London’s street food scene is booming right now, you only have to take a look at the likes of Borough Market, Camden and Brick Lane to realise the city does street food better than most. Markets pop up in the city on a regular basis, and what’s a market mooch without a street food snack? Eating from street food vendors is the best way to try different cuisines from around the world, especially in London, as well as being the funnest way (in our opinion) to eat food. Check out the 11 tastiest places in London to get your street food fix. If you’re reading this before lunch, prepare to get hungry…
Plus, it's the perfect weather for it since the sun has decided to shine in London (finally!)
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Watch our video on the best street food dishes in some of London's greatest food markets...
MARKET HALL FULHAM
This brand new Market Hall has opened in Fulham, one of our favourite new places to grab lunch in 2018. Enter the Underground station of Fulham Broadway and where the old TGI Friday's used to be situated, an amazing market hall has taken its place. And we couldn't think of a better replacement. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner the food options here are incredible with nine different kitchens to feast on. Our favourite is Ahi Poke serving up fresh Hawaiian poke bowls. Then there's Yard Sale pizzas for those looking for something more naughty.
SUNDAY UPMARKET AT BRICK LANE MARKET
Just a stone's throw away from Spitalfield’s, you’ll stumble across this quirky covered market on Brick Lane. Follow your sense of smell and work your way through the hipster hoodies and independent jewellers to a foodie’s heaven in the heart of Shoreditch. Food options from all over the world are crammed into the Old Truman Brewery every Sunday, from Indian street food to Middle Eastern falafels and Tibetan dumplings, whatever you fancy, you’re bound to find it here.
We recommend getting anything from the Taste of Sri Lanka stall, it’s so authentic and tastes incredible.
KERB CAMDEN MARKET
A trip to Camden is not complete without a wander around the market, and when the hunger pangs strike, Kerb is the place you want to be. All around the canal you’ll find street food vendors tempting you with all different types of delicious cuisine and tasty samples. Seriously, any food you can think of, some trader in Kerb is probably serving it. Fancy a curry wrapped in naan bread? Get to the Roti House. What about a metre long hot dog? Highlander Game has you covered. Jerk chicken, burrito boxes, pizza, sushi, a CHEESE WHEEL? They’ve got everything.
For you vegans, their options are pretty decent, too, with pies, curries, burgers and amazing coconut pancakes all on offer. When’s lunchtime?
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DINERAMA
We love the street food at Dinerama just as much as the atmosphere. Not just because they house one of the best burgers in London, but because it’s a great place to hang out with a group of friends in the evening and enjoy some cocktails, too. You’ll find this cool venue in Shoreditch Yard, and filled with a young, fun vibe every Wednesday to Saturday evenings. It opens at 5pm but if you want a seat (and free entry before 7pm), you’d better turn up on time.
The venue isn’t the biggest on this list, however this could be a blessing in disguise as it means less time choosing, and more time eating. That burger mentioned earlier is from Burger and Beyond, and when I say it melts in the mouth, I’m not kidding. The Yum Bun bao buns and Gin Kitchen G&Ts are to die for too.
SOUTHBANK CENTRE MARKET
The Southbank Centre Market could be classed as a slightly more upmarket street food spot in London, but that’s just what makes it one of the best. Greek souvlaki, a whole stall for beautiful bruschetta, Shrimpy’s shrimp burgers plus a variety of alcoholic beverages you could go around tasting all day. This open-topped market sets up every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Southbank Centre Square.
We love Horn OK Please, obviously not just because of its funny name, but because its vegetarian Indian street food that would make any meat lover’s taste buds go crazy.
Market Hall West End
Market Hall West End is a new-ish food hall in the heart of London's shopping district. Located just off Oxford Street, Market Hall was opened at the end of 2019 and it's now the the UK's biggest dining market. With over 1000 seats, 11 food vendors, four bars and a rooftop terrace, this popular eating spot in the West End gets a 9/10 from us. The atmosphere is lively but it's never too packed (because the venue is so big) which makes the experience much more relaxed. Our favourite food stalls include Gopal's Corner (the mutton curry and roti are to die for), Super Tacos (where you can enjoy any three tacos, rice, black beans and salsa for £11) and Yatai (serving up an awesome Japanese katsu curry).
