Where can you find the best street food in London? The UK capital is one of the world’s most exciting cities for street food, with markets and food stalls serving dishes from almost every corner of the globe.
Of course, with so many options to choose from, knowing where to eat isn’t always easy. Whether you’re craving traditional British fish and chips, something spicy or a sweet treat, where should you go?
We’ve put together ten places where you can enjoy some of London’s best street food, from busy market stalls to independent food traders serving freshly prepared dishes.
You’ll find everything from sausages and classic fish and chips to Asian specialities and roasted chestnuts during the colder months. Many of the best places to eat are found in London’s famous markets, where you can often pick up something delicious without spending as much as you would in a restaurant.
If you’re planning to explore London, these are some of the places worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Camden Market
If you’re spending the afternoon shopping in Camden Town, make sure you leave some time to visit Camden Market’s famous street food stalls.
Camden is particularly well known for its international food scene, with traders serving everything from Mexican tacos and Chinese dishes to Spanish tapas, burgers and freshly made desserts.
The market’s food areas, particularly around Camden Lock and Hawley Wharf, are popular places to grab lunch while exploring the neighbourhood. You can choose from a wide range of cuisines, making it a particularly good option if you’re visiting with friends who all fancy something different.
Although Camden was once known for its very cheap street food, prices have increased considerably over the years. It’s still possible to find relatively affordable options, but expect to pay more than the £6 that might once have bought you a full meal.
2. Borough High Street
Just a short walk from London Bridge, Borough High Street is another great place to look for something to eat.
One British classic worth trying is the jacket potato, a baked potato served in its skin with a choice of fillings.
Despite its simplicity, it’s one of the country’s favourite comfort foods. Popular toppings include grated cheese, baked beans, tuna mayonnaise and bacon, although a jacket potato with nothing more than butter and a little salt can be just as satisfying.
You’ll find jacket potatoes sold at various cafés, takeaway shops and street food stalls around London, although individual traders and their locations can change.
3. Borough Market
No discussion of street food in London would be complete without mentioning Borough Market, one of the capital’s oldest and best-known food markets.
Located near London Bridge, it’s sometimes described as London’s larder, thanks to its enormous selection of fresh produce, specialist ingredients and prepared food.
The market has a long history, with trading in the Borough area dating back many centuries. Today, it’s particularly famous for its independent food traders, artisan producers and international cuisine.
As you wander between the stalls, you’ll find everything from traditional British dishes and freshly baked bread to Asian specialities, cheeses, pastries and hot meals prepared in front of you.
Seafood is another highlight. Depending on the traders operating when you visit, you may find fresh oysters, mussels and other shellfish available to buy or enjoy on the spot.
Although the market’s history is closely connected with food trading, Borough itself isn’t a traditional fishing village. Its location near the Thames and London’s historic trading routes helped establish it as an important commercial area.
Borough Market is also a popular destination with tourists, so it can become extremely busy, particularly around lunchtime and at weekends. It’s worth checking the market’s opening hours before visiting, as trading arrangements vary throughout the week.
4. Golborne Road
If you fancy something a little different, head to Golborne Road in North Kensington, close to the northern end of Portobello Road.
This part of London is particularly interesting for its Portuguese and Moroccan influences, which are reflected in the area’s restaurants, cafés and food shops.
You might come across Portuguese salt cod dishes, grilled fish, pastries and Moroccan specialities, including tagines and couscous.
Golborne Road is also known for its independent shops and market traders, giving it a different atmosphere from some of London’s larger tourist markets.
It’s a lovely area to explore if you want to experience a more local side of London’s food culture, although the selection of street food varies depending on the day.
5. Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is one of London’s most beautiful historic markets, located in the heart of the City of London, with entrances including one on Gracechurch Street.
Its history dates back to the 14th century, when it became an important centre for food trading. Over the centuries, it was particularly associated with meat, poultry, fish and other fresh produce.
Today, Leadenhall Market is better known for its striking Victorian architecture, independent shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs.
