How much do you know about London foods?
British cuisine isn’t as popular as other cuisines around the world; however, this doesn’t mean there aren’t great traditional dishes you must try when visiting London or other cities in the UK.
You have probably heard of the famous fish and chips, but there are other less-known dishes that will surprise you, including tasty desserts.
If you are a foodie and would love to try local delicacies during your trip to London, we’ve got you covered!
Popular Foods in London You Must Try
1) Afternoon Tea
If you are looking for a British experience, there is nothing more British than afternoon tea.
It consists of sandwiches (usually cut into ‘fingers’), scones with clotted cream and jam, and a good range of cakes.
The sandwiches served in an afternoon tea are usually coronation chicken, cucumber, dill and soft cheese, and ham with cheese and chutney – although you can find other combinations too.
All this delicious food is accompanied by an English breakfast teapot, but if you don’t like tea with milk, you can order any other hot drink, such as hot chocolate or coffee.
There are many fantastic places to have afternoon tea in London, and some of the most famous are The Rubens at the Palace Hotel, The Savoy, Sketch and Fortnum & Mason.
However, if you want a different way to have afternoon tea, I highly recommend booking an afternoon tea bus tour. Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus Tours is a fantastic choice.
In this 90 minutes experience, you will have afternoon tea with unlimited hot drinks as you learn and see some of London’s main attractions in the city centre.
For example, the Natural History Museum, Trafalgar Square, London Eye, and Big Ben.
It’s an unforgettable experience, and it’s even more magical if you do it during November and December to see the Christmas Lights in London.
2) Bacon Sandwich
A bacon sandwich is a popular breakfast and lunch across the UK. However, don’t be surprised if locals call the bacon sandwich different names.
For example, if you visit Yorkshire, people call it “bacon sarnie or bacon butty”, and other name variations you can hear in other parts of England are bacon roll, rasher sandwich, bacon barm and bacon muffin.
Despite all the names the British have for bacon sandwiches, the dish itself is quite simple: fried rashes of bacon with bread seasoned with ketchup or brown sauce.
You can find the best bacon sandwiches in London in Le Swine.
3) Bangers and Mash
A classic British dinner is Bangers and Mash, which consists of sausages and mashed potatoes.
The sausages used for this dish can vary, and they are typically made of pork, lamb, or beef (but pork is the predominant one.) They are accompanied by gravy, fried onions and boiled peas.
If you wonder why sausages are called bangers in England, the term bangers dates back to 1914. During World War I (1914-1918), the UK experienced shortages in meat, and apparently, the sausages were made with different fillers, mainly water, that made them explode when cooked.
You can easily find Bangers and Mash in pubs across London, and the best place in London to enjoy this typical dish is Mother Mash. They have endless options for mash, sausages, and gravy – from traditional to less common combinations.
4) British Pie
Pies didn’t originate in the United Kingdom; the Greeks came up with this dish that consists of a pastry shell filled with different meats, vegetables or fish.
The pie became popular in the early 12th century in the UK, and sweet pies did not exist until the 16 century when Queen Elizabeth I was served a cherry pie.
Nowadays, there are many variations of pies, and they are not only popular in the UK but in other countries too. However, the British have taken an extra step to show their love for pies by celebrating British Pie Week in March.
During this week, you are encouraged to eat pies, make a pie and learn about all the different recipes and pie variations.
If you visit London, the most popular pies you will find are Cornish Pasty, Steak Pie, Scotch Pie, Vegan Pie, Apple Pie and Banoffee Pie.
A popular place to eat pies in London and other cities in the UK is Pieminister; as its name suggests, you can find all sorts of pies, including vegan and vegetarian options.
5) Bubble And Squeak
Another popular dish in London is Bubble And Squeak, also known as British Potato Cake, made from cooked potatoes and cabbage mixed and fried. It is often eaten for breakfast, lunch or as an appetizer.
It is a comfort food dish that many locals make with vegetable leftovers from a Sunday dinner, and it is sometimes topped with a fried egg on top.
One of the best places to enjoy Bubble and Squeak in London is Maria’s Market Cafe in Borough Market.
6) Cheese toastie
A toastie is what the British call a toasted sandwich, so a cheese toastie is a sandwich filled with cheese. If you love cheese and bread, you will love to tuck in this grilled goey hot sandwich.
