London: Eats

LONDON - Contrary to what you’ve heard, English food is not heinous.

I’m serious. This is my second summer in London and my third in England, and I’m here to say that I love English food. But if you don’t (many strange people hate delicious things like fried foods and sausages, I’ve learned), let me guarantee that London will still blow you away with its cuisine. Really.

London has really magnificent options for any foodie - from gastropubs to ethnic restaurants to markets. English people also know how to make one hell of a sandwich.

The greatest part, though, is that you can do it on the cheap. For one of the most expensive cities in the world, this is a blessing to an unpaid intern. With that, here are some of my recommendations for the best eats in London:

Best Sandwiches: EAT

Every street in London is home to a takeaway sandwich shop. While all are relatively decent, one stands above the rest. EAT. I ate at Eat (yes, ridiculous) the first time I went to London when I was 16 and it actually changed my life. I discovered banoffee pie, and my world has never been the same. This delicious banana and toffee dessert is near impossible to find in the states (unless you make Paula Deen’s insanely sweet version), and I went several years without a bite of my favorite pastry in the world.

Definitely one of the most difficult times of my life. Thankfully, I have a slice next to me right now.

But anyway, I haven’t even mentioned the sandwiches, which are classic, simple and always fresh. The produce used is high quality and the prices are totally reasonable. I usually go for the roast ham, brie and cranberry. I’ve already had it twice this week. I may have a problem.

Go at lunchtime and you’ll find long queues (they move quickly, though, English people were born knowing how to wait in lines) at this popular eatery. Don’t forget to ask for it takeaway, unless you want to pay extra to eat in the shop.

Best Fish & Chips: Rock & Sole Plaice

This place has it made – a great location right outside Covent Garden coupled with the best fish & chips in the city. It’s so good that even people who don’t like fish/fried delights say they eat here. Along with this recommendation, I need to share an English secret: splash some malt vinegar over your fish & chips. Don’t worry, you will thank me. And grab the mayonnaise instead of the ketchup.

Best Market: Borough Market

I’ve got a good internship this summer, but the best part may be that I’m only ten minutes from Borough Market. This gourmet heaven is world famous for a reason. At the same time, I’ve heard a lot of tourists ask why they should go to a market on their vacation. These foolish people are probably the same ones who think English food just means ‘burnt’.

Borough Market has tons of options for food to eat there (sandwiches, fish dishes, sausages, burgers and lots of ethnic choices), as well as fruit and veg and butcher stalls. It’s only open Thurs-Sat, however, and on Sat. it turns into a zoo. It’s worth it, and it won’t break your piggy-bank.

Best Sushi: Sushi Hiroba

London’s sushi scene is thriving right now. If you’re looking for a good chain, you can’t go wrong with Yo! Sushi, which has numerous spots around town. But my heart belongs to Sushi Hiroba, conveniently located just down the street from the Holborn tube station, in the heart of London. It’s a bit more expensive than Yo! Sushi, but I taste the difference. Yes, that’s pretentious.

Best Korean Food: Asadal

So I clearly have spent a lot of time around Holborn, as Asadal is literally right next door to the tube stop. But ignore my recommendation at your own peril: Asadal serves fantastic food and the atmosphere is classy. The lunch set meal is a good deal, and as for dinner prices, you’ll have a great night out without feeling guilty.

Best Greek Food: Lemonia

While The Real Greek may be convenient and popular for visitors, I have just one word for you: Lemonia. This place was recommended to me last year by an old English guy at a pub who grabbed my notebook and told me he’d plan the best day in London for me. He did not lead me astray (by the way, it was pretty simple and I’ll pass it on: Go to Primrose Hill and eat at Lemonia).

Get off the tube at Chalk Farm and you’ll find yourself in one of the most pleasant spots in London (celebrities enjoy living here, for good reason). Take the trip up to Primrose Hill for the great views, and then go for some good food. Sure it’s a little out of the way and maybe a bit pricier than some would like, but it truly is a stand out in London’s dining scene. Plus, as that British guy well knew, nothing beats a day out at Primrose Hill.

Well, that’s it for now… Check back soon for London: Eats, Continued for my thoughts on Indian, Italian, burgers, bagels and more. I’ll be doing more blogs along these lines, with London: Drinks, London: Museums and more!

2 Responses to “London: Eats”

1. Trina says:

   July 9, 2009 at 8:56 am

   Excellent post, brought me right back. I always stop at the Heathrow EAT on my way out of London for one last farewell to the Sandwich.
2. Ali says:

   July 13, 2009 at 2:30 am

   Your cheap sandwich place is Eat and your fish and chip place is in Covent Garden? I give up, Americans wouldn’t know good cheap food if it hit them in the face.