Iconic London Dishes You Must Try at Least Once

London’s food scene is one of the most diverse in the world. You can grab dim sum in Chinatown, Ethiopian platters in Camberwell, Michelin-starred fine dining in Mayfair, or a quick bagel in Brick Lane all within a day. But alongside the global flavours, there’s a set of truly iconic London dishes that everyone should try at least once.

They aren’t always glamorous, but they carry history, identity, and that unmistakable London spirit. Some will comfort you, some might surprise you, and others you’ll either love or politely decline after one bite. But together, they tell the story of this city.

So, fork in hand, let’s dig into the dishes that define London.

1. Pie, Mash & Liquor

Let’s start with one of London’s most historic plates. Born in the East End, pie and mash was the fuel of working-class Londoners for more than a century. The pie is simple (traditionally filled with minced beef), served with creamy mashed potatoes and a green parsley sauce called liquor.

Where to try:

• M. Manze (Peckham, Bermondsey, Sutton) — London’s oldest surviving pie and mash shop (opened 1902).

• G. Kelly’s (Bethnal Green) — a classic East End stop.

Fun fact: eel pies were the original staple before beef pies took over. Which brings us to…

2. Jellied Eels (Well, not really snakes)

Yes, they look unusual. Yes, they wiggle slightly. But jellied eels are one of London’s most traditional dishes, dating back to the 18th century when eels were abundant in the Thames. They’re chopped, boiled in spiced stock, and left to set in jelly.

Do you have to try them? Absolutely once. Do you have to like them? That’s another story.

Where to try:

• F. Cooke (Broadway Market)

• Manze’s — often served alongside pie and mash.

3. Full English Breakfast

You can’t talk about iconic British food without mentioning the Full English. Eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast all piled high. London cafés (“greasy spoons”) made this dish a city ritual.

Where to try:

• E. Pellicci (Bethnal Green) — family-run, full of character.

• Regency Café (Pimlico) — so classic it’s been featured in films like Layer Cake and The King’s Speech.

4. Afternoon Tea

This one’s more refined. Afternoon tea is a London tradition that blends food with theatre: tiered trays of finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, pastries, and endless pots of tea.

Where to try:

• The Ritz — the gold standard.

• Sketch (Mayfair) — famous for its quirky pink interiors.

• Fortnum & Mason — a classic, elegant choice.

5. The East End Bagel

Forget New York for a moment London’s Brick Lane has its own legendary bagel culture. The star? The salt beef bagel, stuffed with tender salt beef, mustard, and pickles.

Where to try:

• Beigel Bake (Brick Lane, open 24/7)

• Beigel Shop (also Brick Lane, and yes, there’s a rivalry).

6. Sunday Roast

Sundays in London mean one thing: roast dinners. Think roasted beef, chicken, or lamb, served with potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and of course Yorkshire pudding. Every Londoner has their go-to pub for it.

Where to try:

• The Harwood Arms (Fulham) — Michelin-starred roast.

• The Spaniards Inn (Hampstead) — cosy, historic pub vibes.

• Blacklock (Soho, Shoreditch, Covent Garden) — modern but legendary.

7. Curry on Brick Lane

London loves its curry so much that chicken tikka masala is often called Britain’s national dish. Brick Lane has long been the centre of London’s Bangladeshi curry culture, lined with restaurants offering everything from creamy kormas to fiery vindaloos.

Where to try:

• Aladin (Brick Lane) — one of the most famous.

• Dishoom (multiple locations) — a Bombay-inspired London favourite.

8. Fish & Chips

No list is complete without fish and chips. While it’s a national dish, London has some excellent spots where you can grab crispy battered fish with chunky chips, mushy peas, and salt and vinegar.

Where to try:

• Poppie’s Fish & Chips (Spitalfields, Soho, Camden)

• Golden Union (Soho)

9. Chelsea Bun

This sweet spiral of currants, sugar, and spices originated at the Bun House in Chelsea in the 18th century. Sticky, rich, and delicious, it’s one of those old-school London treats that’s stood the test of time.

Where to try:

• Gail’s Bakery (citywide)

• The Chelsea Bun Deli (Chelsea)

10. London Gin Cocktail

Not a dish, but you can’t ignore London’s gin culture. Gin was once known as “Mother’s Ruin” during the 18th-century gin craze, but today it’s a refined staple in bars across the city.

Where to try:

• Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour (Covent Garden)

• The Ginstitute at Portobello Road — you can even make your own gin here.

Why These Dishes Matter

Each of these plates tells a piece of London’s story. From the working-class resilience of pie and mash to the elegance of afternoon tea, from immigrant communities shaping curry culture to Jewish bakers reinventing the bagel London’s food isn’t just about taste. It’s about identity, migration, class, and comfort.

Eating your way through these dishes is like eating your way through London’s history.

Final Thoughts

London’s food scene will always surprise you, but these are the must-try icons. Some are hearty, some refined, some quirky but each one is part of the city’s DNA.

So next time you’re in London, don’t just chase the latest foodie trend. Sit down for a pie and mash, grab a salt beef bagel at 2 a.m., or book that fancy afternoon tea. Trust me, you’ll taste the city in every bite.

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