In this article, we will take you on a journey through the famous London cuisine, with a list of typical London foods you absolutely must try during your visit. We will also tell you where to find the best restaurants in London to enjoy these celebrated dishes.
- Planning What to Eat in London During Your Trip
- Frequently Asked Questions About Typical London Foods
- What Do People Eat in London?
- How Much Does Eating in London Cost?
- Are There Cheap Places to Eat in London?
- What Is the Tipping Culture in London?
- What Is the Best Restaurant in London?
- Where Are the Best Places to Eat in London?
- Are There Food and Wine Tours in London?
- Famous Foods of London
- Traditional Foods of London
- #1 Fish and Chips
- #2 Afternoon Tea
- Popular Foods in London
- #19 Indian Food
- Travel Tips for London
- What to Do in London in 1 2 3 4 Days
- London Travel Advice
- London 13 Places of Interest
- London Travel Ideas
- Where to Stay in London
Planning What to Eat in London During Your Trip
One of the reasons we love traveling is the chance to taste local delicacies, as it allows us to learn about the history and culture of a place, and this is especially true for London. This city, with nearly 2000 years of history, has become a modern and multicultural metropolis, and its culinary scene has evolved accordingly.
The reputation of London cuisine as something simple and bland is now outdated, and today the city offers a wide variety of different cuisines, from traditional dishes to more exotic ones. There is certainly no shortage of good foods to try in London, and sampling the local cuisine is a must for anyone visiting the city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Typical London Foods
Before moving on to the list of foods to eat in London, we want to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about food in London.
What Do People Eat in London?
People in London eat a wide range of foods from various cultures and culinary traditions. Some typical and popular foods include fish and chips (fried fish with French fries), pie and mash (savory pie with mashed potatoes), roast dinner (roast meat with potatoes and vegetables), curry (Indian dishes), chicken tikka masala (chicken in curry sauce), and international street foods like falafel, kebab, and sushi. London is also known for its food markets offering a variety of culinary delights from around the world.
London is a huge city hosting a variety of cultures and tastes, so there is no simple answer to the question “What do people eat in London?”. You will find very different foods and some of London’s most famous dishes are not originally from the area. The great diversity of London cuisine is what makes this city so famous among food lovers, but it can also make it difficult to decide what to eat in London during a trip. Our list of what to eat in London includes a wide variety of foods regularly consumed by Londoners.
How Much Does Eating in London Cost?
The cost of food in London varies depending on the types of meals you choose to have during your trip. That said, in general, eating in London can be quite expensive. A traveler could easily spend over 60 dollars a day for fairly simple meals (excluding drinks). Our list of the best places to eat in London includes foods and restaurants suitable for a wide range of budgets.
Are There Cheap Places to Eat in London?
Yes, you can eat cheaply in London! Some of London’s most famous foods are actually very affordable. In our list, we highlight where to eat cheaply in London and also provide additional tips for travelers on a budget at the end of the article.
There are numerous cheap places to eat in London, suitable for a wide range of budgets. Here are some options:
- Street Food Markets. London is renowned for its food markets offering a wide range of affordable foods. Some famous markets include Borough Market, Camden Market, and Brick Lane Market.
- Pubs and Gastropubs. Many pubs offer hearty meals at reasonable prices, such as fish and chips, pie and mash, and burgers.
- Cafés and Sandwich Shops. Cafés and sandwich shops are scattered throughout the city and often offer quick and affordable meals.
- Fast Food. Fast food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC are found all over the city and offer budget-friendly options.
- Supermarkets and Grocery Stores. Supermarkets and grocery stores provide a variety of ready meals, sandwiches, and snacks at convenient prices.
- Affordable Ethnic Cuisines. London is a very diverse city with a wide range of ethnic cuisines. Ethnic restaurants often offer hearty meals at affordable prices.
Remember that looking for places outside tourist areas can often lead to finding cheaper and more authentic options.
What Is the Tipping Culture in London?
Dined-in restaurant customers are now expected to leave a tip of about 10% in London. However, tipping is not necessary in pubs (where you order at the bar) or in fast food and takeaway restaurants.
In many London restaurants, a cover charge service (usually around 10-12%) is automatically added to the bill, so ask the waiter or carefully check the bill before paying. Customers who wish to modify (or remove) the tip should ask before paying, especially if using a contactless credit card.
What Is the Best Restaurant in London?
With more than 20,000 places to eat in London, labeling just one restaurant as the absolute best in London is an impossible task! The city boasts numerous excellent places to eat, with a wide range of prices and cuisines.
In our list, the restaurants we have selected as the best places to eat in London are based on our personal experiences and local recommendations.
