What Food Should I Try When Visiting London?

If you’re heading to London and wondering what to eat—you’re in for a treat. From age-old British classics to trendy street food, London is a foodie playground. The city’s culinary scene is one of the most diverse in the world. You can go from a full English breakfast to a Michelin-starred Indian curry, all in one day.

But what should you try when visiting London? This guide is here to serve you the tastiest dishes (on a silver platter, of course), plus a few travel tips—including how to glide between meals in comfort with a Premium Chauffeur Service from Chauffeurz.London.

Let’s dig in.

The Must-Try Foods in London

1. Full English Breakfast

Start your London day the traditional way—with a proper English breakfast. Think eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. Some places throw in black pudding for the full experience.

Where to try it:

• The Regency Café – A retro London institution
• Dishoom – Adds a Bombay twist to the classic
• E. Pellicci – Old-school East London charm

Fun fact: The full English breakfast dates back to the Victorian era, when it was considered a sign of wealth and hospitality.

2. Fish and Chips

You can’t come to London and not have fish and chips. It’s crispy, it’s comforting, and it’s deeply British. Best enjoyed by the Thames or in a cosy pub with a pint.

Where to try it:

• Poppies Fish & Chips – A proper East End classic
• The Golden Hinde– Marylebone’s beloved chippy
• Toff’s of Muswell Hill – Award-winning and family-run

Tip: Ask for “mushy peas” on the side. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it addition, but very traditional.

3. Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding

If you’re in London on a Sunday, drop everything and find a pub serving a proper roast. Expect slices of roasted meat (beef, lamb, or chicken), crispy roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and the mighty Yorkshire pudding.

Where to try it:

• Hawksmoor – Legendary roast beef
• The Harwood Arms – Michelin-starred roast in Fulham
• The Spaniards Inn – Historic pub with great roasts and ghost stories

Did you know? Yorkshire pudding isn’t a dessert. It’s a puffy, savoury side dish made from batter and best used for soaking up gravy.

4. Pie and Mash

Traditional London comfort food at its finest. Steak and kidney, chicken and mushroom, or even a classic mince beef—served with mashed potatoes and lashings of gravy.

Where to try it:

• Mother Mash – Customisable pies with a variety of mash and gravy options
• Goddards at Greenwich – A taste of proper old-school London
• M. Manze – London’s oldest pie and mash shop, est. 1902

Bonus: Some pie shops still serve jellied eels, a true Cockney delicacy. Brave enough?

5. Afternoon Tea

Fancy a bit of elegance? Afternoon tea is one of the most charming experiences you can have in London. Finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, pastries, and a selection of teas (or Champagne, if you’re feeling posh).

Where to try it:

• Claridge’s – Iconic and stylish
• Sketch – Funky interiors and five-star tea
• Fortnum & Mason – A British tea-lover’s dream

Tip: Dress smart—many high-end tea spots have a dress code.

6. Curry (Yes, Really!)

London’s unofficial national dish? Chicken tikka masala. The city is home to some of the best Indian food outside of India.

Where to try it:

• Dishoom – Bombay café vibes
• Brick Lane – A whole street of curry houses
• Gymkhana – Michelin-starred, rich flavours

Cultural note: London’s Indian food reflects decades of immigration, especially from South Asia. It’s part of the city’s modern culinary identity.

7. Street Food from Borough Market

One of London’s oldest and most vibrant food markets, Borough Market is a feast for the senses. You’ll find everything from Scotch eggs to Ethiopian coffee, vegan donuts to wild mushroom risotto.

What to try:

• Kappacasein – Their grilled cheese toasties are famous
• Horn OK Please – South Indian street food
• Padella – Handmade pasta that’s worth the queue

Tip: Go hungry and don’t try to eat everything at once… but if you do, no judgement.

8. English Cheese Board

British cheeses often get overshadowed by French ones, but don’t sleep on them. Stilton, Red Leicester, Cornish Yarg, and creamy Somerset Brie are just a few of the stars.

Where to try it:

• Neal’s Yard Dairy – Cheese heaven in Covent Garden
• La Fromagerie – Tastings and cheese-focused meals
• Fortnum & Mason – Iconic for hampers and posh cheeses

Fun fact: The UK produces over 700 varieties of cheese—more than France!

9. Sticky Toffee Pudding

Finish your meal with this gooey, warm, spongey dessert. It’s made with dates, drenched in toffee sauce, and served with cream or ice cream. Absolute heaven.

Where to try it:

• Rules – London’s oldest restaurant
• The Ivy – Classic British charm
• Hawksmoor – Known as much for dessert as their steaks

Tip: Order one to share… unless you’re like us and don’t want to share.

Make Your Foodie Tour Easier with a Premium Chauffeur Service

Let’s be honest—navigating London’s Tube during rush hour with a food baby isn’t fun. That’s where Premium Chauffeur Service by Chauffeurz.London comes in. Whether you’re hopping between restaurants, markets, or afternoon teas, a private chauffeur makes exploring London so much more comfortable.

Why Book a Chauffeur in London?

• Comfort: After stuffing yourself with roast beef and sticky toffee pudding, wouldn’t it be lovely to stretch out in the back of a luxury car?
• Time-Saving: Avoid waiting for cabs, hunting down Ubers, or figuring out bus schedules.
• Convenience: Your chauffeur picks you up right outside your hotel, restaurant, or market—and drops you wherever you want next.
• Professionalism: Expect courteous, well-dressed drivers who know the city inside out.
• Custom Tours: Want a self-made food tour of London? Create your own itinerary and let your driver handle the rest.

Whether you’re doing a food crawl, attending a cooking class, or heading to afternoon tea, Chauffeurz.London adds a luxurious touch to your journey—and saves you from the chaos of public transport.

Pro Tip: Book your chauffeur service in advance, especially on weekends or during big London events.

A Sample London Foodie Day

10:00 AM – Pick-up from your hotel in a sleek Mercedes
10:30 AM – Full English breakfast at The Regency Café
11:30 AM – Quick stop at Neal’s Yard Dairy for cheese tasting
1:00 PM – Street food lunch at Borough Market
3:00 PM – Afternoon tea at Sketch
6:00 PM – Dinner at Dishoom or Gymkhana
8:00 PM – Sticky toffee pudding nightcap at Rules
8:45 PM – Chauffeur drops you back at your hotel, food coma fully engaged

You see? No Tube delays, no taxi-hunting, no walking in circles. Just smooth, delicious travel all day long.

Final Bite

London’s food scene is as rich and varied as its history. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a month, make time to try at least a few of the classics—then mix it up with something adventurous. From posh afternoon teas to humble pies, the city is a smorgasbord of cultures and tastes.

And if you want to savour it all in comfort and style, don’t forget to book your Premium Chauffeur through Chauffeurz.London. Trust us, your feet (and your belly) will thank you.

Quick Foodie Tips:

• Don’t be afraid to book ahead, especially for popular afternoon teas and Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Always tip 10–12.5% in restaurants unless service is already included.
• Ask locals for hidden gems—some of the best meals aren’t on TripAdvisor!
• Use a chauffeur to save time, avoid Tube strikes, and travel in comfort.

Bon appétit, and happy munching in London! 🍽️