Kiara Cunningham | Content Marketing Manager
London, one of the world’s most popular and busiest tourist destinations doesn’t have to feel like an overcrowded hustle. You love food and you want the very best, but you don’t love the typical tourist traps and boring food you could have gotten at a fast food joint back home. Street food in London is exciting, innovative, packed full of flavor and can take you anywhere in the world in one bite.
We've put together the ultimate guide to the most quintessential London street markets for you to add to your ‘to-eat’ list:
Borough of Southwark - Borough Market
Borough Market is absolutely essential to your perfect London food experience. Tucked amongst traditional British Pubs and fine dining restaurants, Borough Market is home to traditional vendors selling local fresh produce, out of this world street food and artisanal and gourmet foods. It has not ceased operation since its humble beginnings in 1040, it’s something worth exploring. Indulge in the traditionally made cheese of East Sussex at Alsop & Walker or taste the locally handcrafted liquors of the East London Liquor Company.
Opening Dates: Market is open year round.
Open On: Monday through Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 8am-5pm.
Address: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Borough of Hackney - Urban Food Fest
The only pop-up street market in London is a chill daytime market turned buzzing night market, with 12 straight hours of operation. Urban Food Fest is home to around 15 local food trucks and vendors every Saturday. A rotation of vendors means there is always something new to be discovered and the food is always fresh. One vendor, Ping, of The Ugly Dumplings is a local favorite and regular. Their pork belly spinach fusion dumpling is a winner!
Opening Dates: Market is open year round.
Open On: Saturday 12pm-12am
Address: Euro Car Parks, 162-167 Shoreditch High St
Borough of Hackney - Pump Shoreditch
Maybe one of London’s most unique street markets, Pump Shoreditch runs out of an old Texaco petrol station, appropriately named PUMP! Open 7 days a week, morning to late night, you can make a day out of it. Enjoy the live music, exhibitions street art and sample your way through some of the world’s best street food! Try Makimayo Chicken, where all they sell is delicious deep fried chicken or Tacotitlan where you can sample authentic Mexican street food.
Opening Dates: Market is open year round.
Open On: Monday through Sunday 11am-11pm
Address: 168 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6HU
Borough of Kensington & Chelsea - Portobello Market
The world’s biggest antique market on one of London’s most famous boulevards also boasts an incredible street food scene. On offer is fresh, home-cooked street food from all corners of the world at the hands of established and up and coming traders. If Paella is your thing then you've come to the right place. Jamon Jamon serves up colorful traditional Paella, the long lines are worth the wait.
Opening Dates: Market is open year round.
Open On: Monday through Wednesday 9am-6pm, Thursday 9am-3pm,
Friday & Saturday 9am-7pm.
Address: 192A Portobello Rd, London, W11 1LA
Borough of Camden - Leather Lane Market
A true hidden gem in the heart of central London, Leather Lane Market has remained at its original site for the past 300 years! A contemporary blend of history, tradition and of course, food! Baby Got Mac is calling all you mac & cheese lovers, try this favorite in a cheesy melt! If you're feeling a little more adventurous, head over to Warung Tempehs for a taste of Indonesian cuisine.
Opening Dates: Market is open year round.
Open On: Monday through Friday 10am-3pm.
Address: Leather Lane, London, EC1N 7TJ
Borough of Greenwich - Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market is kind of incredible in that is the only historic market (in operation since 1694) within a World Heritage site, not to mention the picturesque lawns of Greenwich Park. Innovative food stalls and specialty stalls are what to look out for here. If you're in the mood for something a little more traditional, then head to Goddards for their British pie and mash.
Opening Dates: Market is open year round, excluding April
18 & 19.
Open On: 7 days a week, 10am-5.30pm.
Address: 5b Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