As basic as it sounds, it is one of these comfort foods you want to have again and again.
Kappacasein in Borough Market is your go-to for a cheese toastie. They also have amazing raclettes that consist of new potatoes, baby gherkins and pickled onions topped with melted cheese.
7) Chicken Tikka Masala
Indian cuisine has had a big influence in the UK since the 15th century when the British started discovering and using some of the famous Indian spices.
Many dishes were adapted to the British taste; this is how Chicken Tikka Masala originated, which is now considered a typical dish in London.
Chicken Tikka Masala is the favourite curry in the UK, and it is one of the most popular takeaway options – followed by Chinese.
The dish is made with chicken marinated in spices such as garam masala, cumin and red chilli powder, tomato puree and yoghurt, among other ingredients. Like all curries, it is served with naan bread and basmati or pilau rice.
If you are looking for a good curry place in London, you won’t be disappointed with Dishoom, where you can try a delicious Tikka Masala or go for other curries such as Chicken Ruby or Chaap Pineapple Tikka (a vegetarian option.)
Not only is the food amazing, but the atmosphere and staff too. I visited Dishoom in Edinburgh, and I loved it. Although it may be more expensive than other Indian restaurants, it’s completely worth it.
8) Cockles
Cockles have been a popular and quick snack in seaside towns in England for many years. However, merchants started selling cockles to London and other cities.
If you are really into seafood, you must try this British dish. Cockles are cooked in boiling water and then served with salt, pepper and vinegar. However, you can also find them in seafood pies, salads, risotto and pasta.
9) Fish and Chips
When someone asks you about what British dishes you know, you will likely answer “fish and chips.” It’s the most popular food, after all.
This battered fried cod served with a generous portion of chips is a hit. The batter differs entirely from other places, such as Malaga, Southern Spain. The fish and chips batter is thicker and crunchier.
Many locals add vinegar to their chips and sometimes gravy (if you aren’t from the UK, you will find it an odd combination.)
If you travel outside London, you will find that fish and chips are also served with mushy peas (marrowfat peas that are cooked and mashed.)
10) Jacket Potato
Jacket potatoes are an easy and quick lunch. They are also known as baked potatoes in some parts of the UK.
As the dish name suggests, it consists of a potato baked until it has crispy skin and it’s fluffy inside. T
hen, it can be topped with numerous fillings, but the most common ingredients are butter, cheese, sour cream, gravy, baked beans, tuna, ham and even ground meat.
11) Sausage roll
If you are looking for a quick bite at lunchtime, a sausage roll is a perfect choice.
Sausage rolls are traditionally made with puff pastry filled with sausage, then baked until golden, crispy and flaky.
You can find sausage rolls everywhere across London. Greggs (a British bakery chain) is the most affordable and convenient place to get one, but if you are looking for a top-notch sausage roll, go to The Ginger Pig.
12) Scotch Eggs
Scotch Eggs are another traditional British dish worth trying. It is made of a hard-boiled egg that is wrapped in sausage, covered in breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried, or sometimes baked, until crispy.
Interestingly, the name makes you think these eggs originated in Scotland (I thought exactly the same). However, they were first made in Whitby, a seaside town in Yorkshire, in the late 19th century.
You can find Scotch Eggs in many restaurants, pubs and even supermarkets.
A top choice place to have this dish is Scotchtails in Borough Market. Not only are the Scotch eggs amazing, but it’s budget-friendly too.
If you are after a modern twist and eating it in a restaurant, Farzi Cafe won’t disappoint you.
13) Sunday Roast
If you are looking for a generous and hearty lunch or dinner, Sunday Roast is perfect.
This dish consists of roasted meat (turkey, beef, and gammon are common options), roast potatoes, vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, Yorkshire puddings, and sometimes stuffing.
The combination of vegetables can always be changed depending on where you eat your Sunday Roast, and condiments that can accompany it are gravy, apple sauce, mint sauce, or redcurrant jelly.
Although the traditional Sunday Roast has meat, you can also find vegetarian and vegan alternatives in many pubs and restaurants.
The vegetarian alternative can include roast cauliflower, vegetarian Wellington or nut roast.
