Street Food London: Best Vendors, Budget Bites, and Hidden Gems

When you think of street food London, a vibrant, fast-moving culture of global flavors sold from carts, markets, and pop-ups across the city. Also known as London food markets, it’s where you’ll find real meals at real prices—no reservations needed, just hunger and curiosity. This isn’t just about grabbing a quick bite. It’s about tasting the city’s soul: Nigerian jollof rice in Peckham, Mexican tacos near Brixton, and vegan dumplings in Soho—all cooked fresh, served hot, and often under £5.

You don’t need a fancy restaurant to eat well in London. The best vegan street food London, plant-based meals made without animal products but packed with flavor, often sold at market stalls and food halls. Also known as cheap vegan meals, these spots are where locals survive on a budget without sacrificing taste. Think crispy jackfruit tacos, fluffy vegan donuts glazed with maple, and spicy tofu bowls that hit harder than any steak. You’ll find them at Borough Market, Maltby Street, and even tucked behind a laundromat in Hackney. And it’s not just vegans eating here. Everyone’s drawn to the bold flavors, the quick service, and the fact that you can eat standing up while people-watching.

What makes street food London different from the rest? It’s not the gimmicks or the Instagram backdrops. It’s the people behind the carts—many of them immigrants, refugees, or small family businesses who brought their recipes from home and turned them into something the whole city loves. You’ll taste Bangladesh, Jamaica, Vietnam, and Ethiopia in one afternoon. No tour guide will tell you where to find the best jerk chicken or the crispiest samosa. You have to wander, ask, and follow your nose.

And yes, it’s cheap. You can eat a full meal for less than you’d pay for a coffee and a muffin at a chain café. That’s why students, night workers, and families all rely on these spots. You don’t need a guidebook. You just need to show up when the trucks roll out—usually at lunch or after dark.

Below, you’ll find real recommendations from people who’ve eaten their way across the city. No fluff. No paid promotions. Just where to go, what to order, and when to be there so you don’t miss out. Whether you’re looking for vegan eats, spicy noodles, or the crispiest fried chicken in town, the answers are here—written by those who’ve been there, eaten it, and came back for more.