While British food in the past might have had as bad a reputation as British weather, London is now one of the great culinary capitals of the world. Boasting some of the best chefs on the planet as well as a vibrant, eclectic, experimental attitude to food and dining, it is a city that is bursting with flavor, from modern British and European fine dining to an amazing blend of diverse cultural influences from around the world. With superb street food and traditional markets adding an additional layer, London truly is an exceptional place for foodies to explore. So if you are looking for a gastronomic experience before boarding your cruise from the UK, here is a guide to the must-try eats and unforgettable food experiences in London.
British Classics
Fish and Chips
A quintessential British favorite, golden battered fried fish paired with piles of salty, vinegary potato chips is a truly decadent experience. There are fantastic ‘chippies’ all over the city, and while every Londoner will have their favorite, Poppies in Spitalfields or the Golden Hind in Marylebone are two of the very best.
Sunday Roasts
A Sunday roast, with roast meat, roast potatoes, lashings of gravy, and a few Yorkshire puddings on the side, is a delightful slice of British culinary heritage. Try the Hawksmoor, for amazing cuts of meat, or the Harwood Arms, for a classic pub experience.
Afternoon Tea
From tiny cakes and cucumber sandwiches to the delicate aromas of Lapsang Souchong or Darjeeling, a proper afternoon tea is something that shouldn’t be missed. Hit up iconic locations such as the Ritz, Claridge’s, or Fortnum and Mason.
A Multicultural Melting Pot
London’s diverse cultural landscape has given rise to an amazing variety of international cuisines.
Chinatown
From dim sum and bao buns to char sui and Peking duck, London’s Chinatown is a colorful riot of flavors from across the Far East. Try Bao or Leong’s Legend for buns, Cafe TPT for authentic Chinese fare, or Rasa Sayang for amazing, affordable Malaysian dishes.
Brick Lane
The Indian, Bengali and Pakistani communities of East London have made Brick Lane one of the greatest destinations for ‘Indian’ cuisine in the world. From the incredible chops at Tayyabs and the lamb Shatkora at Bengal Village to the classic Banla curry at Sheba, this is heaven for spice lovers.
The Pho Mile
The final stretch of Kingsland Road before hitting Shoreditch High Street is home to London’s best Vietnamese restaurants. For warming bowls of pho to the bright flavors of a bahn mi, there are plenty of amazing options to choose from. Song Que and Cay Tre have been around for years and are the shining lights of the scene.
Fine Dining
London’s modern gastronomy is world-famous, and some of the best chefs on the planet ply their trades here. If you are in the market for something more upscale, try Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, the Ledbury in Notting Hill, or Sketch in Mayfair, with its obligatory bathroom selfies!
Markets and Street Food
London’s traditional markets are a wonderful place to try amazing street food. Borough Market is the best place to start, with fresh oysters, gourmet cheeses, and incredibly artisanal baked goods like Bread Ahead and Humble Crumble. Camden Market might be best known for alternative souvenirs and punk, but there is a huge variety of tasty treats to enjoy here as well. Finally, Broadway Market offers haggis toasties and spicy Ghanaian stews surrounded by the hippest, trendiest folks in the city.
London’s food scene is wide and varied, with something for everyone to enjoy. This city is a paradise for foodies, and well worth exploring with an eye to tasting everything you can!
