The Top 10 Must-Try Street Foods in London

London is more than just Big Ben, red buses, and afternoon tea. It’s a true culinary melting pot, offering an astonishing variety of flavors from all corners of the globe. One of the most exciting aspects of dining in the capital? Street foods in London—a vibrant and ever-evolving scene that reflects the city’s multicultural roots and creative food culture.

From traditional British dishes to spicy Asian fusion and plant-based delights, the city’s street food scene has something to satisfy every craving. In this guide, we uncover the top 10 must-try street foods in London, where to find them, and why they deserve a spot on your foodie bucket list.

1. Fish and Chips: A British Icon

No street food journey in London is complete without trying fish and chips. This national dish has stood the test of time and remains a beloved comfort food across the UK.

Typically made with cod or haddock, the fish is dipped in a crispy golden batter, deep-fried to perfection, and served with thick-cut chips (fries). Add a splash of vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a side of mushy peas or tartar sauce, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate British meal.

Where to Try:

• Poppies Fish & Chips—Camden and Spitalfields locations are famous for their retro ambiance and fresh ingredients.

• Golden Union Fish Bar, Soho, for a modern twist on this classic favorite.

2. Jerk Chicken: Caribbean Heat in the Capital

Jerk chicken is a fiery, flavorful favorite in the London street food scene, showcasing the city’s rich Caribbean heritage. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers before being grilled over an open flame.

It’s usually served with rice and peas, fried plantains, or wrapped in flatbread with tangy sauces. The intense aroma alone is enough to draw crowds to the stalls.

Where to Try:

• Brixton Market: A hotspot for authentic Caribbean flavors.

• The Rum Kitchen (Street Stalls): Known for its tender jerk chicken and spicy slaw.

3. Salt Beef Bagel—East London’s Meaty Masterpiece

The salt beef bagel is a legendary London street food, especially popular in East London’s Brick Lane. This Jewish-inspired delicacy consists of juicy, brined beef layered inside a dense bagel with spicy mustard and sliced pickles.

It’s salty, sour, spicy, and satisfying—everything a great street snack should be.

Where to Try:

• Beigel Bake: Open 24/7 on Brick Lane, this no-frills bakery is a local institution.

• Beigel Shop: Just next door, and another fan favorite.

4. Chicken Tikka Wraps—Indian Street Food Fusion

Thanks to London’s massive South Asian community, Indian food is a mainstay across the city. One of the most popular adaptations for street food? Chicken tikka wraps.

Juicy pieces of marinated, grilled chicken are tucked into warm naan or roti, then loaded with fresh vegetables, tangy pickles, and spicy chutneys. These wraps deliver the richness of a full curry meal in a convenient handheld form.

Where to Try:

• KERB Camden Market offers fantastic Indian fusion stalls.

• Borough Market: Known for high-quality Indian street vendors.

5. Gourmet Burgers—Next-Level Street Food

The burger has been reinvented on London’s streets. Forget bland patties and limp buns—gallery burgers in London are stacked high with quality meat (or meat alternatives), artisan buns, melted cheeses, and custom-made sauces.

Whether you’re into beef, chicken, or plant-based patties, there’s something for every burger lover.

Where to Try:

• Bleecker Burger—Spitalfields and Victoria; known for their signature aged beef.

• Honest Burgers: Find their food stalls and pop-ups throughout the city.

6. Bao Buns: Soft and Flavorful Asian Street Food

Bao buns are light, fluffy, and packed with flavor—the perfect bite-sized indulgence. Originating from Taiwan, these steamed buns have gained a cult following in London, thanks to creative fillings like pork belly, Korean fried chicken, tofu, or mushrooms.

Topped with pickled veggies, hoisin sauce, or chili mayo, bao buns are a must-try for fans of Asian cuisine.

Where to Try:

• Bao London: Locations in Soho and Borough.

• Yum Bun is a popular pop-up at Spitalfields and KERB.

7. Halloumi Fries: A Vegetarian Favorite

Halloumi fries have exploded in popularity in recent years, especially among vegetarians and cheese lovers. This dish features thick-cut slices of halloumi cheese, deep-fried until golden and crispy, then sprinkled with herbs, chili, pomegranate seeds, and sauces like tzatziki or sweet chili.

They’re crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and bursting with flavor.

Where to Try:

• Oli Baba’s (Camden Market)—credited as the original creators of this iconic dish.

• KERB Markets: Great variety of street food vendors, including halloumi options.

8. Duck Confit Burgers—Decadent and French-Inspired

For a touch of gourmet indulgence, try a duck confit burger. These burgers feature tender, slow-cooked duck leg meat with toppings like rocket, caramelized onions, and truffle mayo, all tucked into a rich brioche bun.

This fusion of French technique with street food convenience is a truly luxurious bite.

Where to Try:

• Frenchie (Borough Market): Famous for their duck burgers and truffle fries.

• Duck Frites (Various Food Markets): Another popular vendor.

9. Vegan Doner Kebab: A Plant-Based Powerhouse

Street food in London has evolved to include an array of vegan options, and the vegan kebab is leading the charge. Made with seitan or soy protein, these kebabs come stuffed in flatbread with slaw, garlic sauce, hot sauce, and grilled veggies.

Even meat lovers often can’t tell the difference!

Where to Try:

• What the Pitta (Shoreditch, Camden, Croydon)—Award-winning vegan kebabs.

• Club Mexicana (Seven Dials, KERB): Great plant-based alternative options.

10. Churros with Chocolate—Sweet Street Treat

Finish off your culinary tour with something sweet: churros. These crispy, deep-fried dough sticks are rolled in sugar and served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce. A favorite at fairs and food markets, churros offer the perfect sugar rush to end your day.

Where to Try:

• Churros Garcia: Found at Southbank and various food festivals.

• Los Churros Amigos: Another popular vendor popping up at London events.

Bonus: Best Street Food Markets in London

To get the full experience of the street foods in London, visit one (or more) of these famous markets:

• Camden Market is youthful, vibrant, and full of fusion street food.

• Borough Market is a high-end food lover’s paradise.

• Spitalfields Market is perfect for diverse, trendy street food.

• KERB Markets (Kings Cross, Seven Dials, and more): Curated street food experiences with top vendors.

• Southbank Centre Food Market: Great views and even better food.

Final Thoughts

Exploring street foods in London is one of the best ways to experience the city’s rich diversity, creativity, and community spirit. From classic British fare to bold international flavors, the capital’s street food scene truly has it all.

Whether you’re hunting for a late-night snack, a quick lunch, or a foodie adventure, the dishes mentioned in this list are more than meals—they’re stories told through taste. So next time you’re in the city, follow your nose to the nearest market and discover the magic of London’s street food.