One of the joys of travel is sampling dishes where they belong, from that perfect cup of coffee in Italy to the best okonomiyaki in Osaka. And while British food has a questionable reputation abroad, London’s culinary scene is world-class. I should know – I live here.
Although British food has a historically bad reputation, today’s London has a world-beating culinary scene. I know this because I live there.
Sure, much of that is down to the capital’s multiculturalism. But traditional British dishes are also far better than you might think.
So which foods should you try? From classic pub grub to multicultural favourites, here are the traditional British foods and London dishes you need to eat when you visit.
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Full English Breakfast
Could there be a more satisfying start to the day? Also known as a ‘full English’ or a ‘fry up’, this is the breakfast to try in London.
Although there are variations on a Full English, expect to find the following on your plate:
– 2 rashers of back bacon
– 1 or 2 pork sausages
– A fried egg (or two)
– Baked beans
– Tomatoes
– Mushrooms
– Toast or fried bread
Sometimes you’ll be served black pudding, a ‘delicacy’ made from pig’s blood, fat and oatmeal. It sounds revolting, but I love it, particularly dipped in a runny egg. Hashbrowns may also be available.
Vegetarian options are widely available.
Where to eat a Full English breakfast in London
Most London hotels will serve components of a full English in their breakfast buffet. Although pricey, the one served at The Wolseley restaurant has garnered rave reviews.
However, for me, the best full English breakfasts are to be had at one of London’s “greasy spoon” cafes, unpretentious local spots that serve proper working breakfasts.
Fish & Chips
Fish & chips are perhaps the most famous British food in London.
The dish emerged in the 1860s, with competing claims about its origins from both northern England and London’s East End. What’s beyond doubt is that it’s finger-licking good.
When you order fish ‘n chips in London, expect deep-fried, battered cod, hake or haddock with chunky chips. For the full experience, liberally sprinkle them with salt and vinegar and add a side of mushy peas.
Fish and chips can be eaten throughout the day: a cheap lunch, an early evening meal or a late-night snack. It’s traditionally eaten on Fridays.
Where to eat fish & chips in London
Fish and chips are served throughout London, from pubs to upmarket restaurants. However, the best way to eat fish ‘n chips is wrapped up in paper from a “chippy” as Londoners call fish ‘n chip shops.
Recommended chippies in central London include Poppies (branches in Soho, Camden, Portobello and Spitalfields).
Sunday Roast
Don’t leave London without devouring this meaty masterpiece.
Designed to be eaten after a Sunday church service, this most traditional of British foods – it is believed to originated in the 15th century – is best shared with friends and family. Bring an empty stomach.
A traditional Sunday roast comprises roasted meat plus sides, accompanied by roast potatoes, a Yorkshire Pudding and vegetables, drowned in rich gravy.
Yorkshire puddings are quintessentially British and one of the foods that you have to try in London. Made from batter (flour, eggs and water) and baked to a crispy fluffy crown, they’re delicious.
Vegetables typically include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, parsnips and peas. You’ll also be offered condiments, like apple sauce, mint sauce or redcurrant jelly.
Where to eat a Sunday Roast in London
Sunday roast is available throughout London, and some of the best roasts are to be had in pubs rather than restaurants. But to get more bang for your buck, head for one of the capital’s carveries.
A carvery is a very British thing. After paying a (usually) modest fixed price, you queue for your choice of freshly sliced cooked meat plus a Yorkshire pudding. Then you shuffle along the counter, piling your plate with as many vegetables as it can hold, before adding gravy and sauces.
Pie & Mash
There aren’t many foods more London than the classic Cockney pie and mash.
Once a dietary staple, the trend for healthy eating has seen pies fall out of favour. However, you can still find traditional pie ‘n mash shops serving a slap-up meal of pie, mash and liquor.
Many traditional pie and mash shops only open at lunchtime and shut on Sundays.
Expect minced beef pies with flaky lids, mashed potato and liquor – a vivid green parsley sauce. Traditionally, liquor was made from the water used to stew eels. Very few places do this now; that green colour is solely due to parsley.
For an authentic London experience, add vinegar to your mash.
Where to eat pie and mash in London
Pie and mash shops in London are a dying breed. Arments (Walworth) and Goddard’s at Greenwich are well-established survivors.
Bangers & Mash
I love bangers and mash, aka sausages and mashed potatoes. To me, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
This pub staple tastes good, is cheap and filling.
