London is a substantial cultural city. Not only does it have beautiful locations to visit, like Big Ben and the London Bridge. The city also has an amazing cuisine to offer. With a deep and diverse cultural heritage from many different influences, any tourist worth their salt should try some of the best meals that the city has to offer.
Biegel Bake Brick Lane
Most people wouldn’t think the world’s best bagel is found in an unsuspecting restaurant in London, but trust us, you need to go to Biegel Bake Brick Lane. Since 1855, this shop has been creating queues outside its doors, and for good reason.
Buns From Home
Who doesn’t love cinnamon buns? Well, Buns From Home not only has the best cinnamon buns but also a wide selection of other decadent buns in various flavors. Their range starts at 3 pounds and ends at 4.5 pounds.
Humble Crumble
Humble Crumble has a market stand in Spitalfields Market in addition to the Borough Market. They dish out the most delectable apple crumble dishes. It has a build-your-own-bowl feel to it, with options for a standard apple filling, strawberry and rhubarb filling, or a combination of the two. Next, you select your crumble, which may be either a standard shortbread crumble or a vegan one. Lastly, you select a topping of cream, toasted marshmallow, hot, cold, or frozen custard. I got the cold custard, regular crumble, and half and half. To be very honest, I’m still dreaming about the cold custard since it was so delicious! They have a seasonal pumpkin spiced apple dish with spiced shortbread crumble available throughout October.
Dishoom
With good reason, Dishoom is among the most well-liked eateries in London. The entire experience is amazing, and their curries are beyond delicious. Each of the six sites in London has its unique specialties in the kitchen. We visited the one in Covent Garden, and our favorites were the ruby chicken and black lentil dahl. They have a great assortment of drinks as well. If your group is smaller, you will regrettably have to wait in line for a seat, which can take up to 1.5 hours. Fortunately, they provide complimentary tea while you wait. Reservations are accepted for tables of eight or more. If you prefer not to wait in lines, see my other suggestion below.
Sketch (Mayfair)
This quirky, art-filled restaurant offers a whimsical dining experience. Known for its decadent afternoon tea and Michelin-starred French cuisine, Sketch’s iconic Gallery room, with its pink velvet seats and humorous art, makes it one of the city’s most Instagrammable spots. Try their exquisite tasting menu for a true culinary adventure.
Kiln (Soho)
A favorite for those seeking bold Thai flavors, Kiln uses traditional clay ovens to prepare dishes with a fiery twist. The menu is inspired by Northern Thai cuisine, featuring fresh ingredients and vibrant, smoky flavors. Standout dishes include the slow-grilled chicken and aged lamb skewers.
