This is a post about foods you must eat in London.
One of my favourite things about London is its diverse food scene. It is a city where you can find a myriad of bakeries, trending dishes, global flavours, innovative restaurants and iconic foods that have become part of the city’s culture. Whether you want something viral from TikTok, a modern classic you will not find anywhere else or the best street food London has to offer, this guide brings together the must eat foods in London that everyone is talking about.
SO many people on Tiktok and IG like to slap the word “viral” on their posts hoping to go viral themselves so I’m adding only the foods I’ve actually tried and swear by or food I might personally not love but know it’s a crowd favourite. Recently I did a little “viral bakeries tour” of London and found some of them were more looks than substance. So here we go.
Ps: my rating system is not based on how good the food is, it’s based on whether I think you should try it when in London. There are SO many great food spots in this city! Not all viral foods are worth it (in my humble opinion).
Iconic London Foods
Beigel Bake Salt Beef Bagel
Established in 1855 (!!!), Beigel Bake on Brick Lane is a London institution and the salt beef bagel is a rite of passage. The shop is open twenty four hours a day INCLUDING ON CHRISTMAS, which has made it a late night hero for generations of Londoners. The bagel is packed with thick slices of hot salt beef, English mustard and a pickle which gives you the perfect mix of soft, spicy and sharp. It is not glamorous and that is the appeal. You queue, you order, you eat and you instantly understand why it is a London classic. It’s also one of the best cheap eats in the city!
Location: Brick Lane, East London
Must eat in London rate: 9/10
Bunsik Korean Corndog
Bunsik is one of London’s biggest viral food hits and the queues speak for themselves. It’s been a few years now that I’ve been seeing queues outside its Charing Cross Road branch. Their Korean corndogs come packed with stretchy mozzarella or a mix of sausage and cheese, then coated in a batter that becomes crispy, golden and slightly sweet. Like an American corndog but better. Some versions are dusted with sugar, others rolled in potatoes or ramen crumbs and you finish it with sauces that make it look as dramatic as it tastes. It is messy, fun and very London.
Location: all over town! Charing Cross Road, Camden Town, Westfield Shepherds Bush (from 29 Nov), Embankment (no queues there!) and more
Must eat in London rate: 6/10
Fortitude Bakehouse Beignets
Fortitude Bakehouse near Russell Square has quietly become one of London’s most beloved bakeries. For YEARS I’ve been wanting to visit it but then more recently it went viral on socials and now there’s always a queue.
I decided to brave it recently and it was actually totally fine (pro tip: head there on a weekday morning rather than weekend!). Their beignets are soft, warm and filled with rich custards or seasonal fruit creams. They sell out quickly which is part of their cult status. The bakery focuses on slow ferments and small batch baking which gives their pastries a distinctive flavour that is worth travelling across London for. When it’s gone for the day, it’s gone.
I must add, everything they do is delicious! I got what looked like a simple blueberry banana bread and thought it was going to be good but it was SO flavoursome!
Location: Russell Square (very near the British Museum)
Must eat in London rate: 10/10
Buns From Home
I LOVE the story of Buns From Home! It started as a lockdown project and is now one of London’s most hyped bakeries. Their laminated buns are flaky, buttery and spiralled with flavours like cinnamon, pistachio, raspberry and cardamom. Every bun looks like a work of art which makes them incredibly popular. They are indulgent, messy and satisfying which explains their constant queues.
They’re all over town, always have new and different flavours and also various savoury buns like the spinach and feta cheese one.
Location: all over! Type “buns from home” in to your Google Maps and it’ll show you all locations such as Portobello and Leicester Square
Must eat in London rate: 10/10
Crisp Pizza
Crisp Pizza in Hammersmith went viral for its simple yet delicious New York style slices that taste surprisingly authentic for a London shop. The pizza is thin, foldable and generously topped with cheese and sauce which gives it that classic slice shop feel. While the pizza draws comparisons to New York, it has become a uniquely London sensation with visitors travelling from across the city to get a single slice. For a while there people were advised to get in the queue by 11am so they wouldn’t miss out on it!
It seems that hype has died down a little, but not the quality. In fact, they’re opening a new spot right in Mayfair so easier to get to if you’re not based out west.
Location: Hammersmith and Mayfair
Must eat in London rate: 9/10
And if you’re into American pizzas, I’ve got a post all about the best places to find them whether you’re looking for Chicago, New York or Detroit!
Honey Toast from Arome
Arome Bakery in Covent Garden is famous for its Japanese French pastries and the honey toast is the standout. Thick slices of shokupan are caramelised on the outside, soft on the inside and finished with a glossy honey glaze. It is simple yet perfect and has become one of London’s most photographed and most recommended pastries.
