Best Food in London

When you think of the best food in London, a vibrant, global mix of flavors shaped by centuries of immigration and innovation. Also known as London’s culinary scene, it’s not just about Michelin stars—it’s about £3 vegan donuts, steaming dim sum baskets in Chinatown, and late-night kebabs that beat any takeaway. This city eats like no other. You can grab a buttery, flaky vegan croissant in Peckham, then walk ten minutes to taste real Sichuan dumplings in Soho, or find a Jamaican patty that tastes like home in Brixton. It’s messy, loud, and totally real.

There’s a reason people talk about vegan food London, a movement that’s gone from niche to normal in under a decade. Also known as plant-based eating in the city, it’s not just for vegans anymore. Locals swear by £5 meals at market stalls, where jackfruit tacos and lentil burgers are as common as bacon sandwiches. You don’t need a fancy restaurant—just a good map and an open stomach. And if you’re looking for something sweet, the vegan donuts London, creamy, glazed, and made without a single animal product. Also known as cruelty-free treats, they’re proof that ethics and indulgence can coexist.

Then there’s dim sum London, the art of small, steamed, fried, or baked bites served in baskets. Also known as Cantonese breakfast culture, it’s not just about dumplings. It’s about the clatter of bamboo steamers, the hiss of tea being poured, and the quiet joy of sharing plates with friends. You’ll find the best in Chinatown, sure—but some of the most authentic bites are tucked away in backstreets of Peckham or Hackney, where the staff knows your name by the third visit. And if you’re on a budget, you don’t need to spend £30 for a decent meal. Some of the most satisfying plates in this city cost less than a coffee at a chain café.

Street food here isn’t a trend—it’s a tradition. From Nigerian suya skewers in South London to Polish pierogi in Camden, the city’s food stalls are where culture meets convenience. You’ll find people lining up at 7 a.m. for fresh bao buns, and at midnight for spicy noodles after a night out. This isn’t curated for tourists. It’s what locals eat when they’re tired, broke, or just hungry.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of fancy restaurants. It’s the real stuff—the places where the food tastes like someone cared, where the prices won’t break you, and where you’ll leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit. Whether you’re vegan, on a budget, or just chasing the next great bite, this collection has you covered.