What to Eat in London (and Where): A Guide to Typical Foods and the Best Restaurants

In this article, we will take you on a journey through the famous London cuisine, with a list of typical London foods you should absolutely try during your visit. We will also tell you where to find the best restaurants in London to enjoy these famous dishes.

Planning What to Eat in London During Your Trip

One of the reasons we love traveling is the opportunity 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, which has 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The reputation of London cuisine as something simple and plain is now outdated, and today the city offers a wide range of different cuisines, from traditional dishes to more exotic ones. There is certainly no shortage of good food to try in London, and trying 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 common questions about food in London.

What do people eat in London?

People in London eat a wide range of foods from different cultures and culinary traditions. Some typical and popular foods include fish and chips (fried fish with fries), pie and mash (savory pie with mashed potatoes), roast dinner (roast with potatoes and vegetables), curry (Indian dishes), chicken tikka masala (chicken in curry sauce), and international street food like falafel, kebab, and sushi. London is also known for its food markets that offer a variety of culinary delights from around the world.

London is a huge city that hosts a variety of cultures and tastes, so there is no simple answer to the question “What do people eat in London?”. There is a great variety of foods in London, and some of the most famous London 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 that Londoners regularly eat.

How much does it cost to eat in London?

The cost of food in London varies depending on the types of meals you decide to have during your trip. That said, generally, eating in London can be quite expensive. A traveler could easily spend over 60 dollars per day for fairly simple meals (excluding drinks). In our list of the best places to eat in London, we include 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 budget travelers at the end of the article.

There are numerous cheap places to eat in London, suitable for a variety of budgets. Here are some options:

1. 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.
2. Pubs and Gastropubs. Many pubs offer hearty meals at reasonable prices, such as fish and chips, pie and mash, and hamburgers.
3. Cafeterias and Sandwich Shops. Cafeterias and sandwich shops are scattered throughout the city and often offer quick and convenient meals.
4.  Fast Food. Fast food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC are present throughout the city and offer affordable options.
5. Supermarkets and Grocery Stores. Supermarkets and grocery stores offer a variety of ready meals, sandwiches, and snacks at convenient prices.
6. 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?

Dine-in restaurant customers are now expected to leave a tip of about 10% in London. However, tipping is not required in pubs (where you order at the counter) 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 look carefully at 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 only one restaurant as the absolute best in London is an impossible task! The city boasts numerous great 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 the recommendations of locals.

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 scattered all over the city. To help travelers locate the restaurants, we include a map at the end of the article marking our best 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 will 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 the important information about eating in London, it’s time to move on to our list of typical London foods that you should definitely try during your visit. Our overview is divided into two categories: Traditional Classics and Modern Favorites.

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 fried chips were sold together for the first time in London’s East End.

Soon after, chippies, the Fish and Chips restaurants, popped up all over London. Even today, Londoners’ love for this combination of fish and chips 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 they will surely find this dish on the menu. However, visitors seeking a nostalgic chippy experience should head to Rock and Sole Plaice (London’s oldest chippy, 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 is not just a meal but a long-standing British tradition. Served in the afternoon to satisfy hunger between lunch and dinner, the meal consists of sandwiches, cakes, scones, and tea… and it is simply delicious!

Afternoon Tea can also be enriched with a glass of Champagne. The 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 reserving a table at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at the historic Fortnum and Mason, where they excel at providing an exceptional experience.

For something a bit more informal and affordable, yet still excellent, stop by the English Rose Café. Alternatively, if you seek 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 to the 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 might want to try during their trip. We will list some of the most popular foods in London that are known internationally.

#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 all over the city.

Where to Eat Indian Food in London

Undoubtedly, London’s most popular Indian restaurant is Dishoom, which serves 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 the limited reserved seats, otherwise you’ll end up in line.

If you can’t get to Dishoom, don’t worry; there’s no shortage of places to enjoy great Indian food in London, UK. In fact, Brick Lane is famous for the large number of curry houses. Try Sheba or Aladin (and book a table online for an extra discount at the restaurant). An interesting option for an affordable 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 offers a unique culinary experience. Make sure to plan your trip to taste typical London foods at the best restaurants in the city. Prepare 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 was obtained from reliable sources and updated at the time of publication. However, restaurants and menus may vary over time, so it is always advisable to check the latest information before visiting a specific restaurant.

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