Regardless if you’ve been living in London for a while, have just moved here or are passing through for a couple of days – street markets are not only a big tourist attraction, they are also generally a part of Londoners’ culture at this point. The best part of all London street food markets is the sheer amount of things you can get – from the traditional Scotch eggs, to sushi, to exquisite Cubano sandwiches and many more things. Here’s a short list of the best markets, and the best foods to get there.
Borough market, located in the picturesque area next to the Shard and London and Tower Bridges, is the main market food destination in London.
It offers all kinds of foods from different worldwide cuisines, street food, pastries, gourmet delicacies and an incredible choice of meats, cheeses and spices to take away and enjoy at home.
Warnings: this one is always extremely crowded, so if you can’t handle too many people – come here before noon, and always have cash on hand. Closed on Sundays.
Personal recommendations:
1. Furness Fish Markets for their oysters and paella: they will kindly walk you through what oysters to pick if it’s your first time trying, and will be quite generous with the incredibly filling portion of their seafood paella. My go-to place for a meal whenever I’m in the market.
2. The Turkish Deli for the traditional Turkish coffee and baklava: Turkish coffee. Turkish desserts. Enough said.
3. Olivier’s Bakery for the almond croissants: delectable, extremely soft but with a nutty crunch, filled with a marzipan-y almond paste, these are a perfect dessert.
4. Knanom Krok for authentic Thai street food: from the khanom krok pudding to the quail eggs, everything here is authentic, delicious and guarantees a good experience.
Located in yet another gorgeous location – this time the Royal Borough of Greenwich – Greenwich market does not have such a wild variety of foods and expensive delicacies as the Borough market does, and will instead make you happy by providing some down to earth street food.
In addition to delicious food, you get to walk through the arts and crafts market and purchase handmade goods and vintage clothing. Win-win, in my books.
Warnings: cash only, limited seating.
Personal recommendations:
1. The Latin Bros for the Cubanos: the Cuban sandwich is one of the best sandwiches you will have ever tried. Trust me.
2. Koyul Ltd for handmade sushi: if you’re a calorie counting freak just like me, then maybe sushi are a healthier choice than a lot of the foods I propose; thankfully, the freshly made, handmade rolls provided here are incredible.
3. Brazilian Churros for, well, churros: the infamous Spanish sweet street snack can, of course, be found here; what’s even better, it can be filled with dulce de leche. You won’t regret it (but your calorie-counting app will).
One of the oldest markets in London, and a very popular destination for foodies – the appeal of this market lies not only with the street food, but also with a) a huge amount of hipster, trendy shops that comes with it; b) the extremely central location, comparatively to the other two – it being Soho.
Warning: closed on Sundays. Always have cash on hand.
Personal recommendations:
1. Greek2Go for traditional Greek street food: souvlakis (Greek fluffy bread with a filling of your choice), tzatziki sauce and salads. Relatively light, yet still quite delectable and indulgent.
2. Savage Salads: you guessed it – salads. Again, a good spot for us – the dieting crowd – but don’t let that fool you. There is such a huge variety of choice here that it’s bound to please most people.
3. The Jerk Drum for comfort: this Afro-Caribbean place will provide you with the authentic experience of jerk meats and comforting side foods like plantains – and who doesn’t like some good plantains?
Located in King’s Cross, this market is remarkable for not just the variety of choice, variety of entertainment and variety of non-food stalls, but also for the support it provides for local producers that source and prepare all the foods themselves.
Warnings: works only on the weekends. Always have cash on hand.
Personal recommendations:
1. BAP Foods for bulgogi: a choice of traditional Korean BBQ beef on either rice (bibimbap) or in a sandwich – this is the perfect way to introduce yourself to Korean cuisine.
2. Artisan Drinks for gin: finally, alcohol, am I right? Offering a giant variety of gins – from rhubarb & cranberry to black tomatoes – they are hard to resist.
3. Casa Cannoli: the incredible Italian sweets, cannoli, filled right on the spot so that they’re fresh and crispy for when you eat them – delicious and will make you want to get seconds. (And, maybe, thirds – restraint, right?)
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