Must Try Foods in London: Best Eats from British Classics to Global Flavors

Ever stared at a London menu and felt lost? You’re not alone. This city’s food scene is a total maze—in the best way. One corner, you’ll find fish and chips so crispy you hear the crunch. Round the next, steaming dumplings from Chinatown or a killer jerk chicken stand in Brixton.

London isn’t just about fancy afternoon teas or posh restaurants. Some of the best bites come from hole-in-the-wall cafes or food stalls you’ll almost miss if you’re not looking. And yes, you can get world-class food without emptying your wallet—food markets like Borough and Camden are a goldmine for cheap eats and epic flavors.

If you want the real taste of London, try what locals order—not just the touristy stuff. Whether you crave a classic bacon butty, spicy curry, or gooey sticky toffee pudding, there’s something to make every stomach happy. Stick around, and I’ll tell you exactly what’s worth your appetite, where to find it, and a few pro tips to eat like you actually belong here.

• Must-Try British Dishes in London
• London’s Global Food Scene
• Where to Eat: From Markets to Michelin Stars
• Tips for Foodies: How to Eat Like a Local
• FAQ: Navigating London’s Food Landscape

Must-Try British Dishes in London

If you want to get to know London, you’ve got to start with the basics—classic British food. Love it or hate it, some of these dishes are as much a part of the city as red buses or rainy days. Since London is stacked with both fancy and casual spots, there’s no excuse to miss out. Here’s what you can’t skip:

• Fish and Chips: Yeah, it sounds obvious, but you haven’t really visited London if you haven’t tucked into battered fish, golden chips, and a good blob of mushy peas. For the real deal, head to places like Poppies Fish & Chips in Soho, an institution since the 1950s. Try it with a splash of malt vinegar for the proper taste.
• Full English Breakfast: This is the king of all breakfasts—sausages, bacon, eggs, grilled tomato, mushrooms, baked beans, black pudding, and toast. You’ll spot it everywhere from greasy spoons to posh hotels. Dishoom in Shoreditch puts a modern spin on it, but the classics are just as good at Regency Cafe (famously featured in movies).
• Sunday Roast: Sundays in London mean one thing—roast dinner. We’re talking roast beef (or chicken/lamb), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, veg, and lashings of gravy. It’s cozy, filling, and super British. Many pubs like The Harwood Arms do a proper roast, best paired with a pint.
• Pies (and Mash): Hearty pie filled with steak and ale or chicken and mushroom, plus creamy mashed potatoes and parsley liquor sauce—a proper London comfort food. Do a pie crawl: Manze’s is the original spot for pie and mash, dating back to 1902.
• Sticky Toffee Pudding: For anyone with a sweet tooth, this dessert is a must. A warm sponge cake soaked with toffee sauce, usually served with custard or vanilla ice cream. Rules Restaurant in Covent Garden (the oldest restaurant in London) nails this old-school classic.
• Eton Mess: A mix of strawberries, broken meringue, and whipped cream. Super simple, totally British, and great on a hot day. Bakeries like Gail’s have fresh takes popping up when strawberries are in season.

As Jamie Oliver puts it,

“British food is no longer the joke of Europe. We’re smashing it out the park with classic and creative eats all over London.”

Tip: Skip the tourist traps by checking local reviews or even asking a bartender where they get their Sunday roast. British food in London can surprise you if you know where to look—and it’s a huge part of what makes the city’s food scene tick.

London’s Global Food Scene

London is a proper food playground—think of every cuisine you’ve ever wanted to try, packed into one city. If you walk through Brick Lane, you’ll smell sizzling Indian and Bangladeshi curries. Over in Chinatown, bold neon signs light the way to legendary dim sum, with lines that prove just how good it is. Head to Brixton Village and you’ll find Caribbean jerk chicken that locals swear by. If you want Vietnamese pho, Kingsland Road (“Pho Mile”) is famous for it. There’s no messing around here—Londoners expect good food from all over the globe.

Did you know that London has more than 65 different national cuisines represented in just Zone 1?

