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The 20 Best Food Markets in London: The Ultimate Guide

London, one of the most famous cities in the world, is a complete foodie hub. People from around the world flock to the area to try some of the most unique and delectable treats from renowned chefs and vendors. Due to this vast culinary scene and the demand to try new and exciting dishes, many street food markets have popped up around the city.

However, with so many to choose from, how do you know which one you should go to? Luckily, we've put together this guide to help you out. Below are 20 of London's best food markets and some information to help you decide where to try. To enhance your culinary journey, consider booking other attractions near the food markets on Love to Visit, making your food adventure even more enjoyable. 
 

Borough Market

 

If you don't have a lot of time in London but still want to check out the wonders of a street food market, you will want to take advantage of this. Borough Market is one of the best food markets in London and has a history dating back as far as 1756.

Running every day of the week, there are tons of delights to check out, from freshly baked bread to artisanal cheese. For something you can dig into on the spot, various street-food stalls are available with cuisines from around the globe, such as Spanish, French, and Ethiopian.

The standards met by the vendors at Borough Market are second to none, and you can tell they care about providing you with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. Therefore, if you find yourself in Southwark and want a tasty treat, you should check out Borough Market.
 

 

Camden Market

 

For those of you who are obsessed with international street food and all its delicacies, there's no doubt you've heard of Camden Market. After opening in 1974, one of the best food markets in London has gained significant popularity for its scenic views while taking a bite of some delectable dishes in the food halls.

If you're in the mood for something in particular, there's no doubt Camden Market has it. Running seven days a week, you can find everything from TikTok trends to classics like curry, pasta, and scotch eggs. You should determine what you fancy eating before you arrive, as the dozens of stalls can make it hard to choose!

And when you're done trying the wide range of dishes available, you can walk off the calories by checking out the various other stalls, ranging from vintage fashion to London souvenirs. It's the perfect place for a day out and when you want to take a break from working hard.
 

 

Broadway Market

 

When you want to hit up the trends in the food world, you can head over to the Broadway Market in Hackney. Open seven days a week, and with additional vendors offering goods, it has become a favourite among locals and tourists, mainly due to its buzzing atmosphere.

After a reboot in 2004, there is so much to check out, with over 100 stalls to choose from. You can opt for a light lunch and bite into a fresh pork sandwich, or tons of other food vendors offer full meals such as Asian-fusion dishes and stuffed pasta that go down a treat.

While biting into your chosen treat, you can browse nearby shops selling vintage clothes and handmade jewellery. You can even stock up your pantry or fridge with some fresh meat, fish, cheese, and bread to make your visit to London more memorable.

 

 

Maltby Street Market

 

Not all London street food markets are open daily, so you need to get in there while you can. Maltby Street Market is one of these, available only around late morning to early evening on Saturdays and Sundays. Since 2010, people have waited all week for the stalls to open to try out the wide range of goodies available.

If you're a foodie looking for your next favourite dish, you will have tons to choose from at Maltby Street Market. Some memorable bites include sausage sandwiches, flavour-filled dumplings, and sugar-coated doughnuts when you want something sweet.

And to top it off, Maltby Street Market isn't just known for its food, but for its wide range of drinks too. While enjoying the dish of your choice, you can sip on various gin and tonics, signature cocktails, or even just an ice-cold pint.
 

 

Tooting Market

 

Tooting Market may not be as well known as some of the bigger London food markets, but that doesn't detract from what it offers. This hidden gem has been operating since 1930 and even snagged the Best Small Indoor Market award at the Great British Market Awards in 2017.

There is much to check out at Tooting Market, but the food is a standout feature. You can make your way around the world and try delicacies from countries you've never even considered visiting, whether sitting down for a German bratwurst or taking a bite of a signature Guyana rice dish.

But one of the most incredible things about Tooting Market is that it isn't limited to food. You can sit down and take a break at the relaxed wine bar, shop for gifts to take back home, or even participate in a community event like the chess meet-up held every Monday.
 

 

Leather Lane Market

 

If you're anywhere between Clerkenwell Road and High Holborn during the week between 10 am and 3 pm, then you should look at Leather Lane Market. It spans miles, providing various street food stalls, shops, and cafes to enhance your culinary experience in the city.

Due to the time and location of the market, it is the perfect lunch spot, especially if you've had a day full of meetings and need a break. You can try out some delicious items that will hit the spot, from filled burritos to a delightful, warm mac and cheese bowl with the toppings of your choice.

Leather Lane Market offers a more laidback and old-school charm that you don't find at many other London street food markets. It is a breath of fresh air while maintaining fast operations to ensure you can return to the office in time for your next conference.

 

 

Old Spitalfields Market

 

Looking for one of the oldest London markets full of charm and history? Well, then head on over to the Old Spitalfields Market. It has been hosting residents and tourists of London since 1638, and it has only improved over time as it added a modern approach to its food trucks and stalls.