Although it’s no longer primarily a fresh food market, it’s still worth visiting if you’re looking for somewhere interesting to stop for lunch.
You can grab a sandwich, enjoy a quick bite or sit down for something more substantial while admiring the market’s beautiful covered walkways.
Film fans might also recognise parts of Leadenhall Market from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, where it was used as a filming location for scenes around the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.
6. Brick Lane
If you enjoy trying foods you’ve never tasted before, Brick Lane is one of the most interesting places to visit in East London.
The area has a long history of immigration, which has helped shape its food culture. It’s particularly famous for its Bangladeshi restaurants, bagel shops and international food traders.
On Sundays, the markets around Brick Lane and the Old Truman Brewery attract visitors looking for vintage clothing, independent stalls and street food.
Depending on the traders present, you might find Jamaican specialities, Tibetan dumplings, Indian dishes and plenty of other international options.
It’s an excellent place to try something new, especially if you’re visiting on a Sunday when the surrounding markets are particularly lively.
7. Exmouth Market
Located in Clerkenwell, Exmouth Market is a popular destination for street food and independent restaurants.
The street is particularly busy around lunchtime on weekdays, when food traders serve a changing selection of dishes to local workers and visitors.
You’ll often find international cuisine, including Thai-inspired dishes, freshly prepared wraps, grilled meats and other quick lunches.
Depending on the stalls operating, you may also come across savoury crêpes, lamb dishes served with flatbread and yoghurt, and beef specialities.
One of the best things about Exmouth Market is that you don’t have to commit to a full restaurant meal. You can pick up something from a stall and enjoy a quick lunch before continuing your sightseeing.
8. Portobello Road
Portobello Road is best known for its famous antiques market, colourful houses and independent shops, but it’s also a great place to find something to eat.
One particularly tempting treat is Spanish churros, long pieces of fried dough that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
They’re usually sprinkled with sugar and often served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce.
If you’ve never tried them before, think of them as a little like doughnuts, although their shape and texture are quite different.
They’re perfect for a sweet snack while exploring the market, especially on a cooler day.
You’ll also find other street food options around Portobello Road and the surrounding market areas, with the widest selection generally available on the busiest trading days.
9. Dalston Market
For another side of London’s food culture, head to Dalston in the borough of Hackney.
Dalston has a strong multicultural identity, with communities and businesses representing many different parts of the world.
Ridley Road Market is one of the area’s best-known markets and is particularly famous for its fresh fruit and vegetables, including produce that can be difficult to find in ordinary supermarkets.
You’ll also find international food shops, fabric stalls and traders selling ingredients used in African, Caribbean and Asian cooking.
Although Ridley Road is primarily a traditional street market rather than a dedicated street food destination, it’s a fascinating place to visit if you’re interested in food and the different cultures that have shaped London.
It’s also a good opportunity to discover ingredients you might never have come across before.
10. Whitecross Street Market
Fancy Mexican food? Whitecross Street Market, near the Barbican, is another popular lunchtime destination.
The market is known for its weekday street food stalls, which serve a changing selection of international dishes.
Mexican-inspired food is among the cuisines associated with the market, including burritos filled with combinations of rice, beans, vegetables and meat.
Chicken, beef and slow-cooked pork are popular fillings, often accompanied by salsa, cheese and spicy sauces.
If you enjoy a little heat, you can look for chilli-based sauces, although milder options are usually available too.
Whitecross Street Market is particularly popular with people working in the surrounding offices, so lunchtime is generally the best time to experience its food stalls.
Enjoy street food in London on your next study holiday
There’s much more to London than Buckingham Palace, famous monuments and beautiful parks. Exploring the city’s markets is also a fantastic way to experience its different cultures, discover new flavours and see parts of the capital you might otherwise miss.
During a study holiday in London with Astrolabio, you’ll have the opportunity to experience life in one of the world’s most exciting cities. And what better way to enjoy some free time than by trying something delicious from a local food market?
Discover our study holidays in London and start planning your next adventure!