Some areas are total hot spots for specific foods. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Brick Lane: The city’s Indian curry capital. Locals argue about where the best chicken tikka masala is, but Aladin and City Spice always make top lists.
• Chinatown (Soho): A must for dim sum at places like Dumplings’ Legend or roast duck at Four Seasons.
• Brixton Market: Jamaican patties, Ethiopian injera, Colombian arepas—one stop for a global feast.
• Kingsland Road: Home to the city’s best pho (try Song Que or Mien Tay).
• Golders Green: Known for kosher bakeries and Israeli street food.

Even quick eats have gone international. London’s street food markets serve up Korean BBQ wings, Turkish gözleme, or gourmet Venezuelan arepas. Borough Market isn’t just for posh foodies—you’ll find everything from Spanish paella to Ethiopian coffee ceremonies happening any day of the week.

Now, here’s a tip: skip the chain restaurants if you’re after real flavor. Markets and tiny local spots usually win. And don’t be shy—Londoners are always happy to point you to their favorite hole-in-the-wall eatery. The best way to experience the must try foods london has to offer is to explore with an open mind and empty stomach.

Where to Eat: From Markets to Michelin Stars

London’s food scene is massive, and it seriously has everything—big food markets, tasty family-run joints, and restaurants with Michelin stars. Whether you want street eats or a table with white tablecloths, you’re sorted.

Let’s start at the street level. Borough Market is legendary. Right by London Bridge, it’s been feeding locals since the 13th century. You’ll find cheese toasties from Kappacasein, fresh oysters, and baked goods like Bread Ahead’s famous doughnuts. Camden Market is a wild ride too—Baba G’s Bhangra burgers, halloumi fries, or vegan Ethiopian platters. Cheap, quick, and so much flavor in every corner.

Craving something a bit different? Brick Lane is your spot for killer curries and bagels—Beigel Bake’s salt beef bagel is basically a rite of passage. Head to Brixton Village for everything from Japanese soul food to Caribbean patties. Pop Brixton (made from shipping containers!) is also packed with fun indie eats.

Ready to level up? London has more than 70 Michelin-starred restaurants. Folks rave about Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea, sketch in Mayfair (those eggs in the Gallery room are all over Instagram), and Core by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill. Even if you’re not splashing out for a tasting menu, plenty of upscale places offer great lunch deals—sometimes under £40 for a proper three-course meal.

If you’re all about variety, check out must try foods london at these top spots:

• Borough Market (London Bridge): Heaving stalls, artisan bread, and street food galore.
• Camden Market: Fans of global street food will feel at home here.
• Brick Lane: Curry capital, plus classic bagels.
• Brixton Village: Buzzing spot for global flavors and independent cafes.
• Restaurant Gordon Ramsay: London’s longest-running 3-Michelin-star spot.
• Core by Clare Smyth: High-end British with a creative twist.
• Dishoom (Covent Garden, Shoreditch): Legendary bacon naan rolls and black daal, inspired by Mumbai canteens.

Wondering how different types of meals and settings compare? Here’s a quick look:

Big tip: Markets are busiest around lunchtime, especially weekends. If you’re hoping for a famous restaurant, book early or try lunchtime slots for better deals. And don’t skip the smaller spots in between—sometimes the best memories come from stumbling into a place you’d never heard of before.

Tips for Foodies: How to Eat Like a Local

If you want to skip the tourist traps and eat like someone who actually lives here, there are a few tricks you’ll want to know. First, most Londoners use apps like OpenTable or Resy to book in-demand spots—last-minute walk-ins at popular places like Dishoom or Padella almost never work. These apps let you check reviews, see menus, and sometimes grab last-minute cancellations.

Don’t be afraid of the pubs. British pubs aren’t all about beer; some serve killer Sunday roasts and homemade pies. Head in between 12-2 pm for lunch specials, and if you want the legendary roast, Sundays after noon is prime time. Try to order at the bar—it’s how locals do it, and you’ll usually pay before you eat.

Looking to spend less and get more variety? London’s food markets are your best bet. Markets like Borough, Maltby Street, and Camden have something for every craving, and you can sample bits before you buy. Go early or right before closing for the shortest lines and the freshest bites. Street food stalls usually rotate, so check their websites or Instagram for daily vendors.

