on weird hours or close when they sell out. Exploring London’s famous food scene this way isn’t just tasty, it’s a crash course in what makes the city tick.

Tasty Tips for Eating Like a Local

If you want to eat like a true Londoner, skip the tourist traps and get straight to the good stuff. Here’s the real lowdown on navigating the London food scene and making every bite count.

• Start early for breakfast: Grab a full English breakfast at a local café, called a "greasy spoon." Try Regency Café in Westminster—famous for its no-frills look and proper bacon. Go before 10 a.m. for the freshest plates and fewer crowds.
• Chippy etiquette: For classic fish and chips, always ask if you want your chips “with scraps”—these are the crispy batter bits, and locals love them. And yes, real chip shops use vinegar, not ketchup.
• Markets are your food playground: Borough Market isn’t just popular for tourists; locals drop in too, especially on Thursdays and Fridays when the best traders are open but it's not as packed. For a real taste of London street food, check out Maltby Street Market on weekends if you want something less chaotic than Camden.
• Timing matters: Most Londoners eat lunch from about 12 to 2 p.m. If you want to skip long lines, aim for just before noon or after 2:30 p.m. This works especially well at spots like Dishoom, known for their bacon naan roll (a modern must-eat).
• Order like a Londoner: At bagel shops such as Beigel Bake on Brick Lane, order salt beef with pickle and English mustard—nothing else. Locals don’t fuss with extras, and you shouldn’t either.
• Keep some small change: Some old-school cafes and market stalls still don’t take cards. Having cash means you won’t miss out on the best bites.
• Check local pubs for Sunday roast: Sunday lunch is a big deal in London. Try The Hawksmoor or The Harwood Arms if you want a memorable roast. Pro tip: Book ahead—they fill up fast, especially on cold days.

Want a quick look at local favorites and when they’re best enjoyed?

When you hit these spots and times, you’ll see more locals than selfie sticks. And honestly? That’s where you’ll get the real deals and real flavor. London’s must-eat list isn’t just about the food—it’s about joining the rhythm of the city, one bite at a time.