London street food tends to be a journey around the world, ranging from the classic English fish and chips to Caribbean roti. But then, that’s only to be expected of a city like ours, where we have people from just about every corner of the globe!
Let’s delve into some of the wonders of our street food today. Get ready to discover the best street bites that London has to offer!
Fish and chips
–Media from isithalalorharam
Did you know that during World War II, when rationing was in full swing, fish and chips were one of the few foods that remained untouched by restrictions? I wouldn’t be astonished if this was for morale: a war was bad enough, but a war without our main comfort food would be intolerable!
Imagine succulent fish, usually cod or haddock, enveloped in a delicate, golden-brown batter, perfectly fried to achieve a satisfying crunch. Paired with thick-cut, fluffy chips, each bite offers a delightful contrast of crispy exterior and tender interior!
| Best place for fish and chips: Fish! Kitchen Location: Borough Market, Cathedral St, London SE1 9AL, United Kingdom Fish! Kitchen not only serves exceptional traditional fish and chips but also offers a variety of delectable seafood dishes. Their menu features flavorful grilled fish, refreshing seafood salads, and more, catering to diverse tastes. Directions on Google Maps are here! |
Beef brisket sandwich
–Media from smokestakuk
Invented during the early 1800s, the beloved beef brisket sandwich is considered one of the most iconic street foods in London, and for good reason.
Typically, the brisket is slow-cooked for hours, resulting in tender and juicy meat that is packed with zing. Plus, the sandwich is typically served on a toasted bun with melted cheese, pickles, and onions.
The combination of flavours is simply delicious, and the sandwich is sure to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites!
| Best place for a beef brisket sandwich: The Rib Man Location: Brick Ln, London E1 6HR, United Kingdom This stall specializes in slow-cooked, tender beef brisket, which is piled high onto freshly baked bread and served with a range of delicious homemade sauces. The combination of succulent brisket, flavorful sauces, and soft bread creates a truly delightful sandwich experience. Directions on Google Maps are here! |
Falafel wrap
–Media from pilpelforthepeople
When it comes to street food in London, the Falafel Wrap stands out as a beloved choice. Made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, the mouthwatering falafel balls are tucked into a wrap alongside fresh vegetables, tangy sauces, and zesty herbs.
Interestingly, the roots of the falafel wrap can be traced back centuries to the Middle East, and now it has become a cherished and accessible option in London’s bustling food scene.
| Best place for a Falafel wrap: Magic Falafel Location: Camden Lock Market, London NW1 8AH, United Kingdom This popular spot is praised for its flavorful and freshly made falafel, which is served in a warm wrap along with a selection of vibrant salads, sauces, and toppings. Magic Falafel’s wraps are known for their generous portions and mouthwatering flavours, making them a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Directions on Google Maps are here! |
Gourmet burgers
–Media from burgerandbeyond
Gourmet burgers go beyond the ordinary, boasting high-quality ingredients, inventive toppings, and expertly crafted flavours. From succulent beef patties to creative vegetarian options, London’s street food scene offers a diverse range of gourmet burgers that cater to every palate.
Fun fact: Did you know that some street food vendors in London even source their ingredients locally, supporting the community and ensuring the freshest tastes?
| Best place for Gourmet burgers: Bleeker burgers Location: 205 Victoria St, London SW1E 5NE, United Kingdom With a focus on simplicity and taste, they offer a small menu featuring a selection of carefully crafted burgers made with prime beef patties, freshly baked buns, and a range of flavorful toppings. Their burgers are known for their juicy, flavorful patties and perfectly balanced combinations of ingredients. Directions on Google Maps are here! |
Jamaican jerk chicken
–Media from rudieslondon
This mouthwatering delight showcases a skilful combination of aromatic spices such as allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, and thyme, creating a fiery and scrumptious experience.
Seamlessly blending cultures, Jamaican jerk chicken is a result of the indigenous Taino people’s culinary traditions intertwining with the cooking techniques brought by African slaves.
| Best place for a Jamaican jerk chicken: Mama’s Jerk Station Location: 49 Fulham Broadway, London SW6 1AE, United Kingdom Mama’s Jerk Station chicken is marinated in a secret blend of spices and grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken with a smoky kick. The stall offers a range of options, from jerk chicken wraps and burgers to jerk chicken wings, allowing you to enjoy this mouthwatering dish in various forms. Directions on Google Maps are here! |
Chinese dumplings
–Media from dumplingshack
Chinese dumplings, also known as “jiaozi,” have gained immense popularity as one of the best street foods in London. The thin, delicate wrappers encase a savoury filling, typically made with a delectable blend of minced meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices.
With each bite, you experience a burst of umami goodness that satisfies your cravings and leaves you wanting more. Moreover, the versatility of Chinese dumplings is truly remarkable. They come in various shapes and sizes, such as steamed, boiled, or pan-fried.
| Best place for Chinese dumplings: Dumplings’ Legend Location: 15-16 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JE, United Kingdom Dumplings’ Legend is renowned for its wide variety of dumplings, offering both steamed and pan-fried options filled with flavorful combinations of meat, vegetables, and seasonings. From classic pork and chive dumplings to innovative fillings like truffle and mushroom, their menu caters to different tastes and preferences. Directions on Google Maps are here! |
Artisanal grilled cheese sandwiches
–Media from mortyandbobs
What sets these grilled cheese sandwiches apart is the sheer variety and inventiveness. Food vendors in London have taken this humble dish and infused it with their unique twists.