Sausages can be beef, pork or lamb, but one of the most traditional – and best – is Cumberland sausage, a substantial pork sausage from northwest England. Look out for regional varieties.
Your bangers and mash should be drowned in rich gravy (onion gravy is best). Consider it a bonus if they’re served in a giant Yorkshire pudding, known as Toad in the Hole.
Where to eat bangers and mash in London
Bangers and mash are served across London and are a pub grub staple. Mother Mash in Covent Garden offers a mix-and-match menu of free-range sausages, mash and gravy for a very reasonable price.
Chicken Tikka Masala
This creamy, aromatic curry is one of London’s most popular dishes.
British Indian curry is quite different from the curry you would be served in Bombay or Bangalore.
London was the location of the first curry house in Britain, which was opened in 1809 by an entrepreneurial Indian migrant. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that curries soared in popularity when an influx of Bangladeshis, escaping war in their homeland, set up curry houses in London’s East End.
British stomachs don’t tolerate too much spice, so traditional recipes were adapted. British Indian curries, including Chicken Tikka Masala, were born.
Where to eat Chicken Tikka Masala in London
Start your London Indian food journey on Brick Lane, one of London’s best-known streets, and the location of a cluster of Indian restaurants. Alternatively, head to Drummond Street near Euston Station.
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is so much more than food that you must try in London: it’s an experience. For this, we have to thank Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford (1783 – 1857).
In the 19th century, dinner was served at 8 pm. The Duchess needed something between lunch and dinner, so she asked for light food – bread, butter and biscuits – in her room. This became routine, and she invited friends to join her. And, so, a new social event was born.
Afternoon tea typically includes crustless finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweets and pastries, arranged on a tiered platter and served with your choice of tea (or coffee). Set aside a few hours for this experience. Add champagne to make it special.
Afternoon tea is typically served between 2 pm and 4 pm.
Where to take afternoon tea in London
There is no shortage of places in London that offer afternoon tea, including many hotels and high-end department stores (Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols). There are often discounted deals available.
AFTERNOON TEA WITH A VIEW
But perhaps you will find it tricky to fit afternoon tea around sightseeing. If so, why not combine afternoon tea with a leisurely cruise on the River Thames or a ride on a red double-decker bus? This way, you get to savour London’s most iconic landmarks and cucumber sandwiches at the same time.
- Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames | Book here
- Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London | Book here
Scotch Egg
For a tasty morsel on the go, try a Scotch Egg.
The provenance of Scotch Eggs is hotly debated. Fortnum & Mason claim they developed it as a luxury snack for the upper classes. Others believe its origins lie further north in the town of Whitby where it was invented by a local establishment, William J Scott & Sons, from which it derives its name.
What we can be sure of is that it has nothing to do with Scotland.
A Scotch egg comprises a slightly gooey hardboiled egg wrapped in sausage meat with is then deep-fried in breadcrumbs to crispy perfection. It can be eaten warm or cold (it is an excellent picnic snack).
Where to eat Scotch Egg in London
For food on the move, pick up a Scotch Egg at one of London’s markets or a supermarket (the own-brand premium ranges are the best buys). If you prefer something more leisurely, wash down your salty snack with a beer at one of London’s pubs.
I recommend St John’s Tavern (Archway) and the Holborn Dining Room.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
I hope that you have left room for dessert.
We Londoners have a sweet tooth. There are several puddings to choose from – Spotted Dick, Bread & Butter Pudding, Jam Roly Poly – but my favourite is Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Originating in the Lake District of northwestern England, it comprises a dark, moist sponge that has finely chopped dates as its key ingredient, smothered in a sweet toffee sauce. It is usually served with vanilla ice cream or custard.
Where to eat Sticky Toffee Pudding in London
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a staple of menus in London pubs and restaurants.
Strawberries and Cream
Finally, few things scream British summer more than a lavish bowl of strawberries and cream. It makes me think of warm sunshine, gently buzzing bees, tennis at Wimbledon and jugs of Pimms.
It has to be sweet British strawberries in season (usually June – September) served with lashings of cold double cream.
Enjoy.
Plan Your London Food Adventure
These ten traditional British foods and London favourites are just the beginning. The capital’s food scene is incredibly diverse, from historic pie shops to modern Indian restaurants, from greasy spoon cafes to elegant afternoon tea.
Whether you’re visiting London as a solo traveller or with friends, make sure you experience these classic British dishes. Your taste buds will thank you.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman is a Londoner and has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.