What many people love about Old Spitalfields Market is the variety of food options. You can grab a quick bite at one of the trendy food trucks like Mr Bombay or The Duck Truck, or you can have a sit-down meal at one of the picnic tables after ordering food from one of the market kitchen stalls.

There are over 41 stalls to choose from at Old Spitalfields Market, and it's open every day of the week except Thursdays. And when you're done and ready to move on to the next activity? You can head to the surrounding shops for vintage clothing and vinyl records.
 

 

Druid Street Market

 

Nestled in the centre of Bermondsey is Druid Street Market, mainly known for its artisanal delights. It is one of the smaller London street food markets on this list, and that is because the editor of TOAST magazine runs it and hosts a few stalls from local chefs and producers.

The offerings at Druid Street Market are constantly changing, so you are met with a surprise each time you visit. However, you can expect to find some delectable choices ranging from ice cream sandwiches for the hotter months and cajun-style fried oysters when you want to try something different.

As you venture through the historical arches of Druid Street to find the market, you're surrounded by a wide range of family-owned businesses, such as butchers, pubs, and bakeries. It gives you an authentic London vibe and is certainly something to write home about.

 

 

Whitecross Street Market

 

If you're a history buff, you might have heard Whitecross Street Market used to be known as the 'Squalors Market' in the 19th century. This may not sound appealing, but we assure you that it has certainly changed with the times. It is now an extremely popular and busy street market, providing yummy treats for lunch.

Open during the week for two and a half hours a day around lunchtime, making it the perfect place to go when you want to break up your day. There are over 50 vendors to choose from, and you'll feel spoiled when deciding whether you want traditional pie and mash or Korean BBQ for lunch.

And if you're a coffee fan and need a little pick-me-up, you must head to Fix and try one of its fresh brews. Just make sure you beat the crowds and get what you want before 2:15 pm when the stalls close.
 

 

Greenwich Market

 

Greenwich is somewhere you must visit when you find yourself in London, and one reason for this is its market. It has been around for over 200 years and was recently revamped in 2016 to keep up with the times. You can now choose from over 120 stalls, with over 40 providing delicious street food.

At every turn you make at Greenwich Market, there is something new for you to try. From a wide range of street foods like hand-rolled sushi and burger buns filled with ramen to fresh produce, you will have difficulty not wanting to take a bite of everything available.

And if you are vegetarian and vegan, you'll feel like you're in paradise. Every day of the week are various plant-based pop-ups where you can taste an explosion of flavours with no meat or animal products. It really does offer everything.
 

 

Walthamstow Market

 

The street food scene at Walthamstow Market is one to attend. It has been around since 1885 and has made a name for itself as not London's, but Europe's, longest outdoor street market, which spans a kilometre of high street in the city.

Various street food vendors have popped up down the street, and you can sample some of the most delicious dishes you'll ever try. You can opt for something British like cockney pie and mash, or you can go more international with Caribbean curried goat.

And there is plenty of time to try out the delicious treats available at Walthamstow Market. You can head over from Tuesday to Saturday, with opening times from 8 am to 5 pm (and 5:30 pm on Saturdays). It's a great place to try good food and enjoy one of the things that makes London great.
 

 

Southbank Centre Food Market

 

London is a city full of art and design, and Southbank is one of its hotspots. Therefore, if you find yourself in the area on the weekend and wish to sit down for something to eat, then head over to Southbank Centre Food Market, which is open Fridays-Sundays each week.

Foodies love the variation at this street food market; there is something for everyone. Make sure you know what cuisine you're in the mood for because it could take months to try and eat your way through them all. Select a curry from India or Thailand, or consider a bit of peri-peri chicken from Portugal.

There is enough choice to refuel your body and prepare you to head off to the Tate Modern or Hayward Gallery once you're done. And to top it off, tons of street performers surround the market to add to the atmosphere.
 

 

Brockley Market

 

Saturday mornings are made for Brockley Market when you're in London. Only open every Saturday between 10 am and 2 pm, this stylish market hosts a ton of award-winning dishes from local producers and chefs, making it a must-try for foodies in the area.

If you want to stock up your hotel fridge and cupboards for the week, you can pick up all the essentials from fresh fruit and veg, baked bread, meat, and cheese. And if you're planning on sitting back and relaxing in the evening? You can purchase Bordeaux wine by the barrel.

When you can't wait to get home to sample the goods you've bought from Brockley Market, you can dig into a wide range of street foods and drinks, such as burgers, artisanal coffee, empanadas, and BBQ plates. However, ensure you get there early to secure your seat in the food hall!

 

 

Portobello Road Market

 

If you're in the market for some antiques and good food, then don't hesitate to visit Portobello Road Market between Monday and Saturday when you're visiting London. Not only is it the perfect place to pick up fresh produce, but there are also various stores selling vintage clothes and antiques.

