Last Updated on June 23, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: February 14, 2020
Don’t get us wrong—we love eating out at some of London’s best restaurants. However, over the last few years the food scene has changed. Instead of booking in for a sit-down dinner, more and more Londoners love nothing more than heading to one of London’s essential street food markets and finding a spot on a nearby curb to tuck into some delicious food. There’s always a great atmosphere and not to mention so many amazing smells that no scented candle will ever rival. It’s where all the cool kids are hanging out—and yes, that includes you.
Wondering what international cuisines to try? Don’t miss these popular international foods in London!
Maltby Street Market
Maltby is one of London’s coolest weekend markets and a real hidden gem. As it’s off the beaten track, you’d most likely never stumble across it on a general walk; it’s tucked away amongst the railway arches near London Bridge.
However, don’t be fooled—it’s one of the most popular foodie hangouts! Stalls include giant scotch eggs, decadent brownies and epic cheese toasties.
What You Should Try: Vietnamese street food at Bahn Mi Nen, which serves some of the best pho around.
Borough Market
Possibly London’s most famous market, Borough is a foodie’s paradise. Amongst the stall holders selling artisan oils and a huge selection of cheeses, there are some fantastic street food vendors cooking up dishes made to be devoured as you spend hours wandering around the bustling market.
Local Tip: Go during the week to avoid the crowds.
What You Should Try: Duck confit from Le Marche du Quartier is full of flavor and tastes particularly good in one of their sandwiches.
Leather Lane Market
The streets of the Leather Lane Market are lined with loads of great street food stalls, with cuisines from all around the world. It runs every weekday between 10 am-2 pm, and gets busy with city workers queuing up to get their lunchtime feast. Prices here are on the more affordable side of London’s street food scene.
What You Should Try: If doughnuts were in school, Crosstown Doughnuts would be the cool kids. They are made fresh everyday by hand and come in some unusual flavors. Maple bacon and banana, anyone?
Berwick Street Market
Berwick Street Market is one of London’s oldest markets, dating back to 1778. It’s right in the center of London in the busy Soho area. There are traditional stalls where the fruit man is shouting “Three punnets of raspberries for £2!”, as well as a diverse street food scene that makes this market popular with workers at nearby offices at lunchtime.
What You Should Try: Get some delicious Caribbean food at the Lime Hut, which provides the traditional tasty island flavors with a health focused twist.
Broadway Market
Broadway Market is a Victorian street market in East London. While it’s only open Saturdays, the market has a community feel and lots of great street food stalls from worldwide cuisines. It’s also where Clare Ptak, baker of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding cake, first started her small business!
What You Should Try: The famous haggis toasties at Deeney’s are well worth a try–not least because they’re named after the most famous Scotsman of all time (no, not the Proclaimers): Macbeth!
Southbank Centre
Tucked behind the Southbank, one of London’s busiest areas is a bustling street food market (Southbank Centre) with more than 30 stalls of knockout food. Once you’ve worked out if you want Asian, Italian or Mexican, a walk along the riverside while devouring your lunch is what we would suggest.
What You Should Try: The beautiful and delicious tacos from Taco Bros are small enough for a heavy snack, or can be enjoyed for a light meal.
Brick Lane
Every Sunday, East London’s Brick Lane is filled with endless stalls of street food from every corner of the world. You could make the mistake of staying on the main road, but if you head down the side streets, you’ll discover even more foodie gems. The atmosphere is electric, and it’s a real experience for all the senses.
What You Should Try: Famous for his unbelievably messy rib meat burgers, The Rib Man knows everything there is to know about cooking the perfect ribs.
Whitecross Street Market
The Whitecross Market is a weekday food market spanning a large area between Barbican and Old Street. Due to its urban location, it draws in hordes of workers every day looking for great lunch options from Indian to Italian, Mexican to Middle Eastern.
What You Should Try: Enjoy Mexican street food made from scratch at Luardos. They specialize in making delicious burritos, tacos and quesadillas.
Tooting Market
Probably one of the most traditional markets on this list, the indoor Tooting Market has been a center of commerce in South London for over 80 years. While everything from sugarcane to sari’s can be bought inside, over the last 10 years it has transformed into a foodie pardise.
If you are willing to make the journey, you will be rewarded with not only a wide variety of international cuisine, but also 2 markets for the price of one! The sister Broadway Market is only a short walk away, boasting just as many options to chow down.
What You Should Try: The generous portions at Basil are the stuff of legend: Chinese, Thai, and streetfood at its finest.
Looking for budget eats nearby? Here’s our top ten 10 favorite cheap eats in London!
Explore London’s Culinary History on Tour With Us!
Join us for an adventure through more than a thousand years of British culinary history! On our Borough Market & Southwark tour, we’ll show you where Londoners actually eat and introduce you to our friends who are proudly carrying on generations of gastronomic traditions.
Featured Review: Borough Market & Southwark Tour
βββββ “Excellent food and tour of the market. George was great at navigating the crowds and accommodating our needs. A wonderful way to experience the Borough Market.”
– Katie
Food Markets in London FAQs
What is the most famous food market in London?
Borough Market is widely considered London’s most famous food market. Located near London Bridge, it has been serving shoppers for centuries and is known for its exceptional selection of street food, artisan products, British specialties, and international cuisine.
What food should I try at a London market?
Try British classics, like fish and chips, sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, artisanal cheeses, and British pies, or branch out and try international street food, like Indian curries, Asian fusion, and Middle Eastern wraps. We recommend trying a mix of traditional British dishes and multicultural dishes.
What is the best day to visit a food market in London?
Weekends generally offer the liveliest atmosphere and the greatest variety of vendors, but they can also be the busiest. Visiting on a weekday often means smaller crowds and shorter lines while still providing access to many of the market’s best food stalls.
Are London food markets worth visiting for tourists?
Absolutely. London’s food markets are among the best places to experience the city’s diverse food culture, meet local vendors, and sample dishes from around the world. They combine sightseeing, dining, and cultural exploration in an exciting way.
