14 Foods in London You Have to Try

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Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or you’ve been there before, you know that it’s quite the foodie city. However, it can be tricky trying to find the foods in London that are actually worth trying, especially if you’re visiting London on a time crunch (no pun intended).

Luckily, while I was in London, I took the time to scope out all of the must-try foods! (Seriously, I ate my way through the city.)

Throughout this post, you’ll learn all about the top places to grab classic British food throughout London. Be sure to grab your notebook to write down each of these foods! There are also recommendations on where to find each food in the city to save yourself time.

Keep reading to learn all about the top foods in London you have to try!

Foods in London

Full English Breakfast

If you’re wondering what to eat in London, you have to try a Full English Breakfast. This is one of the most classic British foods you can try while in the United Kingdom.

A full English breakfast usually includes bacon, eggs, toast, beans, and tomatoes. It can also include other items such as black pudding, fried bread, mushrooms, or sausage. Breakfast is often served with tea or coffee to wash it down!

So many people start their day with a full English breakfast, and you’ll be able to find it at many different local restaurants, especially in the mornings. Sometimes hotels will even have them at their restaurants! 

Where to Get Full English Breakfast in London

• Terry’s Cafe London | 158 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 1PE, United Kingdom
• Polo Bar | 176 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4NQ, United Kingdom
• E Pellicci | 332 Bethnal Green Rd, London E2 0AG, United Kingdom

Sunday Roast

A Sunday roast is a traditional British meal typically served on Sundays. Trying it should definitely be on your London bucket list!

It usually consists of roasted meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Often, the mean is roast chicken or some type of pork, traditionally served with sauce. There’s also almost always gravy, a staple for a Sunday roast.

Sunday roasts are a classic London dinner food, and if you can cook for yourself/have access to a kitchen, it can be a great way to enjoy a home-cooked meal with your family and friends. They are also a great way to use up leftovers from previous meals! Since they are typically made with leftovers, there is little waste involved.

However, if it’s easier to go to a restaurant because you’re just traveling through London, don’t worry. Below are some of the best London restaurants for Sunday roasts.

Where to Get Sunday Roast in London

• The Pig and Butcher | 80 Liverpool Rd, London N1 0QD, United Kingdom
• The Camberwell Arms | 65 Camberwell Church St, London SE5 8TR, United Kingdom
• The Anchor & Hope | 36 The Cut, London SE1 8LP, United Kingdom

Eton Mess

Next is another of the top things to eat in London, Eton Mess! While the name may confuse you, this is actually quite the sweet dish, and it can often be found in the most Instagrammable spots and cafes in the city.

An Eton Mess is a dessert that is made with strawberries, whipped cream, and meringue. It’s often served as a dessert at summer barbecues or picnics. The name dates back to the 1800s when it was used to describe a dessert commonly served at Eton College’s cricket match.

The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy whipped cream, and fluffy meringue makes for a delicious and refreshing dessert. The Eton Mess is perfect for summer get-togethers with friends and family and is one London food you won’t want to miss out on!

Where to Get Eton Mess in London

• Cutter & Squidge | 20 Brewer St, London W1F 0SJ, United Kingdom
• Ole & Steen | 56, No 2 Haymarket, St James’s Market, London SW1Y 4RP, United Kingdom
• Bob Bob Ricard Soho | 1 Upper James St, London W1F 9DF, United Kingdom

Pasty

A pasty is a type of savory pastry, originally from Cornwall, that is made with a filling of meat and vegetables. It’s genuinely a top London food to try.

Pasties are often sold as street food in Cornwall and Devon. They are also popular in other parts of the United Kingdom, including Liverpool, where they are known as “meat pies.” 

Pasties can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including beef, pork, lamb, chicken, potato, onion, swede (rutabaga), carrot, and green beans. Some pasty shops also offer vegetarian pasties as an option!

Where to Get a Pasty in London

• Pasty Shop | Liverpool Street Station, Liverpool St, London EC2M 7QH, United Kingdom
• The Pasty Shop | 448 Strand, London WC2N 6DX, United Kingdom
• West Cornwall Pasty Company Victoria | 5a, Victoria Station, London SW1V 1JT, United Kingdom

Beef Wellington

A Beef Wellington is a dish made of beef filet wrapped in puff pastry. It is usually served with a sauce made from red wine, beef broth, and demi-glace. The dish is a classic and is a famous food of London that can’t be missed!