You’ll find combinations like tangy cheddar with caramelised onions, gooey mozzarella with sun-dried tomatoes, or even adventurous pairings like blue cheese with pear.
| Best place for Artisanal grilled cheese sandwiches: Kappacasein Dairy Location: 1 Stoney St, London SE1 9AA, United Kingdom Kappacasein Dairy use its own handmade, organic, and melt-in-your-mouth Raclette cheese, which is melted and scraped onto a thick slice of sourdough bread. The result is a heavenly combination of gooey cheese, crispy bread, and savoury flavours that will leave you craving more. Directions on Google Maps are here! |
Vietnamese pho
–Media from phohouse.uk
Vietnamese Pho is renowned for its complex and aromatic broth. Slowly simmered with a combination of fragrant herbs and spices, such as star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, broth is the heart and soul of this dish.
But the main reason why Vietnamese Pho shines as a street food gem is its versatility. Whether you prefer beef, chicken, or vegetarian options, there is a Pho for everyone. Tender slices of meat or hearty plant-based ingredients can be added to the steaming bowl of broth, along with fresh rice noodles, crisp bean sprouts, fragrant herbs, and a squeeze of lime.
| Best place for Vietnamese Pho: Nha trang kitchen Location: Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby St, London SE1 3PA, United Kingdom Located at Maltby Street Market, Nha trang kitchen features a rich and fragrant broth, tender slices of meat (such as beef or chicken), rice noodles, and a variety of fresh herbs and condiments. The stall offers a range of options to customize your pho according to your preferences, such as adding bean sprouts, lime, and chilli. Directions on Google Maps are here! |
Bacon naan roll
–Media from dishoom
Imagine savouring perfectly cooked, smoky bacon nestled within a soft, freshly baked naan bread, creating a satisfying contrast of textures. Accompanied by the tangy burst of tomato-chilli jam and the creamy coolness of yoghurt, each bite is a blend of savoury and sweet notes.
Fun Fact: The Bacon naan roll gained popularity through Dishoom, a restaurant inspired by the vibrant Irani cafés of Bombay. Dishoom’s innovative take on this street food staple has attracted a devoted following.
| Best place for Bacon naan roll: Baba G’s Location: Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF, United Kingdom Baba G’s bacon naan roll offers a delightful twist on the classic combination. It features perfectly cooked bacon, fluffy naan bread, a tangy tomato and chilli jam, fresh herbs, and zesty lime chutney. The blend of Indian and British elements in their bacon naan roll results in a flavorful and satisfying meal. Directions on Google Maps are here! |
Moroccan tagine
–Media from souk_restaurant_london
Tagine’s popularity as a street food sensation is due to several factors. Firstly, it showcases the vibrant and diverse culinary heritage of Morocco.
The tagine, a traditional clay cooking vessel, is used to slow-cook a medley of tender meats, aromatic spices, and a colourful array of vegetables.
This gentle cooking process allows the flavours to meld together, resulting in a harmonious and satisfying dish that is packed with Moroccan flair.
| Best place for Moroccan tagine: Tagine Location: London W11 1LJ, United Kingdom This stall focuses specifically on Moroccan flavours and dishes, with their tagines being a highlight. They offer a variety of tagine options, such as chicken, lamb, vegetable, or mixed tagines, all slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic spices and served with couscous or bread. Directions on Google Maps are here! |
Venezuelan arepas
–Media from petareuk
What makes Venezuelan arepas so special? Well, it all starts with the dough. Made from pre-cooked cornmeal, water, and a pinch of salt, the dough is shaped into small balls and then flattened into thick discs.
These discs are then cooked until they develop a crispy outer layer while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior. The result is a perfect balance of textures that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
| Best place for Venezuelan arepas: Sabor Venezolano Location: Southbank Centre, London SE1 8XX, United Kingdom Sabor Venezolano’s menu features a variety of arepa fillings, including traditional options like shredded beef, black beans, cheese, and plantains, as well as vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Directions on Google Maps are here! |
Caribbean roti
–Media from mamasjerk
Bursting with exotic flavours and influenced by the rich culinary traditions of the Caribbean, roti offers a tantalising experience that will leave you craving more.
What makes Caribbean roti so exceptional? It all starts with the flatbread, known as “roti skin.” This thin and soft bread is typically made from flour, water, and sometimes a touch of oil.
| Best place for Caribbean roti: Roti Joupa Location: Grant Rd, London SW11 2NR, United Kingdom Roti Joupa specialises in Trinidadian and Caribbean cuisine, with their roti being a popular choice among visitors. They offer a variety of roti options, including chicken, goat, and vegetable fillings, all wrapped in warm and flaky roti bread. Roti Joupa’s rotis are known for their flavorful fillings, tender meat, and the perfect balance of spices. Directions on Google Maps are here! |
