Fabulous Foods Everyone Should Try in London

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When it comes to food, London has a pretty fantastic variety of options. Ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to local markets and the exciting diversity of savoury cuisine served in East London, it’s no wonder the city’s a foodie’s dream destination. Spoilt for choice, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Not to worry, however, we’ve created a list of some fabulous dishes and culinary experiences that everyone should try while exploring London.

Classic British Food

This is particularly relevant for international visitors who may not have had the opportunity to try British food before, and there are plenty of dishes to give you a flavour of what British cuisine is all about. Most involve potatoes (usually mashed) and a number of them are what we like to call ‘comfort’ food: hearty, warming meals that fill you up for the rest of the day. Some popular and well-known choices include fish and chips, Sunday roast, a full English breakfast, pie and mash, and pretty much everything on the menu in a traditional pub. Other British traditions include afternoon tea, which usually features scones, cream and jam, finger sandwiches, pastries, and a pot of tea or coffee.

Something Unusual

London has a whole host of unique dining experiences that shouldn’t go amiss; eat entirely in the dark at Dans Le Noir; enjoy a meal amongst performing acrobats at Circus, or take a seat at Sarastro to be serenaded by a wait staff of opera singers.

Aside from these remarkable restaurants, however, there are also some uncommon dishes to sample. You’ll find calf’s brain, sea cucumber, jellied eels, and garlic locusts are all featured on at least one menu in the city. So, if you’re feeling brave, then you might want to consider hunting out the more diverse food offerings of London.

A Bit of Spice

One of the great aspects about London is the fact that so many cultures decided to make their home here throughout the centuries, and nowhere is this more evident than in East London. The area around Brick Lane in Shoreditch, easily reachable from any of the Montcalm Hotels in London, is particularly great for authentic Bangladeshi and Indian restaurants. If you want to enjoy some truly delicious curries, then this is absolutely the place to head to. Book a food walking tour while you’re in the neighbourhood, and you’ll be introduced to some of the more popular establishments in the area, as well as have the chance to indulge in a tasting session at each locale. A great history lesson about East London and its residents is also included along the way.

Around the World

If you don’t fancy a spicy curry but prefer more subdued international dishes, you’ll find a myriad of options to keep your tummy happy. American diners, Italian pizzerias, Australian restaurants serving delights such as kangaroo and crocodile, Mexican street food, Chinatown for a taste of the Far East, and so much more are on hand to discover. You can literally eat out and enjoy a different international dish every single day and only just begin to scratch the surface of what this diverse city has to offer.

Street Vendors and Food Markets

London is noted for its booming market scene—an ideal option for those who want to try different types of foods on a budget, or for anyone else who wants to eat on the go. Though some markets have been around for centuries (Borough Market is said to be at least 1,000 years old), newer additions, such as Slow Food & Living Market at Rosewood, have sprouted up across the city. The majority of London’s larger markets also attract quality street-food vendors, offer the chance to sample and purchase wonderful specialities at reasonable prices. Great markets to consider include Brixton Market, Maltby Street Market, Camden Lock Market, and Brockley Market. You needn’t worry about specifically visiting a market for food, either, as you’ll also find time for bargain hunting amongst the stalls selling goods ranging from antiques to souvenirs.

Something for Everyone

We know that sometimes it can be hard to please everyone in a group, particularly if you’re travelling as a family with children. Luckily, there are plenty of options for those who need a little bit of everything. Popular choices include the Hard Rock Café, Planet Hollywood, the Rainforest Café, and Giraffe.

A Late Night Option

London is a city that never sleeps. If you find yourself in need of a late-night snack, then don’t despair because there are a number of places where you can grab a bite to eat. Polo Bar near Liverpool Street Station serves breakfast, sandwiches, and desserts along with a range of drinks 24 hours a day; the Duck and Waffle, located on the 40^th floor of Heron Tower, not only offers stunning views of East London, but it’s also open round the clock. Beigel Bake on Brick Lane is a city institution that has been serving bagels since 1977—a great spot morning, noon, or night.