Special Feature: Products Sally Recommends

top 4 english foods you must try in london

If you’re traveling for the first time to a new country, their cuisine will give you a brilliant insight and understanding about their culture and traditions. The restaurant concept and dining experience you’d gain will also contribute to how you’d look back on the trip. At the same time, an unforgettable travel vacation won’t be complete without indulging in the most-loved dishes and traditional meals offered by the city where you are staying.

London’s Finest Food

London is the largest city in Europe that’s famous for its numerous iconic spots, historical museums, lush gardens, high-end accommodations, and old universities. While the place has certainly a plethora of historic and must-see spots, it also offers plenty of mouthwatering dishes you ought to try. If you plan to stay there for a few days, there are a lot of potential meals and restaurants that’d satisfy your cravings and visual palate.

Whether you’re an exchange student or planning to have your vacation in England’s capital, below are the top four English foods you must try.

Fish And Chips



You might have heard of this dish a few times already. However, nothing is more synonymous with English food than fish and chips. The soft, meaty fries and the batter-coated fish would truly satisfy your palate. Whether you’d like to have it as your midday snack or brunch, a delicious plate would keep you full. Aside from being a classic dish in London, the pairing is simply straightforward yet delicious that you’d surely crave more of it.

However, make sure to look for chip shops that have newly caught fish. This ensures you’d have the crispiest dish and avoid pre cooked ones. If you’re staying in Central London, check out the best restaurants in Belgravia that serve fresh ingredients that’d alter your understanding of this ‘regular’ dish.

To complete the experience, opt for chip stores near coastal areas. Alternatively, you can order for takeout and enjoy this seaside delicacy by the shore.

Afternoon Tea

In the past, tea time was usually done by the affluent folks of London as a way to relax and enjoy a light meal in the late afternoon. Today, this old-fashioned affair is savored by a lot of locals and tourists alike.

Because the city is famous for their tea culture, it’s only fitting to include an afternoon tea session in your itinerary. The name of this meal doesn’t refer to the hot beverage literally. Instead, the highlight of the meal is the tea, which is served as part of the entrée.

You can freely order a few delicate pastries, treats, and sandwiches as you unwind after a long day of sightseeing. For instance, you can opt for scones with jam, finger sandwiches, biscuits, a piece of cake, and other similar English delicacies.

For a special experience, make sure to reserve a table in any of the recommended tea houses, tea rooms, or café to enjoy a couple of hours by yourself. If you like, you can also relish a glass of champagne after your tea time to complete the ‘luxury tea experience.’

Shepherd’s Pie

In the usual sense, this meal isn’t literally a pie. Rather, this popular classic English food is made from minced lamb cooked in gravy or sauce. It’s also served with vegetables, such as tomatoes, carrots, and onions. When the dish is ready, mashed potatoes are spread on top of the meaty pie.

Because the meal is easy to prepare, most London locals would prefer to cook and eat this at home. Hence, if you’re renting an apartment, might as well try to create this dish in your place. However, if you don’t have the luxury of time, you can freely dine in at any impressive restaurant and have a taste of this wholesome protein-packed meal.

Today, the dish is being served in several variants. For instance, instead of lamb, other restaurants use beef or any red meat for the pie. If you’re aiming to succeed as a food writer in London, make sure to try out different varieties of the dish for a well-rounded perspective about it.

Full English Breakfast



Apart from their light meals and snacks, London is also famous for their breakfast packages and mouthful dishes. One example is the full English breakfast. While it may slightly vary depending on the restaurant, this breakfast meal generally consists of eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, beans, mushrooms, black pudding, hash browns, and toasted bread. Truly, breakfast has never been so varied, colorful, and appetizing as this meal.

This jam-packed, hearty breakfast would likewise keep you energized and satisfied as you jump-start your day of walking tours and activities. Savor the dish with your preferred hot coffee to fight your jet lag or hangover. You can even order this for brunch or lunch if you’re looking for dishes that’d keep you full throughout the day. However, make sure to consume the meal immediately after taking photos as it’s best eaten while still hot.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving a midday snack or a jam-packed meal, there’s an array of mouthful cuisines to try in London. By following the guide above, you can have an idea of what to eat once you get hungry while roaming around the city.



Note: This information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the businesses in question before making your plans.

Share this article with a friend:

Free eNewsletter SignUp

Sally's Place on Facebook    Sally Bernstein on Instagram    Sally Bernstein at Linked In




Global Resources

Handmade Chocolates, Lillie Belle Farms

Food411 Food Directory