Where Are the Best Places to Eat in London?
London is a huge city, and when it comes to where to eat in London, the best restaurants are spread across the city. To help travelers locate these restaurants, we include a map at the end of the article marking our top picks for famous London food.
Are There Food and Wine Tours in London?
Yes. There are several food and wine tours in London where guides take you to the most interesting places to eat in London. Later in the article, we will discuss some of the best food and wine tours in London.
Famous Foods of London
Now that we have covered important information about eating in London, it’s time to move on to our list of typical London foods you absolutely must try during your visit. Our overview is divided into two categories: Traditional Classics and Popular Modern.
Traditional Foods of London
There are many British cuisine classics to eat in London, and we will show you the local favorites.
#1 Fish and Chips
Undoubtedly, one of the best foods to try in London is the classic meal of Fish and Chips. This sumptuous fried meal has always been one of the city’s culinary specialties. The dish dates back to the mid-1800s when fresh fried fish and thick French fries were sold together for the first time in London’s East End.
Soon after, the chippie shops, the fish and chips restaurants, popped up all over London. Even today, Londoners’ love for this fish and chips combination remains unchanged.
The Best Place to Eat Fish and Chips in London
Anyone looking for a plate of fish and chips can go to the nearest pub, where this dish is sure to be on the menu. However, visitors wanting a nostalgic chippy experience should head to Rock and Sole Plaice (the oldest chippy in London, dating back to 1871) or Poppies (a retro diner with several locations).
#2 Afternoon Tea
A traditional Afternoon Tea meal is one of the best things to eat in London during a trip, because it’s not just a meal but a long-standing British tradition. Served in the afternoon to curb hunger between lunch and dinner, the meal consists of sandwiches, cakes, scones, and tea… and it’s simply delicious!
Afternoon Tea can also be enhanced with a glass of Champagne. Cream Tea is a lighter version of Afternoon Tea (and is offered in many places at an affordable price). Instead of including sandwiches and cakes, Cream Tea consists only of tea, scone, clotted cream, and jam.
Places to Eat Afternoon Tea in London, England
Afternoon Tea in London is served in various restaurants, hotels, and tea houses. The midday ritual can become a luxury experience by booking a table at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at historic Fortnum and Mason, where they excel in providing an exceptional experience.
For something a bit more informal and affordable but still excellent, stop by the English Rose Café. Alternatively, for a unique experience, you can combine sightseeing with a famous meal on the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. While traveling on a double-decker bus through London’s main attractions, you can enjoy sandwiches, cakes, and sip tea.
Popular Foods in London
The best food in London is not limited to British classics: there is a wide range of culinary treasures that visitors may want to try during their trip. We will list some of the most popular foods in London that are internationally known.
#19 Indian Food
We have already mentioned Chicken Tikka Masala as a classic British food, but Indian food in general is a must in London. Spicy curries and exotic biryanis burst with flavors and are served in Indian restaurants throughout the city.
Where to Eat Indian Food in London
Undoubtedly, the most popular Indian restaurant in London is Dishoom, serving spicy Indian street food to share. Dishoom now has several locations in London (and also in other UK cities, like Edinburgh), but it’s best to book a table due to limited seating, otherwise you’ll end up queuing.
If you can’t get to Dishoom, don’t worry; there’s no shortage of places to enjoy excellent Indian food in London, UK. In fact, Brick Lane is famous for its many curry restaurants. Try Sheba or Aladin (and book a table online for an extra discount at the restaurant). An interesting option for an inexpensive Indian lunch in London is Tifinbox.
As you can see, London offers a wide choice of delicious foods to eat. From classic Fish and Chips and Afternoon Tea to more exotic dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala and Indian curries, London provides a unique culinary experience. Be sure to plan your trip to taste typical London foods in the best restaurants in the city. Get ready to delight your palate with a variety of flavors and discover the culinary charm of this vibrant metropolis. Enjoy your meal!
Note: The information contained in this article has been sourced from reliable sources and is up to date at the time of publication. However, restaurants and menus may change over time, so it’s always advisable to check the latest information before visiting a specific restaurant.
Travel Tips for London
If you’re looking for more travel tips for London or Europe, our guides are full of valuable travel advice!
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London Travel Advice
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London 13 Places of Interest
- British Museum London: Visitor’s Guide
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- Guide to Kensington, London Neighborhood with Victorian Style
- Guide to the City of London, from Tower Bridge to Saint Paul
- Guide to Westminster, Royal London
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- London, Visit to Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park
- London Markets, from Portobello to Borough Market
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London Travel Ideas
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