A Beef Wellington can be filled with a variety of different ingredients, including mushrooms, onions, bacon, or even crab meat. The most common type of beef used for a Beef Wellington is filet mignon.

Luckily, there are quite a few spots throughout London where you can try a Beef Wellington for yourself while on your trip.

Where to Get Beef Wellington in London

• Savoy Grill | 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, United Kingdom
• Heddon Street Kitchen | 3-9 Heddon St, London W1B 4BE, United Kingdom
• Holborn Dining Room | 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN, United Kingdom

Pie and Mash

Pie and Mash is a traditional English dish made from minced meat, potatoes, and sauce. The pie filling is usually covered with mashed potatoes and served with green peas. Historically, it was once a popular working-class meal. 

Pie and Mash can be found in many English pubs and restaurants. Many people believe that Pie and Mash is the best food in the world. They say it’s the perfect comfort food – hearty, tasty, and affordable. Pie and Mash are definitely worth trying if you’re looking for a delicious meal that won’t break the bank!

Here are a few of the top spots to try pie and mash if you don’t want to make it yourself.

Where to Get Pie and Mash in London

• Arments Pie & Mash | 7 Westmoreland Rd, London SE17 2AX, United Kingdom
• Cockney Pie & Mash Shop | 314 Portobello Rd, London W10 5RU, United Kingdom
• MotherMash | 26 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 7QZ, United Kingdom

Yorkshire Pudding

A Yorkshire pudding is a savory pudding that is popular in the United Kingdom. It is typically made from flour, eggs, and milk or water.

The ingredients are mixed together and then poured into a baking dish. The pudding is baked in the oven until it is golden brown and puffed up! It’s a famous food from London that is worth trying at least once.

A Yorkshire pudding can be served as an appetizer or as a main course. It can be eaten with gravy or with a variety of other sauces. Some people also enjoy eating Yorkshire puddings with pie and mash, which was listed earlier in this foods in London article!

Below, find some of the top spots for Yorkshire pudding in London.

Where to Get Yorkshire Pudding in London

• Yorkshire Burrito | West Yard, London NW1 8AF, United Kingdom
• Reform Social & Grill | Mandeville Pl, London W1U 2BE, United Kingdom
• Rules | 34-35 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7LB, United Kingdom

Bangers and Mash

Bangers and Mash is a London famous food that has made its way to many other countries too. You may have already had it elsewhere in the world, but it originates in England! 

This dish is made from sausage and mashed potatoes. It is typically served with gravy or sauce. Bangers and Mash can also include other ingredients such as onions, mushrooms, and carrots!

Bangers and Mash is considered a comfort food because it tastes so good. So, be sure to try this food in London, England, during your trip to the UK! Find a few great spots to try this dish in the list below.

Where to Get Bangers and Mash in London

• Ye Old Cheshire Cheese | 145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BP, United Kingdom
• The Grocer | 4 Crispin Pl, London E1 6DW, United Kingdom
• The Skinners Arms | 114 Judd St, London WC1H 9NT, United Kingdom

Scotch Egg

A Scotch egg is a hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage and then breaded and deep-fried. It was named for its resemblance to a small Scottish egg, which is a hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, rolled in flour, then fried.

Typically, a Scotch egg contains pork or beef sausage but can also be made with lamb, venison, or turkey. Scotch eggs are considered a pub food in the United Kingdom, but they have gained popularity in other parts of the world as well. They are easy to make and can be eaten as a snack or appetizer.

They can be found at many different spots throughout the city and can even be found at local grocery shops!

Where to Get a Scotch Egg in London

• Old Tom’s Bar | 10-12 Leadenhall Market, London EC3V 1LR, United Kingdom
• The Wigmore | 15 Langham Pl, London W1B 3DE, United Kingdom
• The Burlington Arms | 21 Old Burlington St, London W1S 2JL, United Kingdom

Baked Beans

English Baked Beans are a type of baked bean that is popular in the United Kingdom and Ireland. They are made from white haricot beans, which are slow-cooked in a tomato and sugar sauce. The beans can be served hot or cold and are often eaten with toast or potatoes.

Baked beans can be found in most supermarkets and convenience stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland. They are usually sold in cans or jars and range in price from £0.50 to £2.00 per can or jar.

You can also find baked beans paired with lots of other dishes that you’d order at London restaurants, so you may not even have to order it on its own. Find some great restaurants to try it at below!

