London, a city famous for its rich history and iconic vision, is also one of the most exciting culinary capitals in the world. Its food scene is an immigration, heritage and innovation celebration, a place where you can find a curry of Malaysia and a jolly of Western Africa to the steps, both cooked with the same passion as in their country of origin.
Forget old clichés about British food. From bustling markets to calm side streets, London offers a party that covers continents and tells the stories of innumerable cultures, on a plate.
Let’s explore some of the best places for international food in London.
Relationship read: How to spend two days in London: a local guide
Here is a general description:
Experience the best of London on these food tours
→ Borough Market and Southwark: Enjoy six different tastings from the best food places, from sausage rolls to an exclusive combination of food and wines. Book now!
→ Taste of Britton Food Tour with Caribbean, African and Latin American flavors: Enjoy 6 tastings of 6 small businesses in Brixton, including authentic Caribbean dishes, Jamaican cake and jolly rice of Western Africa. Book now!
→ Food tour of the historical pubs of London: Learn the ins and outs of the British pub culture while trying basic products such as sausage rolls, Scottish eggs and more, all perfectly combined with beer and cider. Book now!
Where to find the best international food in London by area
The London International Food Scene is better explore by the neighborhood, each offering their own unique flavors and cultural depth. Brixton is the option to eat in bold and moving Western Africa, Caribbean and South American. Borough Market and South London mix classical British food such as cakes and oysters with rich Indian and Caribbean fusion dishes found in the garden of Toot and Covent Garden.
The center of London and Chinatown combine historical pubs with a sensory party of Asian cuisine. Go east of London to see some of the most authentic and affordable global flavors of the city: think of Afghan meatballs, Roti de Malaysia, Curry of the Thai Jungle, Napolitan Pizza and 24 -hour iconic bagels.
Each area offers a different culinary passport, which makes London a true playground for food lovers.
Our friend, Kash, explored many of these best places, look: The best cheap foods in London
BRIXTON – Western African, Caribbean and South American Africa
Brixton is where London’s global flavors take their way. This animated neighborhood is a sensory explosion of music, murals and unforgettable food. Here, African, Caribbean and Latin American cultures converge, and food tells all its stories.
Brixton de Maureen kitchen It gives life to the reconforting food Gambiana with slow and richly seasoned dishes. JOLLOF HOUSE KITCHEN Level the Western Africa Classic with its famous French friesadding the correct crunch and heat.
Are you looking for bold Caribbean flavors? Maureen kitchen (Yes, a different one!) Try part of the best food of the Briton’s Caribbean soul. Enter Pop Bryxton For more: Try the juicy Smash Burgers in Bun n sum or explore bold and homeless dishes in Black star kitchenwhere the Caribbean food is reinvented with style.
Latin American snacks also thrive here: Cantinho Mineiro and Salailla Serve Brazilian meals and other South American meals with an abundant touch and a warm hospitality.
Borough Market & South London-British Staples and Fusion-Caribbean Fusion
The bustling food stalls from Borough Market are a magnet for food lovers who pursue everything, from the coolest oysters to rich and abundant cakes.
In Richard Howard’s oystersYou will find fresh essex oysters combined with sparkling, simple, elegant and refreshing sparkling wine. For classical comforting food, Pastel arments and puree It serves traditional meat cakes and puree of potatoes with a parsley liquor, a nostalgic bite of London of the old school.
In the area of southern London, the food culture of southern Asia is rich and accessible. Dawat Tooting and Adchaya Offer authentic food India and Sri Lanka with deep and aromatic flavors.
North COVENT GARDENand you will stumble upon Deli de New Delhi—A hidden jewel that offers abundant india-caribeña melting dishes in generous portions. The ox curry, chicken, duck and pork are just some of the specials that change newspapers that have regular customers aligned.
Further south, House of India In Wellington Road there is great value stops serving vegetarian dishes and vibrant meat. Favorites include Navratan Korma, ALOO GOBI, Dal Makhaniand Rice with JeeraAll delivering a satisfactory mixture of spices, wealth and balance.
Central London and Chinatown – Pub culture and a country of Asian culinary wonders
The center of London combines tradition and variety effortlessly. Look Ye Olde Cheshire CheeseA pub that has served Londoners since the seventeenth century. Look ARIA GOLDEN GRILLwhere the favorites of the global grill make a satisfactory stop in the heart of the city.
Then follow your nose (and your appetite) in ChinatownWhere each alley and window of the illuminated store promises something special.
Chinese bakery It is a paradise for sweets, from coconut buns to Matcha rolls. In Old Chang KeeTake a girdle and golden snack like a store in Singapore.
New favorites have also appeared: Moño house Raise the humble bun with bold fillings, but do not miss your French toast Kaya—A creamy and cocotera revelation. In Kung Fu NoodleTry the Pican fries initiator“Crystone, blunt and totally addictive.”
And for the iconic? Four stations It is your option. Is roast duck It is famous throughout the city: lacquered, juicy and worth each bite.
Related reading: A guide to the best historical pubs in London
East London: From Bars to Afghan meatballs, Rotis de Malaysia and Curry Thai
Eastern London is a crossroads of cultures and kitchens, without practicing and infinitely gratifying.
Start with a classic in Beigel baked In the brick lane, where bagels of recent salted meat are served 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and still cost less than a coffee.
Italian street food lovers go to mass South Italy in the Spitalfields market. His Pizza a portfoglio It is folded and ready for the street, with thin and chewable dough and fresh ingredients directly from Naples.
A few blocks away King Roti It offers tamil food from deeply comforting Malaysia. He Roti ChennaiCrispy on the outside and soft inside, it is better combined with its chicken to the exclusive curry.
Do you long for Afghan flavors? Near Oxford and Wonderland, Kebab Rey It is more than just Kebabs. Try the traditional Pilow Qabli with lamb rod, sweet carrots and raisins; he BOLANI (stuffed flat bread); either MAINTA Dumplings with yogurt and lentils. It is food made to share and remember.
One more place cannot lose: Nakhon Thai. Hidden in East London, this warm and cozy Thai restaurant is the real business. The star dish? He Jungle curry—Ferozly spicy and fragrant, not for the weak of the palate. If your spices tolerance is not at least 9 out of 10, consider warned.
BEYOND THE PLATE: TIPS FOR YOUR GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE OF LONDON
- Add on the tourist path: The best food is often outside the central areas, in neighborhoods such as Brixton, East London or Tooting.
- Hugged markets: Street food stalls in Spitalfields, Pop Bryxton and Borough offer unbeatable value and flavor.
- Go globalize with your taste papillae: Try each area as a passport stamp, from Gambian to Malaysian and Afghan in one day.
- Be curious, not cautious: Some of the most memorable dishes come from trying something unknown, such as the curry jungle or the maintains.
Tase of London’s endless party
London is not just a city that you visit, it is a city that you eat. And with each bite, you are testing more than flavor; You are testing migration, culture, memory and family recipes transported in the oceans.
From Guisos del Caribe in Britton to Fiery Thai Curry in East London and Silky Duck in Chinatown, London’s food scene is a true global table. So it comes hungry and stay curious, because here, everyone is waiting for you on a dish.
