London boasts more than 23,000 places to eat and is home to more than 75 Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a popular hotspot for food lovers. From traditional bites to modern-day iconic meals, there is something for any palette in this vibrant city.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway in London or a day trip, we think there is always time to grab a popular bite to eat. In this blog, we’ll share the top ten iconic foods we think everything should try when visiting London to get a truly authentic city experience.
Is London a Good Place to Visit for Food Fanatics?
London isn’t just known for its must-see landmarks and sprawling parks but also for the lively food industry. London is also home to a wide selection of restaurants, culinary experiences, and dedicated food markets that offer unique experiences for all visitors. You can even join food-focused walking tours to learn about the story behind famous dishes and indulge in a plethora of treats.
What Are the Most Iconic Foods Associated With London?
Although there are lots of delicacies to choose from, we wanted to share some of the most iconic foods that are synonymous with the city. From sweet treats to savoury delights, we think there is something for everyone on this mouthwatering list!
Fish and Chips
No trip to anywhere in the UK is complete without a meal of fish and chips. Traditionally serving up battered cod, many London hotspots also include choices of fish to suit any palette. For a truly authentic experience, you should also order mushy peas and Tartar sauce, plus other items, including battered sausages and pickled eggs, which are also normally available. You can choose to order this in most pubs, but for the most traditional experience, we recommend visiting a fish and chip shop, and there is nothing quite like eating out of paper with a wooden fork!
Full English Breakfast
London is also known for serving some of the best English breakfasts around. Whether you choose to visit a small cafe or a popular chain of restaurants, you can expect to be greeted with a true breakfast treat.
A traditional full English breakfast includes sausages, bacon, eggs, mushrooms, fried toast, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, hashbrowns and is accompanied by a choice of tomato ketchup or brown sauce. Black pudding is also a traditional inclusion to consider, and many places offer vegetarian and vegan versions to ensure anyone can enjoy this breakfast delight.
Pie and Mash
Pie and mash is one of the most traditional London meals as it dates back to the 1700s. Enjoyed with a side of creamy mash and often peas, there are many flavours to choose from with the most popular being steak and ale, cheese and onion plus chicken and mushroom. You can also enjoy pies cold in the form of a traditional pork pie which can be eaten alone or as part of a lunch with a side of pickled onions.
Roast Dinner
Traditionally served on a Sunday, a Roast Dinner is a UK staple popular all across London. From pub services that offer a plated feast for the eyes (and stomach) to self-serve carveries, there are many options to choose from.
You can choose from a selection of meats, including gammon, beef and chicken, or opt for a vegetarian main such as nut roast or mushroom wellington. Roast dinners are then served with potatoes which are crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle, stuffing and a choice of vegetables including carrots, parsnips and greens. The meal is then finished with a rich gravy and a choice of condiments including bread, cranberry and mint sauce.
Scotch Egg
Served both hot and cold, a scotch egg is a boiled egg surrounded by seasoned sausage meat and covered in breadcrumbs. They are then fried to ensure the perfect crunch to offer a delight for all of the senses. You will find these in most markets and also lunch spots across the city.
Ploughmans
If you are sitting down to eat lunch, a great option to select is a traditional Ploughmans. Served cold, this meal includes cheese (most commonly stilton and/or cheddar), fresh bread, salted butter, salad and a selection of pickled items. The meal was first launched in 1950 as part of a marketing campaign for Cheese company Ploughmans and has remained a firm favourite ever since!
Toad in the Hole
The last of our savoury recommendations is Toad in the hole. This meal combines sausages with a Yorkshire pudding and is traditionally served with gravy and vegetables on the side. One of the reasons this dish has remained popular is it can also be made vegetarian or vegan to suit any diet!
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Now onto the sweet treats! Firstly we have sticky toffee pudding which is traditionally served with vanilla ice cream or custard. The dessert is a toffee-infused sponge which is then steamed to offer a moist texture and then covered in toffee sauce, nuts and sometimes dried fruit to enhance the sweetness.
Eton Mess
Another British classic you can find in London is Eton Mess. This dessert is a blend of chewy meringue, sweet berries and freshly whipped cream. The refreshing pudding is perfect for finishing a meal at any time of the year!
Afternoon Tea
Last but by no means least, we had to include afternoon tea. You can find afternoon tea at many hotspots around the city, including hotels, cafes, and even some attractions. The culinary delights include both sweet and savoury, with the initial meal starting with finger sandwiches, quiches and sometimes pies. A selection of cakes, sweet desserts and scones with jam and cream are also provided for the ultimate tasting adventure. You can also choose tea and even champagne during luxury experiences.
Where Are the Best Places to Visit in London for Food Lovers?
There are delicious bites to eat all around the city, meaning you can find a treat wherever you choose to visit. For popular restaurants, you’re most likely to find your spot in the central part of the city, with smaller, more unique choices just off of the main routes. The beauty of London is that you can combine popular activities, like shopping, visiting attractions like the London Eye, or simply enjoying the outdoors with a culinary tour.
To plan your trip, we recommend choosing your preferred delicacies, finding the best spots to enjoy them and checking out our article on how to get around London easily to plan transport.
What to Remember When Planning a Food Tour of London
Here are some top tips to help you plan a trip to London to experience the most popular foods:
Opening Times
These will vary across the city with most opening slightly later than some town options. Be sure to check in advance to avoid disappointment.
Book in Advance
Lots of popular restaurants also get booked in advance so be sure to secure your spot if you have a certain place to eat in mind.
Tipping Is Not Essential but Does Go a Long Way
Unlike some other cities, tipping is not required in London. However, it is expected in most eateries and also goes a long way to helping serving staff so we recommend leaving some extra cash behind if you can afford it.
Choose a Crown Hotel for Your Next Food Tour of London!
The best way to enjoy a food tour of London is having a cosy place to settle down once you are full after a day of munching.
Our hotels are located in some of the best areas to stay in London if you want to enjoy culinary treats.You can choose from Great St Helen Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Mabledon Court Hotel, Hotel Cavendish, and Arran House Hotels which all offer a choice of rooms and special offers.
Click here to book now or contact us to learn more.