South Asian and Caribbean cuisine is a massive deal here, thanks to London’s diverse communities. Brick Lane is packed with curry houses (ask for recommendations from the staff—they know what’s good that day), while places like Brixton Village are famous for jerk chicken and patties. Don’t stick to the main drag; the back alleys often hide the best joints.

And hey, for a classic must try foods london experience, grab a late-night bag of chips from a real “chippy” (Fish Central in Clerkenwell is a winner). Skip ketchup and go for salt and malt vinegar like the locals. If you want to blend in, order takeaway and eat standing outside—it’s more normal here than you’d guess.

• Try meal deals at supermarkets like Tesco or M&S for a cheap, speedy lunch—locals swear by them when in a rush.
• For breakfast, the “full English” fry-up is king. Greasy spoon cafés (look for steamed-up windows and handwritten menus) usually get it right.
• Don’t just ask for “tea”—there are dozens of types. But if you want it local style, just ask for “builder’s tea”—strong, with a splash of milk.
• Always check if service is included on your bill. If not, locals usually tip about 10% at restaurants and cafés—never at pubs or street stalls.

If you want to dig deeper, follow local foodies on Instagram. Londoners love showing off their favorite hidden finds. With these tips, you’ll find the best bites, avoid basic mistakes, and eat like you actually belong in this wild, tasty city.

FAQ: Navigating London’s Food Landscape

London’s food scene can be a lot to take in, so let’s break down the stuff people actually ask the most.

What’s the one dish you shouldn’t miss in London? Easy—fish and chips still win the crown. You’ll find it everywhere, but places like Poppies in Soho and The Golden Hind in Marylebone are known for doing it right. Crispy batter, chunky chips, mushy peas—don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

Where do locals really eat? While you’ll spot tourists near Buckingham Palace tucking into pub pies, Londoners love neighborhood markets or street stalls. Borough Market is the big favorite for fresh cheese toasties, sausage rolls, and global snacks. For something less touristy, try Maltby Street Market on the weekends.

Is tipping expected in London restaurants? Unlike the US, tipping isn’t mandatory. Most places add a 12.5% service charge to your bill. If you don’t see it, rounding up or leaving a couple of pounds is appreciated, but not a must.

Are there good options for vegetarians and vegans? Tons. London goes big on plant-based food. Check out Mildreds (multiple locations) for everything veggie, or Dishoom for vegan Indian twists. Even historic spots like Rules and sketch offer meat-free menus now.

How can I eat well on a budget in London? Street food is your friend. Food halls like Seven Dials Market and street stalls at Camden let you try global dishes for around £7-£10. Or pop into supermarkets—grab a meal deal (sandwich, snack, drink) for under £5.

Is it safe to eat at food stalls and markets? Definitely, as long as you go somewhere busy with a good reputation. London has strict food safety rules. If there’s a queue, it’s probably safe—and tasty!

What if I have food allergies? London restaurants take allergies seriously. Always speak up and staff will check ingredients, or show you a detailed allergen menu. National chains like Pret and LEON are especially allergy-aware.

Where can I find the must try foods in London near major attractions? Head to South Bank (near the London Eye) for street food stalls and fish and chips, or visit Covent Garden for pies and global eats. Chinatown, right by Leicester Square, is unbeatable for dim sum and bubble tea.

Any hidden-gem neighborhoods for foodies? Brixton, Peckham, and Stoke Newington are a local’s dream. Think Caribbean jerk chicken, Turkish kebabs, Ethiopian stews, and indie bakeries you’ll wish you could take home.

Wondering about booking restaurants? High-end or super trendy spots (like Sketch or Dabbous) get full fast—reserve if you know you want in. For smaller places or markets, just show up and follow the crowd.

• Fish and chips: classic and a must-try.
• Markets: Head to Borough, Camden, or Maltby Street for variety.
• Tipping: Check for a service charge, but don’t stress about it.
• Veggie/vegan food: Loads of choice everywhere.
• Street eats: Cheap, safe, and tasty if you stick to busy spots.