Location: Covent Garden
Must eat in London rate: 7/10
Basque Cheesecake from Le Maritxu
Le Maritxu specialises in Basque cheesecake and has become the name people mention when discussing the best cheesecake in London. Each slice has a dark caramelised top, a soft custard like middle and a rich flavour that sets it apart from anything else in the city. It sells out regularly which has only added to its reputation.
They also do different flavours occasionally like the current Tiramisu one which I’m dying to try!
Location: Connaught Village, Greenwich, Kingly Court, Mercato Mayfair (one of the most unique food markets in London!)
Must eat in London rate: 7/10
Rye Banana Bread with Cinnamon Honey from Scandinavian Kitchen
Scandinavian Kitchen is known for its coffee and Nordic comfort food but the rye banana bread has become its cult item. It is moist, slightly nutty and served warm with cinnamon honey that melts into the loaf. It is simple bakery perfection and one of those London foods that does not go viral because of a trend but because people genuinely adore it. I had it months ago and still dream about it!
Location: Fitzrovia and Victoria (very close to the station!)
Must eat in London rate: 9/10
Bread Ahead Doughnuts
Bread Ahead is one of London’s longest standing bakery icons and its doughnuts are legendary. The crème brûlée flavour is the most famous but seasonal fillings like raspberry cream, chocolate or honeycomb often steal the show. The doughnuts are huge, soft and filled to the brim which makes them a staple of any London food list.
Location: Borough Market, Sloane Square, South Kensington, Kings Cross, Wembley and Bromley
Must eat in London rate: 7/10
Pophams Pastries
Pophams has a devoted following for its inventive pastries made with impeccable technique. Their bacon maple swirl and marmite and cheese twist are two of the most famous items. The pastries are flaky, buttery and layered with flavour which explains the queues outside every location.
Location: Angel, London Fields, Victoria Park
Must eat in London rate: 8/10
Biang Biang Noodles from Xi’an Biang Biang
These hand pulled noodles have become a sensation in London thanks to their bold flavours and impressive texture. The noodles are thick and wide, tossed in chilli oil and topped with beef or vegetables. They are comforting, spicy and endlessly slurpable which has made Xi’an Biang Biang one of the most talked about casual restaurants in the city.
Location: South Kensington, London Bridge, Aldgate, Covent Garden and Canary Wharf
Must eat in London rate: 8/10
Taiyaki Ice Cream from Mamasons
Mamasons is known for its Filipino inspired ice cream and its ube soft serve in a taiyaki cone is the most iconic item on the menu. The bright purple ice cream, served inside a warm fish shaped waffle cone, is instantly recognisable and one of the most photogenic desserts in London.
Location: Chinatown, Camden and Westfield Shepherds Bush
Must eat in London rate: 8/10
Knoops Hot Chocolate
Growing up in Brazil, chocolate milk was a BIG part of my life! So when I first saw Knoops I was really excited. Knoops offers one of the most indulgent hot chocolate experiences in London with a menu that lets you choose your cacao percentage from lightly sweet to intensely rich. Each drink is whisked to order which gives it that thick, smooth texture. It is the perfect winter treat and one of the most beloved drinks in the city. They also have various seasonal flavours. My thing with them is that I find it quite pricey for what it is and I like the idea more than the product. They are very popular though! So going on the list.
Location: Richmond, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Covent Garden, High St Kensington and Portobello
Must eat in London rate: 6/10
Humble Crumble
This is another dessert spot made famous by the socials. Their locations usually have a long queue of people eager to try the famous crumble. The interesting thing is that you can build your own! You choose your flavour, your crumble and your topping. Personally, I think it sounds better than it is, I was underwhelmed, but I think you should try for yourself. You might love it!
Location: Borough Market, Spitalfields Market, Covent Garden and Borough Market
Must eat in London rate: 8/10 (purely for popularity and the fact crumble is such an iconic British dessert!)
Roll Boys
Look, I haven’t been to this one yet but apparently they do incredibly indulgent cinnamon buns. They sell their heavenly carby pillows of joy at My Favourite Sandwich in Shoreditch. Weekends only. Let me know if you try them before I do!
Iconic Restaurants in London
Dishoom
Dishoom remains one of London’s most loved restaurants and its signature dishes have become part of the city’s food culture. Anytime someone asks me for food recommendation in London and I mention Dishoom, the response is either “oh, I know, can’t wait to visit” or “so good!! I’ve been”. The bacon naan roll is a breakfast essential, the house black daal simmers for twenty four hours and the chicken ruby is always reliable. Every branch has its own character which keeps the experience fresh.
Location: Kings Cross, Covent Garden, Shoreditch, Canary Wharf, Battersea and Carnaby Street
Must eat in London rate: 100/10
Padella
Padella is possibly London’s most famous fresh pasta spot and the cacio e pepe is the dish that made it a sensation. The restaurant operates on a walk in basis which leads to queues but the pasta is quick, affordable and exceptionally made which makes the wait worthwhile.
