Alka Gurha
This year I was in London during winter and found it impossible to visit the countryside due to the cold weather. So, the next best thing was to shop and explore city restaurants, and savour London’s multicultural spirit. Despite lacking an original cuisine, the city’s dining scene remains as vibrant as ever. London is crammed with bustling marketplaces and fabulous eateries serving food in the most Instagram-worthy settings. Come to think of it, summarising the entire food landscape is easier said than done, but let me take you through some of the markets and eating places I frequented this February and March.
Actually one of London’s oldest markets, Spitalfields is located in the eastern part of the city, very close to London Bridge. Bringing together traders, artisans and foodies under one roof, this lively market is full of small stalls selling vintage stuff, handmade bags, clothes, hand-knitted sweaters, and trinkets—a Kashmiri girl selling pashmina stoles here offered me a discount, seeing I was from India.
For street-food enthusiasts, nothing beats the cluster of independent vendors that promise gastronomic heaven. If you are a vegetarian, you can try naan tacos from Naan Wrap, hand-tossed noodles from Dumpling Shack, or aubergine baos from Yum Bun. My favourites in Spitalfields are Gunpowder, which serves flavourful Bengali-inspired grub, and Aladin Brick Lane, whose menu includes Asian curries, baltis and grills.
Borough Market
Another of London’s historic markets (also not very far from London Bridge), this is a gourmet’s paradise. Here, you’ll find fresh condiments, spices, cheese, exotic fruit, baked goodies, oysters, and edible insects. In fact, Borough Market is so huge that there are food tours led by experts who narrate anecdotes from the past. And when it comes to vegan options, it’s a treasure trove, with places like Horn OK Please and Gujarati Rasoi offering mouthwatering Indian street food. For a taste of Thailand, visit Khanom Krok, a stall that serves vegan coconut pancakes with a custard filling—their mango and sticky rice bursts with authentic Thai flavours. Finish it off with more vegan crumble at Humble Crumble, London’s most nostalgic dessert space.
If you’re looking for vegetarian food coupled with a lively cultural and shopping experience, look no further than Covent Garden. The Seven Dials market here has independent stalls serving a diversity of cuisines from across the world. For vegans and vegetarians, Mildreds in St. Martin’s Lane tempts with its great plant-based dishes (they also provide an onion- and garlic-free menu on request), and provides step-free access. Another Covent Garden restaurant that has won wide acclaim is Masala Zone, which entices with thalis, curries, biryanis, and street food from India; its décor—Rajasthani puppets displayed in the backdrop of opulent wooden temple doors—makes you feel right at home.
If you are celebrating a special occasion, you can’t go wrong with SUSHISAMBA, sited at the famous Opera Terrace atop the historic Covent Garden Market building, and known for its beautiful rooftop, bar, and striking sushi bar. Though you do end up paying more (a significant premium, in fact) for the stunning views than the food, especially if you are dining at SUSHISAMBA’s Heron Tower address, one of the highest outdoor terraces in Europe. The menu has vegan options, and there is wheelchair access to their 39th floor branch overlooking London.
Back in the 19th century, the entire Camden area was known for its distilleries and warehouses, producing and stocking world-famous gin. Today, the market has an eclectic array of stores selling vintage accessories and handcrafted stuff, attracting visitors with its lively cultural vibe and delicious street snacks. For the best vegetarian fare, head to Yorkshire Burrito, Khaao Karachi, or Flip & Sear, the latter serving juicy falafel burgers.
Dating back to the 14th century, this is one of London’s oldest markets, one that has evolved through the centuries. Now surrounded by skyscrapers, Leadenhall’s 21st-century bustle complements its architectural charm. This airy market houses expensive boutiques, restaurants and bars—you will come across Indian flavours as well as Mediterranean cuisine (Baba Ganoush, which caters generously to vegans).
If you are around Notting Hill, it’s worth exploring the picturesque Portobello Road Market, setting for the eponymous movie starring Hugh Grant. The Notting Hill walking tour (which can be booked through tour operators like London Walks) takes you around the area’s famous eateries, and the grand homes of celebrities. If all the walking has made you hungry, drop in at 345 Portobello Café, which serves vegan food and fresh salads. I was also fortunate enough to visit The Ivy Asia, an iconic restaurant opposite the famous St. Pauls Cathedral. The Ivy’s theatrically bright and colourful interiors, and the unrivalled views it offers of the cathedral, add to its charm. Here, you can indulge in finger-licking sushi, sashimi, lamb, and black cod; being a vegetarian, I ordered avocado maki rolls and crispy tofu.
I can’t end without mentioning Hoppers at Kings Cross, a famous food chain where Sri Lankan food meets South India. Hoppers is known mostly for its non-vegetarian items but there are options for vegetarians, including veg kothu roti, and aubergine curry with a coconut milk base served with flaky rotis. Don’t forget the devilled paneer and jackfruit kari—and the chocolate biscuit pudding to finish the meal!
Renowned for its variety, concentration, and international flavours, it would be safe to call London the perfect place for foodies. Indeed, I’m not surprised that National Geographic named it ‘Best Food City in the World’—it’s the culinary tour to end all culinary tours.
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