You love food, London has some of the best food in the world, and walking tours are a great way to experience a new city. This tour is calling your name. Get ready for a delicious day exploring London’s vibrant food scene on Viator’s Walking Food Tour. Over the course of a few hours, you’ll wander charming cobblestone streets, popping into unique restaurants and cafes to sample traditional British fare and international flavors. You’ll chat with local food experts, learn fun facts about London’s history and culture, and most importantly, taste lots of amazing food. From classic fish and chips to artisanal cheese, craft beer to chocolate, this tour covers all the bases. By the end, your taste buds will be tingling and you’ll be planning your next culinary adventure in London. Foodies, this one’s for you.
Must-Try Food in London’s East End
One of the best ways to experience London’s incredible food scene is with a walking food tour of East London. This area has become a hub for innovative restaurants, food trucks, and pop-ups. Here are some must-try stops:
Poppies Fish and Chips is a popular spot serving crispy fish and chips in newspaper cones, a classic British staple. For an upscale take, head to The Clove Club, a Michelin-starred restaurant featuring a multi-course tasting menu inspired by British ingredients.
In trendy Shoreditch, Brat is a casual restaurant grilling high-quality meats and seafood over an open fire. They’re known for delicious lamb sausages and whole-grilled lobster. Other recommendations in Shoreditch include:
- Lyles – Artisanal British cafe fare & natural wines
- Dishoom – Stylish all-day Indian cafe & bar channeling Bombay’s old Irani cafes
- Gloria – Lively Italian trattoria with a buzzy bar area, sidewalk seating & wood-fired pizzas
With so many amazing and diverse options, the hardest part will be narrowing down your choices. But you really can’t go wrong in London’s East End. Take your time exploring the various restaurants and food shops. Chat with the friendly staff and owners. And most importantly, come hungry—you’re going to want to try it all!
Experiencing London’s Multicultural Cuisine on Foot
London is a melting pot of cultures, and there’s no better way to experience its diversity than through its food. On this walking tour, you’ll get to sample dishes from around the globe without ever leaving the city center.
Experiencing London’s Multicultural Cuisine on Foot
To start, you’ll wander through Chinatown and dig into dumplings at a popular dim sum spot. (-) Then it’s off to Indian-inspired Brick Lane for samosas, bhajis, and curries. (-) As you stroll through the East End, stop at Beigel bakeries, bagel shops, and other spots influenced by Jewish immigrants.
In Covent Garden, pop into an Italian cafe for pizza, pasta, or panettone. Or grab tapas at a Spanish joint. (-) For something French, there are creperies and patisseries galore. No matter which cuisine calls to you, the guide will give recommendations for the tastiest and most authentic spots.
End the tour around Trafalgar Square, where you’ll find West African chop bars, Syrian shawarma stands, and more. (-) By now you’ve traveled the world in just a few hours and eaten enough for a week! Satisfied yet still dreaming of your next meal, head to your hotel knowing you’ve experienced London’s culinary riches from the ground up.
This walking food tour covers a lot of ground, exposing you to cultural enclaves and comfort foods from across the globe. Whether you prefer spicy, savory, or sweet, London’s got you covered. So bring your appetite and walking shoes, and dive in! An edible adventure awaits.
The Best of British: Fish and Chips to Afternoon Tea
London is a food lover’s paradise, with culinary influences from all over the British Empire and beyond. On Viator’s London Walking Food Tour, you’ll taste some of the city’s most iconic dishes.
Fish and Chips
No trip to London is complete without fish and chips! This quintessential British meal of fried fish filets and chunky chips (fries) is best enjoyed at one of London’s traditional ‘chippies’. Seasoned with salt and vinegar, fish and chips is classic British comfort food.
Afternoon Tea
For a taste of Britain’s colonial past, enjoy afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason or The Ritz. An array of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, pastries, and tea cakes are served on a tiered platter, accompanied by a pot of loose-leaf tea. An indulgent tradition dating back to the 1840s, afternoon tea is a lavish affair.
