Imagine spending an entire day indulging in some of the most delicious street food in London. From bustling markets to hidden food trucks, London’s vibrant street food scene offers a diverse range of flavors from every corner of the world. In this 24-hour journey, we’ll explore the best spots to satisfy your cravings, while uncovering the unique tastes that make street food in London so special.
Morning Bites: Breakfast Street Food Options
Your 24-hour street food adventure begins with breakfast. London may not be famous for its street breakfasts, but you’ll be surprised by the growing number of vendors offering delicious morning meals. Street food in London is more than just lunch and dinner — start your day with something exciting!
Head to Borough Market early in the morning for some warm, hearty food to kick-start your day. Borough Market opens around 10 a.m. and offers some great breakfast options. Look out for Bread Ahead Bakery where you can grab freshly baked pastries, or indulge in a thick slice of sourdough toast topped with creamy avocado and eggs. For those who prefer something sweeter, the bakery’s doughnuts are legendary!
Another option for a unique breakfast experience is Maltby Street Market. Here you can find Waffle On, known for their delicious waffles topped with everything from fried eggs and bacon to sweet berries and cream.
Lunchtime Delights: Midday Street Food Staples
By midday, it’s time to dive into the heart of London’s street food culture. Lunchtime is where the city’s street food scene truly shines, offering a wide variety of options. One of the best places to visit is Camden Market, which has become an iconic destination for food lovers. Street food in London wouldn’t be complete without a trip here.
At Camden, you’ll find vendors offering flavors from every corner of the globe. One must-try spot is The Cheese Bar, where you can enjoy indulgent grilled cheese sandwiches with a British twist. If you’re in the mood for something more exotic, head to Only Jerkin’, known for their flavorful Jamaican-inspired fried chicken.
For a more traditional British experience, visit Pieminister, which serves classic meat and vegetarian pies with rich, hearty fillings, making it the perfect lunch choice. Paired with mashed potatoes and gravy, this is quintessential British comfort food in street form.
Afternoon Snacks: Exploring Street Food Markets
As the afternoon progresses, it’s time for a few light snacks to keep you going. London’s street food markets are perfect for grazing, offering smaller portions and a range of sweet and savory treats.
Spitalfields Market is a fantastic destination for afternoon snacks. This market is home to several unique street food vendors offering smaller bites. Try Dumpling Shack for their hand-made dumplings filled with juicy pork or shrimp, or grab a snack from Lahpet, which serves Burmese street food with bold flavors.
If you’re more in the mood for sweets, you can’t miss a stop at Chin Chin Labs in Camden Market for their unique ice cream made with liquid nitrogen, or visit Bread Ahead again for some fresh doughnuts filled with gooey custard or jam.
Dinner on the Go: Evening Street Food in London
As the evening sets in, London’s street food scene continues to thrive. For dinner, head to Street Feast, a food festival-style market with multiple locations across the city, including Hawker House in Canada Water. This venue is open until late and offers an array of street food options that are perfect for dinner.
At Hawker House, you can indulge in dishes like Korean BBQ from Bian Dang or Mexican street tacos from Breddos Tacos. For those who prefer something a little more upscale, try Up In My Grill, which specializes in succulent, flame-grilled steaks served with a side of chimichurri sauce.
Alternatively, visit Dinerama in Shoreditch for a casual, yet vibrant street food dining experience. It’s known for its diverse offerings — you can get anything from Neapolitan pizza to Japanese yakitori. A popular vendor here is Club Mexicana, where you can find mouthwatering vegan tacos and burritos that will satisfy even the most dedicated carnivores.
Late-Night Eats: Street Food After Dark
London’s street food scene doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. If you’re still hungry after dinner or just want to extend your food adventure into the night, there are plenty of late-night street food options to explore.
Brick Lane is a well-known hot spot for night owls. You’ll find food trucks and pop-ups offering everything from curries to bagels. Head to Beigel Bake, a 24-hour institution serving hot salt beef bagels that are perfect for a late-night snack.
Another excellent late-night option is Kerb at King’s Cross, where you can enjoy a variety of street food until 10 p.m. on weekends. Bleecker Burger is a standout here, offering classic American-style burgers with thick patties and oozing cheese.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, visit Pizza Pilgrims, where you can grab a slice of wood-fired pizza, or stop by Mother Clucker for their buttermilk fried chicken, served with a side of pickles and fries.
Budget Breakdown: Can You Eat Street Food for 24 Hours on a Budget?
One of the great things about street food in London is that it can be surprisingly affordable, making it possible to eat well without breaking the bank. While some dishes may cost more at high-end street food markets, you can easily manage your 24-hour street food journey for under £30-£40 if you’re mindful of your spending.
For breakfast, pastries from Bread Ahead are around £3-£4, and a meal from Pieminister for lunch will cost about £6-£7. Snacks at Spitalfields Market are usually priced between £4-£5, and dinner at Street Feast will set you back £8-£10 per dish. Late-night eats, like a bagel from Beigel Bake, are incredibly budget-friendly at around £3.
To keep costs down, look for food stalls offering smaller portions or combo deals. Also, visiting food markets during less busy hours can sometimes get you discounted prices.
A Day Well-Spent on London’s Streets
Living on street food in London for 24 hours is delicious way to experience the city. From breakfast pastries to late-night snacks, the diversity and quality of street food in London offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of traditional British cuisine or crave international flavors, London’s street food scene will satisfy your taste buds without emptying your wallet.
So, next time you’re in London, forget the fancy restaurants — hit the streets and explore the amazing culinary experiences this city has to offer!