Are you looking for the best Sunday Roast in London? Here are some of the top choices:
- Hawksmoor Air Street
- Red Lion and Sun
- Kerridge’s Bar and Grill at Corinthia Hotel London
- Cora Pearl, Covent Garden
14) Traditional Full English Breakfast
Who hasn’t heard of full English Breakfast? Not only will you find it in England, but you will also be able to eat it in beach resorts in towns near Malaga, restaurants in the Algarve and beyond. However, you can compare the one prepared in the UK.
The traditional English breakfast, informally called “fry-up”, is a must-try dish, but only if you love a big breakfast as it can be very filling.
A traditional full English breakfast consists of fried eggs, sausages, bacon, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms, baked beans, buttered toast, and often a slice of black pudding. A breakfast tea or coffee also accompanies it.
The dish isn’t considered very healthy as most of its ingredients are fried, so it may not be for you if you love eating healthy, but if you would love to try it, the best way to have a full English breakfast would be to prepare it yourself.
Also, if you are a vegetarian or vegan, you can often find a meat-free option for a Full English Breakfast.
Some popular places to have a full English breakfast in London are The Pavilion Cafe and Regency Café.
Popular desserts in London
Bread and Butter Pudding
Bread and Butter Pudding is a traditional bread pudding famous in British cuisine.
Despite the name, the dessert is much better than it sounds. It consists of slices of buttered bread spread with raisins and covered with a custard seasoned with nutmeg, vanilla and other spices until golden baked.
Although you can eat it cold or at room temperature, warm is the best way to have this delicious pudding.
Chelsea Bun
Similar to a cinnamon roll but slightly different, a Chelsea Bun is a lovely currant bun that originated in the 18th century at the Bun House in Chelsea, London.
The bun is made of yeast dough that is flavoured with lemon peel, cinnamon and mixed spice. Then it is rolled into a square spiral shape and spread with currants, brown sugar and butter.
These are sometimes glazed with syrup, which makes the buns sweeter and stickier.
Eton Mess
Eton Mess is the dessert you want after a heavy meal because of its delicate and light flavours. It’s mainly made with strawberries, meringue, and whipped cream.
Many people believe that Eton Mess and Pavlova are very similar, and although they are similar, Eton Mess is considered British and served as an individual dessert.
Pavlova is a New Zealand dessert and is often seen as a cake that serves more than one.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
If you have a sweet tooth, you must taste Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Interestingly, many people argue that the origins of this dessert are unknown. However, it’s believed that it was invented during the 20th century in the North West of England, and then it rapidly became popular across the country.
It consists of a moist sponge cake mainly made with chopped dates and a delicious toffee sauce. It’s served warm and accompanied by custard or vanilla ice cream to give it another dimension.
Are you looking for the best Sticky Toffee Pudding in London? Then you need to check Hawksmoor, Holborn Dining Room and Hotbox.
Trifle
There isn’t a most British traditional dessert than a trifle. This dessert consists of ladyfingers soaked in wine at the bottom of a glass or trifle bowl and layers of custard and jelly topped with whisked cream and fresh strawberries.
However, you can also find variations of the traditional trifle, such as chocolate, Christmas, spiced mulled wine, and black forest.
Frequently asked questions about food in London
What is the most popular meal in London?
The most popular dish in London is fish and chips. Not only is it known by locals but tourists too. You can’t leave London without trying this traditional meal.
Other popular foods in London are:
- Sunday Roast
- Bangers and Mash
- Pies
- Tikka Masala
- Bubble and Squeak
What is a typical London breakfast?
A full English breakfast consists of bacon, sausages, beans, fried egg, roasted mushrooms and tomatoes, black pudding and toast with butter. Although it’s a traditional breakfast, it doesn’t mean everyone has this for breakfast daily.
Other popular breakfast options are bacon or sausage sandwich, scrambled eggs on toast, porridge, cornflakes and crumpets. All of these breakfast meals are followed by coffee or tea.
Do the British still have tea time?
Although the British still have what it’s called afternoon tea, this only happens on special occasions or when they want to treat themselves.
Most people work during these hours and don’t have time for a tea break with delicious pastries, finger sandwiches, scones and jam.
If you want to experience afternoon tea in London, check out The Rubens, The Savoy, Sketch and Fortnum & Mason. Alternatively, an afternoon tea bus tour is also a unique experience in which you’ll have delicious food while sightseeing.
This is a post by Guest Contributor Cristina Reina from My Little World of Travelling