Borough Market
London’s oldest food market is a haven for artisanal produce and street food. Browse stalls selling local specialties like Melton Mowbray pork pies, Isle of Wight tomatoes, and Somerset cider. Grab lunch from vendors offering Jamaican jerk chicken, paella, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more. Open Thursday to Saturday, Borough Market is a vibrant institution.
British Cheeses
The UK produces over 700 varieties of cheese, from crumbly white Cheshire to pungent Stilton blue. At Neal’s Yard Dairy and other cheesemongers, you can sample regional British cheeses and discover pairings with craft beers, ciders, or port wine. British cheeses reflect the country’s diverse landscapes, from leafy meadows to rugged moorland.
Viator’s walking tour covers all the bases, giving you a delicious introduction to London’s food scene. Whether enjoying a hearty pub lunch or decadent afternoon tea, you’ll taste the flavors of Britain’s heritage. A moveable feast for any foodie traveler!
Globetrotting Through Food: From Indian Curry to Italian Gelato
London has been shaped by centuries of cultural influences from around the world, so it’s no surprise that the city’s food is just as diverse. On Viator’s walking food tour, you’ll get to taste many of these global flavors as you explore some of London’s most historic neighborhoods.
You’ll start in Borough Market, one of the city’s most popular food halls, with samples of British specialties like aged cheddar, artisanal bread, and homemade sausages. From there, head to a traditional “pie and mash” shop, an East End institution serving minced beef pies with mashed potatoes and parsley liquor.
Next, travel the world without leaving London. In Spitalfields, try Bangladeshi-style chicken tikka masala or lamb vindaloo at an award-winning Indian restaurant. Or grab a slice of gooey, cheesy pizza at a popular Italian joint. In Chinatown, dumplings, spring rolls and Peking duck await.
For something sweet, stop in at an Italian gelateria featuring over 40 flavors of homemade gelato and sorbet to using fresh, natural ingredients. Or if chocolate is more your speed, visit a chocolatier crafting bean-to-bar chocolates from single-origin cocoa beans.
With so many tantalizing tastes and cuisines along the way, this tour is a food lover’s delight. By the end, you’ll understand why London’s culinary diversity is world-renowned. The city’s vibrant and varied food scene has something to satisfy every appetite.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Viator’s London Walking Food Tour
Wondering what to expect on Viator’s London Walking Food Tour? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions to help you prepare for a delicious day exploring London’s culinary side.
How long does the tour last?
The walking food tour typically lasts 3 to 3.5 hours. This includes stops at several eateries, markets, and food shops, as well as walking between locations. Come ready to eat, walk, and explore!
What kinds of food can I expect to try?
You’ll sample a variety of traditional British fare like fish and chips, Scotch eggs, cheese, cured meats, and Indian-inspired cuisine. Exact dishes depend on the specific stops your guide chooses, but you can anticipate tasty treats at markets like Borough Market or Camden Lock along with classic London dishes at local pubs or cafes. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal options are usually available if requested in advance.
How much walking is involved?
Expect to walk 1 to 3 miles during the tour, mostly on city sidewalks and crosswalks. The pace is leisurely with plenty of stops to rest, eat and chat. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing. The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but may be challenging for those with limited mobility. Check with Viator for specific tour details if you have concerns.
What is the cancelation policy?
Viator’s London Walking Food Tours are nonrefundable. You can reschedule up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. Late cancelations or no-shows will not receive a refund. The tour runs rain or shine, so come prepared for any weather. Umbrellas are recommended in case of rain.
Anything else I should know?
Bring cash to purchase any additional food, drinks, or souvenirs. Gratuities for your guide are not included and are greatly appreciated. Cameras are welcome – take lots of photos and share your experience on social media! Most importantly, come hungry and ready to eat your way through London’s amazing food scene. Enjoy!