15 Best London Foods and Where to Get Them

English food often gets a bad reputation. Many people unfamiliar with the cuisine in London might think it is bland and unexciting; however, this stereotype couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, exploring London’s culinary scene should be a key part of any itinerary. If you’re visiting, it’s essential to have a list of must-try foods in London.

Top British Food To Try in London

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best dishes to taste in the city. You’ll savor Yorkshire pudding in hearty Sunday roasts and indulge in curries, including the beloved chicken tikka masala. Additionally, you can’t miss classics like fish and chips or sweet delights such as Eton mess and sticky toffee pudding. Your mealtimes in London will certainly be enjoyable!

1. Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding

A Sunday roast is one of London’s most iconic meals. It represents the essence of British cuisine culture and serves as both a meal and a weekly ritual for many families. Traditionally, it was a dish enjoyed by large families after church every Sunday, providing a treat for those who couldn’t afford meat during the week.

This delightful dish consists of roasted meat—typically beef or chicken—accompanied by mashed or roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, onion gravy, and a giant Yorkshire pudding (a savory batter somewhat similar to a crispy cake). It’s undoubtedly one of the most delicious dishes to experience in London, especially if you enjoy savory flavors.

With numerous options across London, we recommend trying the Sunday roast at The Harwood Arms in Fulham.

2. Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky toffee pudding is a must-try for those with a sweet tooth. This delightful treat combines chopped dates and rich toffee sauce, typically served hot with whipped cream, custard, or ice cream. Known for its dark color and rich texture, it makes for an ideal warming dessert during the colder months.

While the exact origin of sticky toffee pudding remains a mystery, many speculate it originated in Cumbria during the 20th century. Since then, it has gained popularity across the UK and beyond, including Australia and New Zealand, where it’s known as sticky date pudding. Rest assured, you’ll find this dessert throughout London.

Be sure to visit The Swan London in Bankside to experience it!

3. Chicken Tikka Masala

Indian cuisine has a significant influence on London’s food culture. For both residents and visitors alike, the exceptional Indian restaurants are a highlight of the city’s culinary scene. If you haven’t experienced dining at a curry house in London, you haven’t fully immersed yourself in the city’s gastronomic offerings. The East End, particularly Brick Lane, is famous for its incredible curry houses.

The star of Indian food in London is undoubtedly chicken tikka masala, featuring roasted chicken enveloped in a thick orange sauce made with ginger, yogurt, cream, onion, garlic, and tomatoes. Lightly spiced and rich, it’s an experience worth having.

We recommend heading to Preem Brick Lane when you explore Indian cuisine in London.

4. English Breakfast With Baked Beans

The full English breakfast is the quintessential meal to enjoy in London and throughout the country. It features a hearty selection of staples, including fried eggs, baked beans, bacon, fried mushrooms, fried tomatoes, hash browns, and sausages.

Optional extras such as black pudding or different cooking styles for eggs are commonly available. This filling dish is one of the most traditional ways to kick off a day in London, offering a satisfying taste of British breakfast culture.

To try this iconic meal, we recommend The Breakfast Club SoHo.

5. Scotch Egg

Scotch eggs are a beloved British delicacy originating from the northern coastal town of Whitby in the late 19th century. These slightly larger-than-bite-sized snacks are delicious and savory, presenting layers reminiscent of a culinary Russian doll. The dish features a boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat and coated in breadcrumbs.

If you’re searching for a Scotch egg to savor in London, head over to Borough Market, which offers delicious classic snacks from various vendors. You can also find them at the Ginger Pig, a renowned butcher shop across the city.

Check out The Ginger Pig for this delightful treat.

6. Salt Beef Beigels

Salt beef beigels are a true London classic and are hard to find elsewhere in the UK. These sandwiches feature a bagel filled with corned beef, English mustard, and gherkins, making for a delectable high-protein lunch option.

If you’re craving salt beef beigels, you can easily find them near Brick Lane, a hotspot for takes on diverse dishes.

For a fantastic experience, visit Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery.

7. Oysters

Although London is not directly on the coastline, it boasts excellent access to the best oyster-catching locations in the UK. Essex, for instance, is renowned for its oysters and is conveniently situated just a stone’s throw from London.

You can enjoy these famously briny treats at notable oyster bars such as J Sheekey or the Dorset Oyster Bar, particularly in the SoHo area.

For a true oyster experience, they are typically served in their shells in quantities of six or a dozen, eaten cold and raw, with a quick lemon squeeze to enhance their flavor. Try J Sheekey in Leicester Square for the tastiest oysters!

8. Eton Mess

Eton mess is a traditional English dessert that has an amusing origin story linked to an infamous cricket match between Eton and Harrow schools. The combination of strawberries, meringue, and cream was inadvertently dropped, creating the delightful ‘mess’ we enjoy today.

This beloved dessert is especially popular in late spring and summer, although it is widely available throughout London year-round. To experience Eton mess, visit Windsor—the home of Eton College.

Try it at Gilbey’s Bar, Restaurant & Townhouse in Windsor.

