10 Foods You Must Eat in London
What should you eat in London? Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve lived here for years, the city’s food scene offers some legendary British dishes you simply have to try.
I know- you’re skeptical of British food. When I first moved here as an intern for NBC News, British cuisine definitely wasn’t a thing. But, through the years it has really made a name for itself. And truthfully, a lot of it is really great!
So, I’ve put together what I feel are the top ten foods that define London’s culinary culture. Some I like more than others. And there’s a few I love and a few I’ll never eat that are extras at the end, along with a list of top rated restaurants for British cuisine that I’ve added as special treats.
From pub classics to afternoon tea, these are the British foods you must eat in London!
Foods to Eat in London: The List
1. fish and chips
Golden, crispy batter, flaky white fish and chunky chips doused in salt and vinegar. Fish and chips on a Friday is one of the most popular things to eat here. Americans, before you get too excited about the green mush might you see on the side, that’s mushy peas, not guacamole!
2. Afternoon Tea
Scones with clotted cream and jam, delicate finger sandwiches and a selection of cakes, afternoon tea is a must-do experience in London. While most Brits are more likely to have a simple cream tea (just scones and tea), the full afternoon tea experience is a treat worth indulging in.
If you want to add it to your list of things to do in London, it would be useful to read this Afternoon Tea Etiquette Guide first.
3. sunday roast
Roast beef, crispy potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables and gravy, it’s the ultimate British meal. My English husband would happily eat it every Sunday! Many pubs serve it as a weekend special, so plan ahead if you will be here on a Sunday. It’s best to book the more popular places ahead of time.
4. Bangers and Mash
Sausages served over creamy mashed potatoes with rich onion gravy. For me, this dish represents peak British comfort food. It’s hearty, filling and best enjoyed in a cosy pub. To be honest, I would choose it over a Sunday roast, unlike my husband!
5. Steak and Ale Pie
Tender slow-cooked beef in a rich ale gravy, encased in flaky pastry. This is pub food at its best, served with mashed potatoes or chips and peas.
6. A Full english breakfast
A proper ‘fry-up’ includes bacon, eggs, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, toast and black pudding. Full disclosure, I’ve been served black pudding many times and never even tried it. So, don’t be nervous about it. You don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to.
It’s a serious breakfast that will keep you satisfied for hours. However, it’s not something Londoners would have every day. They would likely indulge in this big breakfast on a weekend or when away on holiday.
7. Sticky Toffee Pudding
A warm, sticky sponge cake drenched in caramel sauce, usually served with cream or custard. This is one of Britain’s best desserts and an absolute must-try. There are few times I can pass it up on a menu, if I have room for one more course.
8. A Proper Bacon Butty
Soft white bread, crispy bacon and either ketchup or brown sauce. Yes, you read that right. It’s called ‘brown sauce’. After living in London as an America since 2013 and writing a blog that heavily focuses on foodie things to do in London, I still don’t know exactly what it is. But, I like it!
9. scotch egg
A soft-boiled egg wrapped in seasoned sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection. It’s the ultimate pub snack. You’ve hit the jackpot if you cut one open and it has a slightly runny egg. That’s a big deal for a chef to accomplish!
10. chicken tikka masala
Believe it or not, this creamy, spiced dish was created in Britain! It’s considered by many to be the country’s national dish. London is a great place to try it. However, it is widely believed that it was ‘invented’ in Glasgow, Scotland.
Food Tours in London:
If you’d really like to explore London like a foodie, consider taking a food tour. There are many to chose from and I have done several. I love them because you also learn local history and get to see areas of London that most people miss.
Where to Eat British Foods in London:
If you’re looking for places to eat in London, here are five great restaurants for classic British cuisine:
- Rules– London’s oldest restaurant, known for traditional British dishes.
- The Ivy– A stylish spot with an excellent modern take on British classics.
- Lore of the Land– A fantastic gastropub with an upscale take on pub favourites. It’s owner is the famous British director, Guy Ritchie.
- St. JOHN– Famous for nose-to-tail dining and traditional British fare.
- The Harwood Arms– London’s only Michelin-starred pub, offering elevated British dishes.
- Poppies Fish & Chips– widely accepted as the best place in London for this dish
No Way and Yes Please!
One thing I will absolutely never, ever eat is Jellied Eels. Yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Chopped eels, boiled and set in their own jelly. A traditional East London dish that’s been around for centuries. There’s no way I’d even go near it.
And, my go to treat for holidays, my birthday and special occasions is Beef Wellington. But, it must be cooked perfectly, which is extremely hard to do.
Regional Specialities:
While these ten dishes are must-tries, different areas of the UK have their own famous specialities. If you’re exploring beyond London, keep an eye out for:
- Cornish pasties in Cornwall. Pasties are flaky pastry filled with meat and vegetables.
- Haggis in Scotland. It’s definitely an acquired taste but a true Scottish classic. It’s one I haven’t tried yet either! By choice.
- Welsh rarebit in Wales. It may surprise you to know that this is a rich, cheesy toast treat.
Final Thoughts about What to Eat in London
If you know where to go and what to eat in London, you’ll truly enjoy some incredible food! I’d love to know which from the list you’d like to try. Drop a comment below!
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Will be in London in September. Will take your advice and try the suggested foods….well except the jellied eels :o)
Good idea! Please let me know if there’s any questions I can answer before you arrive. Tons of stuff on the blog. The Guide that is on the home page might be a place to start. Feel free to send an email directly though too!
Hey !! ‘Jellied Eals’are about as London and ‘ East End’ as the Old Kent Road and utterly delicious but you must put plenty of Vinegar and Pepper on them. Dont miss the Chance to try them !
Are there many gluten free options as I have celiac disease?