Foods to Try in London: Must-Try Dishes and Where to Find Them

When you think of foods to try in London, a vibrant mix of British traditions and global influences shaped by centuries of immigration and innovation. Also known as London cuisine, it’s not just about tea and crumpets—it’s about fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, spicy Sichuan hot pot steaming in Chinatown, and perfectly crispy kebabs from a Camden stall at 2 a.m. This city eats like no other. You can grab a $12 gourmet burger next to a £3 curry that’s been perfecting its recipe since 1987. London doesn’t just serve food—it tells stories through spices, sauces, and sizzle.

What makes this city’s food scene special isn’t just the variety—it’s the authenticity. You’ll find London street food, bold, fast, and often hidden in alleyways or market stalls. Also known as urban eats, it’s where you’ll taste the real pulse of the city: jerk chicken from a mobile cart in Brixton, fresh oysters at Borough Market, or a buttery croissant from a tiny French bakery in Peckham. Then there’s the iconic London dishes, the classics that have survived wars, trends, and food fads. Also known as British staples, they include Sunday roasts with Yorkshire pudding, full English breakfasts with baked beans and black pudding, and that unmistakable plate of fish and chips—crispy batter, flaky cod, and malt vinegar on the side. These aren’t tourist traps. They’re family-run institutions. And yes, they still taste exactly how your grandad remembered.

Don’t skip the global flavors that now feel as British as tea. Chinatown isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a food destination with Peking duck so good you’ll forget you’re not in Beijing. Japanese sushi bars here serve fish flown in daily from Tokyo. Halal spots in East London turn kebabs into art. And vegan versions of traditional pies? They exist—and they’re delicious. London’s food scene isn’t about pretending to be something else. It’s about taking the best from everywhere and making it yours.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of fancy restaurants with white tablecloths. It’s the real stuff—the places locals line up for, the dishes that make people fly in just for one bite, the hidden stalls that don’t have websites but have 100 reviews on Instagram. Whether you’re after a $5 lunch that beats any Michelin-starred meal or a late-night snack that saves your night, this collection has you covered. No fluff. No filler. Just what to eat, where to eat it, and why it matters.