9. Fish and Chips

No discussion of London food is complete without mentioning fish and chips, the nation’s official dish. This classic meal is available in most pubs and chip shops across the city and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The dish typically consists of fried fish served in a light, crunchy batter, accompanied by thick chips, often enjoyed with chip shop curry sauce or mushy peas. For the invested experience, generously sprinkle vinegar and salt over your dish before enjoying.

To satisfy your craving, visit The Blue Anchor in Hammersmith.

10. Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington features a succulent beef steak encrusted with pâté and wrapped in flaky pastry. Cutting through the golden crust exposes the tender medium-rare steak within, making it a popular choice for family gatherings or pub dinners.

This dish commemorates the Duke of Wellington’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo, a significant event in European history. If you’re keen on hearty meals, you must try Beef Wellington while in London.

For an outstanding rendition, check out Heliot Steak House in Covent Garden.

11. Shepherd’s Pie

The origins of shepherd’s pie are somewhat unclear, with varying claims from Scotland, England, or Ireland. However, it’s widely recognized as a staple of British cuisine, particularly in London.

This dish features a layer of minced beef or lamb topped with creamy, crispy mashed potatoes. It’s a hearty choice found in traditional pubs throughout the city.

To find an authentic shepherd’s pie, consider visiting Museum Tavern in Holborn.

12. Toad in the Hole

Toad in the Hole is one of the more whimsical dishes you can try in London. The amusing name doesn’t imply any actual toads; rather, it refers to sausages poking out of Yorkshire pudding batter.

This dish features sausages baked in a light batter, typically served with onion gravy and steamed vegetables like broccoli and carrots. It has its origins in the 18th century and is thought to be a variation of an older recipe known as ‘pigeon in a hole’.

For a taste of Toad in the Hole, visit The Dog And Duck in SoHo.

13. Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea represents a quintessentially British fine dining experience and is not to be missed while in London to feel part of its high society. Typically enjoyed as an indulgent Sunday afternoon activity, this unique meal consists of a multi-tiered cake stand featuring a variety of small plates.

On the sweet tier, you might find Victoria sponge cake, scones, and coffee cake, while the savory tier includes traditional sandwiches like chicken, egg mayonnaise, cheese, and smoked salmon.

Historically, afternoon tea originated with the Duchess of Bedford in 1840, who, feeling hungry between meals, requested a snack of sandwiches and sweets. This delightful concept soon gained popularity, allowing you to experience it during your stay.

We recommend trying afternoon tea at Afternoon Tea at Cafe Royal in SoHo.

14. Ploughman’s Lunch

Once trendy in the 1950s, a Ploughman’s lunch remains a charming traditional meal for visitors seeking a light midday option. Generally, this meal includes cheese, bread, and pickled onions, with additional garnishes like ham, pork pies, boiled eggs, and fruit.

The array of cheeses—from cheddar to brie or stilton—is the most attractive aspect of a Ploughman’s lunch. Many pubs still offer this English classic in London, contributing to its sustained popularity.

For a delightful Ploughman’s lunch, stop by The Clarence pub in Whitehall.

15. Shawarma

Finally, shawarma is a delightful Middle Eastern dish you must try in London. Its origin is debated as varying cultures, including Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria, claim it as their own. The dish consists of thinly sliced meat from a hot rotisserie, wrapped in flatbread with salad and sauce.

Shawarma has become immensely popular in London, often sought after by partygoers at the end of a night out. With numerous kebab shops across the city, searching for a quick shawarma is easy, yet you can also enjoy a sit-down experience at Damascus Bite, a renowned Syrian restaurant on Brick Lane.

Visit Damascus Bite on Brick Lane for an unforgettable meal!

FAQs: London Food

Feeling inspired by all this London food? You should be! The capital offers a rich tapestry of culinary delights shaped by centuries of multiculturalism and innovation. So, let’s address some common questions before you embark on your delicious journey.

What is the national food for London?

Fish and chips may officially represent England’s national dish; however, Indian cuisine holds a significant place in London’s food culture.

What are 3 popular foods in England?

The three most popular foods in England include a roast dinner featuring Yorkshire puddings, fish and chips, and chicken tikka masala.

What are the top 10 British dishes?

The top 10 British dishes consist of roast dinner, fish and chips, chicken tikka masala, bangers and mash, full English breakfast, shepherd’s pie, salt beef, toad in the hole, Cornish pasty, and sticky toffee pudding.

What is the staple food of London?

A staple food within London is the sandwich scene, featuring a wide variety of finger sandwiches, wraps, and classic pies.

Top London Food

Are you excited about your upcoming trip to London? Its culinary landscape is brimming with delicious offerings that you will want to explore. Whether you dive into East London cuisine or seek out a sandwich shop near London Bridge, you will certainly find an array of appetizing dishes to sample. Moreover, make sure to check out additional resources for inspiration on visiting England, including travel tips and tricks.

Enjoy this self-guided tour of London’s food culture. One thing is for certain: you’ll leave the city with a full stomach and delightful memories.