Where to Get Baked Beans in London

• Prufrock Coffee | 23-25 Leather Ln, London EC1N 7TE, United Kingdom
• Fernando’s | 55 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4EA, United Kingdom
• Bay Leaf Cafe | 19 Tottenham St, London W1T 2AN, United Kingdom

Afternoon Tea

Easily one of the most popular and well-known foods in London is afternoon tea! In fact, many people add trying afternoon tea to their bucket list, and you should too. It’s definitely an entire experience that you won’t forget!

There are many different variations of Afternoon Tea, but it generally includes either black or green tea, with milk and sugar added to taste. The food items included vary depending on location, but common choices include sandwiches (usually cucumber, egg, or salmon), cakes, and pastries.

Afternoon Tea is a great way to take a break from work or school and enjoy some delicious food. It’s also an excellent opportunity to catch up with friends or family! The atmosphere in cafes and restaurants that serve Afternoon Tea is usually relaxing and informal, making it a great place to unwind.

Where to Get Afternoon Tea in London

• Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea | 50 Berners St, London W1T 3NG, United Kingdom
• The Savoy | Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, United Kingdom
• Corinthia London | 10 Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD, United Kingdom

Victoria Sponge Cake

Victoria sponge is a type of British cake made of two thin sheets of sponge cake sandwiched together with whipped cream and raspberry jam. The cake is named after Queen Victoria, who was known to enjoy a slice of Victoria sponge with her afternoon tea.

Victoria sponge is often served as a dessert but can also be eaten as a snack or breakfast food. It’s popular for special occasions, such as weddings and birthdays.

Victoria sponge is considered one of the most classic British cakes, so it’s definitely worth trying as you work your way through this list of foods in London.

Where to Get Victoria Sponge in London

• Primrose Bakery | 69 Gloucester Ave, London NW1 8LD, United Kingdom
• Violet | 47 Wilton Way, London E8 3ED, United Kingdom
• Peggy Porschen | 116 Ebury St, London SW1W 9QQ, United Kingdom

Fish and Chips

Fish and Chips is a dish that originated in the United Kingdom. It is made up of battered and fried fish and chips. Fish and Chips can be found in many places worldwide, but it is most popular in the United Kingdom!

There are many different types of fish that can be used in Fish and Chips, but cod is the most popular. Some people like to add malt vinegar or mushy peas to their Fish and Chips. These are often always available at most fish and chip shops, so you can customize them to your liking!

Even if you’re not a big fan of fish, it’s worth trying fish and chips in London at least once.

Where to Get Fish and Chips in London

• Poppies Fish & Chips | 6-8 Hanbury St, London E1 6QR, United Kingdom
• Golden Union | 38 Poland St, London W1F 7LY, United Kingdom
• The Mayfair Chippy | 14 N Audley St, London W1K 6WE, United Kingdom

Toad in the Hole

Toad in the Hole is a traditional English dish made from sausage and Yorkshire pudding. The sausage is typically fried, and then the Yorkshire pudding is baked in the same pan. Toad in the Hole can be served as a main course or as a side dish! Often, it’s served with veggies or gravy of some sort. 

Toad in the Hole is one of those dishes that just seems to taste better when it’s made fresh, which is why it’s best to try it at a local restaurant so you can try it when it’s hot!

Where to Get Toad in the Hole in London

• Terry’s Cafe London | 158 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 1PE, United Kingdom
• The Coal Hole | 91-92 Strand, Greater, London WC2R 0DW, United Kingdom
• Putney Pies | 2 Putney High St, London SW15 1SL, United Kingdom

Sticky Toffee Pudding

A sticky toffee pudding is a dessert that originated in England but has gained popularity in New Zealand and Australia as well. It is made with sponge cake, toffee sauce, and whipped cream or ice cream. Some variations also include chopped dates or nuts. Sticky toffee pudding is often served with tea or coffee!

You can find sticky toffee pudding at most British restaurants. It’s incredibly flavorful, which is why so many people love it. Below, find a few popular restaurants to grab them at while you’re in London.

Where to Get Sticky Toffee Pudding in London

• The Abingdon | 54 Abingdon Rd, London W8 6AP, United Kingdom
• Hawksmoor Seven Dials | 11 Langley St, London WC2H 9JG, United Kingdom
• Dirty Bones Soho | 14 Denman St, London W1D 7HJ, United Kingdom

Final Thoughts: Foods in London

This post was all about the best foods in London and where to find them! Don’t forget to save this post and share it for later. What foods in London do you love? Leave a comment below!