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Join Hotala on a culinary adventure as we guide you through the diverse and delicious world of London cuisine. From traditional dishes to contemporary creations, get ready to taste the best of what the city has to offer!
For generations, London has been renowned for its vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere, rich cultural diversity, and iconic landmarks. Yet, one of its most remarkable features is the city’s extraordinary array of culinary delights. Boasting approximately 188 Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK, it’s no surprise that the “Big Smoke” draws nearly 30 million visitors from across the globe each year. So, whether you’re a local seeking novel gastronomic experiences or a visitor eager to savor authentic British flavors, this guide is your key to unlocking the best of London cuisine.
Bangers and Mash: A Classic Comfort Food of London Cuisine
First, let’s talk about one of the classic London cuisines: Bangers and Mash. This savory dish has become a staple of British pub food and is loved by locals and visitors alike. It consists of sausages or bangers served with creamy mashed potatoes and is often accompanied by onion gravy.
To have a taste of the best bangers and mash in London, here are a few places you could try:
The Guinea Grill
Located in the heart of Mayfair, The Guinea Grill is a popular British pub that has been serving traditional London cuisine since 1423. Their bangers and mash is made with high-quality sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich onion gravy. The cozy and rustic atmosphere of the pub adds to the charm of the dining experience.
Mother Mash
As the name suggests, this popular eatery in Soho specializes in mashed potatoes and sausages. They make their bangers and mash dish with homemade sausages and offer several mash options, including classic, cheesy, and mustard. The casual and laid-back vibe of the restaurant makes it a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
Simpson’s in the Strand
This spot is an iconic London restaurant that has been serving traditional British cuisine since 1828. They make their bangers and mash with locally sourced sausages, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich onion gravy. The elegant and refined atmosphere of this restaurant makes it a great spot for a fancy night out in London.
For accommodations, consider staying at The Chesterfield Mayfair, which is near The Guinea Grill. It offers luxurious rooms and easy access to top attractions in London.
Fish & Chips: A Classic Dish of The British Isles
Another British staple worth trying is fish and chips. It may sound basic, but it’s a classic dish that’s hard to beat. There is nothing quite as comforting as a traditional fish and chips supper from one of London’s historic fish fryers.
Here are some of our favorite places in London where you can enjoy a sumptuous, traditional plate:
Poppies Fish and Chips
This East London eatery is a classic fish and chips shop. Poppies has been serving delicious, traditional dishes for over 70 years. Bringing the kids along? No worries! Poppies also offers delightful options that will please the taste buds of even the youngest food enthusiasts.
Rock & Sole Plaice
This restaurant in Covent Garden has been serving fish and chips for over 150 years. It stands out from other eateries for its commitment to using high-quality, sustainably-sourced seafood.
The Golden Hind
Located on Cathedral Street, this restaurant boasts the freshest and best-tasting fish and chips in the area. They serve their traditional English batter-coated fish with crispy, hand-cut chips. It’s a must-visit restaurant for any foodie looking to try classic London cuisine
Where to stay: The Z Hotel Shoreditch is a modern budget hotel located near Poppies Fish and Chips. Its minimalist design and prime location make it a great choice for travelers.
British Curry: A Fusion of Indian and London Cuisine
Indian immigrants created British curry in the UK, which often includes unique ingredients. Whether it’s Tikka Masala or Rogan Josh you’re after, London has plenty of stalls serving some truly delicious Indian food. Here are our absolute favorites:
Aladin
This resto has been serving traditional Indian dishes for over 20 years and is known for its deliciously authentic curries. We recommend that you book in advance because this place seems to be always full!
Sheba
This Brick Lane restaurant earned the title of the best curry house in the UK in 2015. Its reputation is well-earned, as Sheba has been serving up delicious dishes since 1974. Diners love the restaurant’s savory prawn starters, aromatic stir-fried meat dishes, and flavorful stews.
Graam Bangla
Arguably, this is one of the most popular and widely admired Bengali restaurants in London. It offers the best vegetarian dishes such as chana masala, aloo gobi, and baingan bharta. Their wide range of flavorful curries complements these dishes and sets them apart from other Bangladeshi restaurants in London.