There are also plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians; we recommend the Cook Daily food stall (pictured above) for flavoursome plant-based options.
NETIL MARKET
This one takes the cake for being the best hidden gem on London’s street food scene. Netil Market is more of an ‘if you know, you know’ kind of place, with amazing designers selling and showcasing their work here, and of course, some awesome street food being rustled up in the teeny tiny kitchens. Head to South Hackney and discover Netil Market. When you’re feeling hungry, find the guy in Gamby Shack cooking Afro-Caribbean soul food, the sort of food that instantly makes you happy.
OLD SPITALFIELDS MARKET
Old Spitalfields Market in the heart of London’s lively East End is home to some amazing street food stalls. From African cuisine to Turkish wraps, crepes, to traditional Italian pizza, Ethiopian food and fat burgers, Spitalfields caters for every foodie no matter the style - there’s even a large variety of vegan grub (the cauli shawarma is Spring’s greatest hit). The market itself is always buzzing - our first stop is always the nata stand!
Just a 5 minute walk from Liverpool Street station, this market also happens to be extremely close to our Liverpool Street hostel! It is open everyday from 10am until 5pm and Saturdays from 11am until 5pm.
Did you know our is only a 10 minute walk from Spitalfields market?
MALTBY STREET MARKET
While Camden Market and Brick Lane may be more famous, Maltby Street Market comes out on top when it comes to proper street food. At this lively weekend market in the hip area of Bermondsey that lies hidden away beneath the railway arches, only those in the know spend their time eating here.
Home to some of the best producers in town, the market prides itself on gourmet street food and fresh produce whether you’re looking for the city’s best badass brownies, Mozambique burgers, tender beef steaks, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, gyozas, coffee or baked goods - there’s even top-notch gin on the menu. Come here for a day of good eating and drinking!
BOROUGH MARKET
You don’t want to miss out on visiting London’s oldest food market, Borough Market. Warning: Even if you’re not hungry, entering this market will make you hungry. Get lost in food heaven crammed with over 100 stalls run by small producers, with food stalls such as bakeries (Olivier’s Bakery), olives, cheese, ice cream (Gelateria 3Bis), spices (Spice Mountain), wine and even your pimms for just £4 a cup! Check out our piece on .
People come to Borough Market from far and wide to taste the oysters at Richard Haward’s Oysters (the freshest oysters in London may I add, topped with a splash of tabasco and zingy lemon).
Our is just down the road from Borough Market.
BRIXTON VILLAGE & MARKET ROW
Feast on flavours from all over the world at Brixton Village Market & Market Row (the arcade nextdoor). Here you’ll find a hub of quaint cafes and restaurants representing all parts of the globe whether you’re looking for tasty food from Europe, India, Asia, Africa, South America and the Caribbean.
You’ll find the street food here comes at bargain prices - and it’s delicious! Head to Mama Lan’s for Beijing street food - it won’t disappoint. There’s a nearby outdoor food market too that’s also great!
GREENWICH MARKET
This beautiful market is located very close to Greenwich Park where you can take your street food up to the highest point of the park, and eat while admiring the beautiful panoramic view of the city. Taste some of the high quality street food that Greenwich has to offer from Ethiopian food to Greek food to hot vegan churros. There are 44 market stalls to enjoy (the cannoli stall is our favourite) so you can easily spend a whole afternoon here grazing, drinking and socialising.
Located between London Bridge (10 mins by train) and Canary Wharf (14mins by DLR), Greenwich is a place you need to visit at least once. Although, once you’ve been, you’ll definitely want to come back! Better yet, if you're staying at our Greenwich hostel, this market is just a 7 minute walk.
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