Location: London Bridge/Borough Market
Must eat in London rate: 8/10
BAO
BAO has become a cult classic in London for its Taiwanese inspired menu. The original pork bao is iconic, the fried chicken bao is a crowd favourite and the side dishes change regularly but always impress. The minimalist design and strong branding helped BAO define a new wave of London dining. Personally, the dish I constantly dream about is the 40-Day Aged Beef Steak, Rice and Cured Egg Yolk. It is HEAVEN! And recently I learnt that it’s made slightly different (and better) at the London Bridge branch which is where I had it for the first time. I can’t recommend this enough!
Location: Battersea, Marylebone, Soho, London Bridge, Kings Cross and City
Must eat in London rate: 10/10
Hoppers
Hoppers introduced many Londoners to Sri Lankan and Tamil food with dishes like hoppers, bone marrow varuval and short eats. The food is rich, spicy and memorable which has made it one of the most consistently popular restaurants in the city.
Location: Soho, Marylebone, Kings Cross (and soon, Shoreditch)
Must eat in London rate: 8/10
Gloria and Circolo Popolare
These Big Mamma restaurants combine theatrical interiors with indulgent Italian comfort food. The parmesan wheel pasta is the most famous dish but huge desserts, oversized cocktails and maximalist décor make these restaurants destinations in their own right.
Location: Soho
Must eat in London rate: 6/10 (personally, I think it’s more “for the ‘gram” than for the palate)
Roti King
This iconic Malaysian spot used to be a small basement restaurant near Euston that always had a queue outside. The flaky roti canai and rich Malaysian curries have built a loyal following. It is fast, affordable and packed with flavour which keeps people coming back. Lucky for us, they now have other branches such as the one in Waterloo and in Batteresea.
Location: Euston, Waterloo/Lower Marsh, Battersea and Spitalfields
Must eat in London rate: 7/10
Flat Iron
Flat Iron is known for its simple concept: a straightforward menu, well cooked steak and a price point that feels surprisingly low for London. The free popcorn, the cosy interiors and consistent quality have made it one of the most popular casual restaurants in the city. Sometimes you get free soft serve ice cream too!
Location: Borough, Kings Cross, Soho, Covent Garden, Marylebone, Kensington, Victoria, Waterloo, Hammersmith, Southbank, London Bridge, Westfield Shepherds Bush, Tottenham Court Road, Shoreditch and Flat Iron Square
Must eat in London rate: 7/10 (if you want steak and a sit down meal, this is a pretty decent spot! On the list due to popularity)
Xi’an Impression
Located near the Emirates Stadium, Xi’an Impression serves some of the most authentic regional Chinese dishes in London. The hand pulled noodles, roujiamo burgers and cold skin noodles are standout dishes that regularly appear on viral lists.
Location: Holloway Road
Must eat in London rate: 6/10
Best Street Food in London
I’ve actually got a whole post dedicated to the best food markets in London and all the incredible street food you can find there right here.
Borough Market
Borough Market is filled with global flavours and artisan producers which makes it one of the best places to start your London food journey. Try Kappacasein’s toasted cheese sandwich, Bread Ahead doughnuts, oysters from Richard Haward, raclette from Alpes or Ethiopian stews from Ethiopian Flavours. It is overwhelming in the best possible way so going hungry is essential.
Camden Market
Camden Market is loud, messy and full of brilliant food. You will find birria tacos, mac and cheese, churros, halloumi fries, Venezuelan arepas, Korean fried chicken and plenty of vegan options. It is the place to try bold flavours and street food that has a big personality. Plus, the Koran corndogs I mentioned at the top!
Seven Dials Market
Seven Dials Market is ideal for visitors who want variety in a central location. There are traders selling pasta, bao, waffles, fried chicken, ramen and more. The conveyor belt cheese bar, Pick and Cheese, is one of the most unique eating experiences in the area.
Maltby Street Market
Smaller and more curated than Borough or Camden, Maltby Street Market focuses on high quality food. You will find grilled steak, brownies, toasties, cocktails and excellent coffee. It is a brilliant weekend market without the crowds that often fill the larger ones. This one is only open on weekends.
Old Spitalfields Market
Old Spitalfields Market offers a mix of street food and restaurants with standout dishes like Taiwanese fried chicken from Mr Ji, dumplings from Dumpling Shack and burgers from Bleecker. It is indoors which makes it ideal on cold or rainy days.
Final Thoughts
London is a city with endless food options but some dishes stand out because they capture the experience of eating in London today. From cult bakeries to viral street food, iconic restaurants to modern classics, these are the foods you must eat in London that define the city’s food scene. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or you live here and want to try something new, this list gives you the perfect starting point for exploring the very best of London’s modern food culture.
This is a post about foods you must eat in London.
