‘Starvin like Marvin:’ The Ins and Outs of London Cuisine

Many travelers believe a common rumor about London cuisine: it’s bland, it’s gross, and it’s all cooked strangely! Today, I’m here to disprove that rumor. Food in London is delicious, and it’s full of variety. We learned in our multiculturalism course that Britain is full of ethnic diversity, and this is obvious while scoping restaurant variety in the city. From the Indian food in Soho to the eclectic markets around the city, it’s hard to go wrong when looking for a meal. When in London, you should have an idea of where to eat before you go out for lunch if you want a truly decadent meal. Here are a few places to look out for when dining in London...

1.     Fish and Chips

We all know that fish and chips are a must try when visiting England because it’s a UK staple. One piece of useful information we found on our seminar is restaurants which serve authentic fish and chips are called a chippy. My friends and I tried Kennedy’s out in Old Street. Their haddock is to die for! Also, the dishes are huge; you’ll be able to feast for days.

2.     Indian Food

Indian food in London is stellar. One favorite is Gopals of Soho. Located near Tottenham Court Road, it’s in a convenient area where you can experience the magic of Soho while also indulging in a locals’ favorite. Their tandoori and curry were especially memorable. If you want to experience a higher end Indian cuisine experience, Gunpowder is your go-to. Stroll across Tower Bridge, take a short gander down Duchess Walk, and then you’ll reach Gunpowder. The atmosphere is refined, funky, and vibrant. Our favorite dishes were the grilled artichoke hearts in red pepper masala and the whole duck leg with Andhra style tomato sambal and parsnips.

3.     Afternoon Tea

Every tourist must try afternoon tea at least once in London. One of our favorites was located at 5^th View Restaurant above Waterstone’s at Picadilly. Here, you have the option for afternoon tea where you can choose your tea paired with finger sandwiches, meat pudding, scones with jam and clotted cream, and three delicious desserts. Not only was the food amazing, but the price also nicely fit the budget of a student. Be prepared, afternoon tea is substantial so come in with an appetite! Fancy a cuppa?

4.     London Markets

London is a city known for their markets which house fresh ingredients and culinary influence from all over the world. Although there are many markets to choose from, you cannot leave London without visiting Borough Market and Camden Market. Borough Market is located on the South Bank near Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and near the Shard. Stop by for a break during your busy day of sight seeing to scope the fresh seafood, vegetables, Turkish food, and more! If you keep walking towards the back of the market towards Southwark Cathedral, you’ll find a line of booths sporting German, Creole, Indian, and Italian cuisine (just to name a few.) Some of our favorite dishes were the fresh seafood paella, gumbo mac and cheese, and refreshing sangria. Camden Market is also a phenomenal culinary experience. The market sports stalls offering Vietnamese, Dutch, Levantine, French, vegan cuisines and more. Located next to River Fleet, you’ll experience a bohemian, eclectic dining experience suited for great people watching. Some of our favorite dishes were the Yorkshire burritos, fried plantains, and Taiwanese fried chicken.

5.     Pies and Mash

A trip to London simply would not be complete without trying British meat pies and mash made from gorgeous UK potatoes. One pub you can’t go wrong in is The Red Lion in Westminster. Once frequented by Winston Churchill, it hosts a variety of delicious pies ranging from shallot and steak pies to salmon and prawn pies. While you’re there, don’t forget to try a pint of Fuller’s (my favorite is the Black Cab Stout!). Another delicious venue our group enjoyed is Mother Mash in Soho. You can choose from combinations of pies and bangers and mash, fashioning your choice of sauces and potato flavors. It’s truly a dining experience you don’t want to miss if you want to try a variety of English flavors.

Altogether, it’s difficult to run out of culinary options in London. The variety of people’s tastes and backgrounds in London is evident in their cuisine. The dining experiences encompassed in London further prove it’s the best city in the world. Try some of these venues above on your next trip to London, cheers!

-All the best, Kayleigh Roche