As you plan your trip, consider staying at The Strand Palace Hotel. Conveniently located near Brick Lane, known for its abundance of curry houses, this hotel offers clean, stylish rooms at a reasonable price.
Steak & Kidney Pie: A Unique Savory Pastry of London Cuisine
Of course, no visit to London would be complete without sampling some of its more unusual delights like steak and kidney pie. It’s a classic dish made of tender steak and hearty kidney, enveloped in savory gravy and a buttery pastry crust. Steak and kidney pie is a delectable blend of flavors that you must try during your visit to London.
While there are plenty of places serving steak and kidney pie within the city, these are our top picks:
The French House
This classic Parisian-style bistro located in the heart of Soho features a range of traditional French dishes, including bouillabaisse (fish stew), coq au vin (braised chicken stew), and boeuf bourguignon (beef Burgundy).
The Crown & Anchor
This charming and popular French bistro features classic pub fare, including a highly-recommended steak and kidney pie made with juicy and tender meat and a rich and savory sauce. Crown & Anchor is also known for its live music events which take place regularly throughout the week.
The Star Tavern
This restaurant is famous for serving two distinct London cuisines: steak and kidney pie and pie and mash. The latter is a traditional London dish that consists of a hot water crust pastry pie filled with minced beef and gravy, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. Best of all, your canine companions are also welcome here!
Hotala’s pick: Stay at the Ham Yard Hotel, a chic boutique hotel located near Soho. It provides stylish rooms and an ideal location near some of London’s best dining options, including The French House.
Full-English Breakfast: One of The Longest Standing Traditional London Cuisines
And finally, make sure you don’t skip breakfast when in London! Indulge in a variety of options, including a full English breakfast with black pudding, bubble & squeak, or kippers (smoked herring). These delicious meals will keep you satisfied until lunch.
Check out these top spots for a fulfilling breakfast or brunch:
The Breakfast Club
With locations across the city, The Breakfast Club is a very popular spot for a hearty and delicious full English breakfast. Locals would usually recommend this restaurant if it’s your first time having a full fry-up in the city.
The Wolseley
This elegant restaurant in Piccadilly is known for its luxurious take on the classic English breakfast. It offers a wide range of high-quality ingredients such as locally-sourced smoked salmon, Black Angus beef steak, and free-range eggs. The Wolsely serves breakfast all day and has a chic, upscale atmosphere that sets it apart from traditional greasy spoon cafes.
Dishoom
This Bombay-style cafe has multiple locations in London and serves a unique take on the traditional English breakfast. It offers an Indian-inspired menu that incorporates flavors and ingredients from the subcontinent.
Our best bet for accommodations: The Resident Covent Garden is an excellent choice for those who want to be in the heart of London’s gastronomic scene. Located near The Breakfast Club, this hotel boasts designer rooms and a relaxing drawing room for afternoon tea.
Explore Hotala’s Hot Deals in Hotels and Vacation Rentals in London
Indeed, London is any foodie’s paradise, offering a diverse range of cuisines from all over the world. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic English breakfast, authentic Indian curry, or mouth-watering steak & kidney pie, the city is awash with great diners and restaurants that can satisfy your taste buds. So, make sure not to miss the best of London cuisine during your stay in this vibrant city.
And after a long day of culinary adventures, you deserve a comfortable and enjoyable place to unwind and spend the rest of your night. That’s where we come in! We at Hotala can help you find the best deals on hotels and vacation rentals, so you can have a memorable stay in this vibrant city. So go ahead and start planning your gastronomic adventure in London today!
Bon Appétit!
TLDR
Discover London’s culinary delights as the city presents a diverse array of cuisines to satisfy any food lover. This guide showcases quintessential London dishes, including bangers and mash, fish and chips, British curry, steak and kidney pie, and the full English breakfast. Dive into our top restaurant selections and sought-after food destinations for each dish. Enhance your London adventure by securing hot deals on hotels and vacation rentals with Hotala. Embark on your gastronomic journey now!
