London’s food scene is the kind of place where every bite tells a story, where century-old recipes still hold their ground, and where flavors are as bold as the people who make them. If you want to truly experience London, don’t just visit—taste your way through its history, one unforgettable bite at a time with dishes like jellied eels and other London specialties.
Jellied Eels
Jellied eels have been a staple of London’s culinary history since the 18th century, when the Thames teemed with eels, providing an abundant food source. Affordable, nutritious, and easy to prepare, they were a go-to meal long before fish and chips stole the spotlight. The process is simple: chop the eels, boil them in spiced stock, and let the natural gelatin set into a jelly as it cools.
Some Londoners swear by their briny, slightly sweet flavor, while others find the texture a bit of a challenge. Traditionally served with a splash of malt vinegar, they remain a divisive yet enduring delicacy.
Where to Try: Head to M. Manze, London’s oldest surviving pie and mash shop, where jellied eels have been served the same way since 1902. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair them with a plate of hot eels for the full experience.
Fish and Chips
Nothing beats the satisfying crunch of proper fish and chips, and London knows how to do it right. Introduced in the 19th century, this dish quickly became Britain’s favorite fast food, fueling workers and families alike.
Seaside towns may claim to have the best fish and chips, but some of my favorite chippies are right here in London. The crispy, golden fish alongside fluffy, perfectly cooked chips wrapped in paper is the kind of simple pleasure I never get tired of. When I need a taste of tradition, I know exactly where to go.
Where to Find the Best: Poppie’s Fish & Chips, with its 1950s-style diner vibes, serves up some of the crispiest, fluffiest fish and chips in town—fried to golden perfection and wrapped the old-fashioned way.
Salt Beef Sandwiches – Beigels
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, freshly baked beigel stuffed with tender salt beef, a dollop of fiery English mustard, and a crunchy pickle. A staple of London’s Jewish community since the late 19th century, these sandwiches have been a go-to street food for decades. The beauty of a proper salt beef beigel is in its simplicity—just high-quality beef, slow-cooked until it melts in your mouth, packed into a chewy, golden beigel.
Where to Grab One: Beigel Bake on Brick Lane is legendary for its salt beef sandwiches, serving them up 24/7, or head to Borough Market and get your hands on a colossal sandwich made before your eyes.
Eton Mess
Legend has it this dessert was born when a pavlova was dropped during a cricket match at Eton College, and instead of tossing it, someone scooped it up and served it anyway. Whether or not the story is true, I’m just glad the dish exists, and I was hooked the first time I had this dessert.
This light yet indulgent treat is a summer staple, enjoyed at garden parties, afternoon teas, and even in high-end restaurants. I love the combination of sweet strawberries, crunchy meringue, and velvety whipped cream—it’s messy, but in the best way possible.
Where to Indulge: Head to Fortnum & Mason for a beautifully presented, slightly posh version of this classic British dessert.
Beef Wellington
There’s something truly special about a well-made Beef Wellington. Named after the Duke of Wellington, this dish is as British as it gets—tender beef fillet coated in mushroom duxelles and wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. It’s rich, elegant, and always feels like a celebratory meal.
I’ve attempted making Beef Wellington at home, and let’s just say it’s not as easy as it looks. Precision, patience, and a good eye for golden pastry are key—no wonder it’s often featured as a technical challenge on cooking shows.
Where to Taste Perfection: For an authentic, locally-owned experience, visit The Grenadier in Belgravia. This historic pub, once a favorite of British soldiers, serves a legendary Beef Wellington in a cozy, traditional setting.
Pie and Mash
Pie and mash has been a staple comfort food for Londoners for over a century, and I completely understand why. Born in the 19th century, this dish was the ultimate working-class meal—cheap, hearty, and easy to mass-produce. Originally made with eels before beef became the standard filling, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that has stood the test of time.
The simple tables, unfussy menu, and steaming hot pies paired with a rich, savory sauce evoke a strong sense of tradition. While these shops are now fewer in number, they remain a treasured part of London’s food culture, and I always make a point to visit when I’m in town.
Where to Experience: For a proper old-school experience, visit F. Cooke, a family-run pie shop that’s been serving traditional pie and mash since 1862. Expect marble-topped tables, a no-frills menu, and a loyal crowd of regulars who’ve been coming here for decades.
Treacle Tart
A true British classic, treacle tart is a dessert that has stood the test of time. Made with a crisp shortcrust pastry filled with a rich mixture of golden syrup, breadcrumbs, and lemon juice, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Often served with clotted cream or custard, it’s a comforting treat that brings a taste of tradition with every bite. No wonder this dessert is famously known as Harry Potter’s favorite. If you have a sweet tooth, this is a must-try.
Where to Indulge: Visit Rules, London’s oldest restaurant, for a treacle tart that stays true to its historic roots. Their version is rich, perfectly textured, and a true taste of old London.
London on a Plate: A Culinary Journey Through Tradition
Exploring London’s food scene is like taking a journey through time, where every dish has a story to tell. From the adventurous bite of jellied eels to the comfort that treacle tart has, these specialties reflect the city’s cultural tapestry. Some flavors might surprise you, others may challenge your palate, but each one is a unique taste of London’s heritage.