No matter what you're in the mood for, there's no doubt you'll find it on Portobello Road. Walking through the market, you'll discover a divine selection of fresh bread, cakes, seafood, and cheese. And to top it all off, there's a Spanish supermarket nearby to give you a taste of the European country.

If you fancy a bit of a sit-down and chat with the people you're with, you can pick up a meal from one of the international street food stalls. Whether it's a traditional fish and chips or Caribbean jerk chicken, you'll undoubtedly feel satisfied once you're done.
 

 

Woolwich Market

 

Another London market with years of history is Woolwich Market, which has been serving those in South East London since 1618. Of course, it has received a modern refresh over time, but it still maintains the timeless look of the past.

The offerings at Woolwich Market are precisely what you'd expect. Lots of delicious dishes and various other stalls offering gifts for friends and family. You can try flavours from across the globe, whether taking a bite of a cheesy tequeno or chomping down on some alfajores.

Woolwich Market stands out due to its dedication to only working with local traders and suppliers, ensuring it gives back to its local community. You can make the most of your time there by learning how they started their businesses, whether selling flowers or fresh produce.
 

 

Exmouth Market

 

Hitting up trendy Exmouth Market is something to try when you want to get to know London better. It's less well-known than some more extensive markets, but this hidden gem offers a great selection of restaurants, pop-up bars, and independent stores to browse.

Exmouth Market is unique because it doesn't offer stalls but rather a selection of bespoke restaurants and pubs in a small perimeter. You can sit down for a pint at Mikkeller Brewpub before deciding whether you want pizza at Panzo or shawarma at Berber & Q.

Once you've fed your appetite, you can check out the selection of other independent stores ranging from beauty to jewellery and take home something that reminds you of the time you spent strolling through Exmouth Market.
 

 

Covent Garden Market

 

Covent Garden is one of the tourist hotspots in London, and one reason is the Seven Dials Market. This Covent Garden Market is open every day of the week from 11 am until dinner time and provides locals and tourists with the perfect sport to try out the offerings of small food businesses.

This brick-and-mortar Covent Garden Market is home to the world's first cheese conveyor belt restaurant and many other great wonders to discover. You can pick up bao buns from Yum Bun, a 7 Dials Burger, or a bowl of steaming hot ramen from Nanban. Once you've selected your dish, tons of communal tables are available to enjoy the flavours.

As you head upstairs, there are more formal restaurants where you can head to the terrace bar for a drink. Either way, Covent Garden Market has a beautiful atmosphere that can truly make your time in London.
 

 

Brixton Village Market

 

Brixton Village Market is a vibrant foodie hub in the heart of one of London's South West areas. It constantly changes, which adds to its charm, as you never know what to expect. There are tons of London food trends available and a few extra treats for you to check out.

You can either do your weekly food shop at Brixton Village Market or pick up a dish on the go. Some top trends you've seen online will be there, from Japanese okonomiyaki pancakes to ice cream rolls, making you feel like you're in your own TikTok video.

The fresh produce available is also second to none, and not for a bad price either. You can pick up all you need for a delicious home-cooked meal, from fresh fish to artisanal cheese and condiments. And the best part? It is open every day.

 

 

Brick Lane Market

 

Brick Lane Market has it all. London street food markets tend to offer more than just tasty treats, and this one isn't any different. While you soak up the smells of delicious cuisines, you can also browse through a selection of unique clothing and stunning antiques.

While, yes, the stalls are all fantastic, the street food scene is definitely something that stands out. Particularly available on Sundays, you can find everything from traditional British hog roasts and fish and chips, to juicy ribs that will leave you wanting more. You can also head to Ely's Yard at the Old Truman Brewery throughout the week, as it offers even more food trucks.

If you want more of a sit-down experience, there are various Indian restaurants surrounding the Brick Lane Market. You can enjoy a coconutty korma or fiery vindaloo while you watch the masses walk by.
 

 

Victoria Park Market

 

Last but not least on this list of the best street food markets in London is Victoria Park Market. Sundays are made for rest, but not when this market is on. Located in East London, you can walk down the footpath between Bonner Gate and Gore Gate and check out the variation of independent food stalls selling beautifully produced food and dishes.

There really is everything you can think of, from vegan cheese to freshly baked sourdough bread. You can take this home or back to your hotel to enjoy for the rest of your stay, or you can head to this London market's selection of stalls that offer piping hot dishes of mac and cheese and spicy chicken momos.

To top it all off, the atmosphere adds to the excitement of visiting Victoria Park Market. Often, there is live jazz music playing as you wander through the stalls. It picks you up and really shows you what Sundays in London are all about. 
 


Want to book extra activities to accompany your food journey? Check out Love to Visit where you can effortlessly book exclusive activities and events, and take advantage of their special discounts to make your trip unforgettable.

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