Street Food London: Best Vendors, Hidden Spots, and What to Eat

When you think of street food London, the vibrant, chaotic, and delicious outdoor eating scene that defines the city’s pulse. Also known as London food markets, it’s not just snacks—it’s culture on a plate, cooked by people who’ve brought flavors from every corner of the world right to the capital’s sidewalks. This isn’t your average fast food. It’s slow-cooked jerk chicken in Peckham, fresh oysters from Borough Market, and steaming bowls of ramen tucked between East London warehouses. You don’t need a reservation. You just need to show up hungry.

What makes street food vendors London, the independent cooks and small teams who turn wheelbarrows and food trucks into legendary spots. Also known as London food culture, it’s built on grit, family recipes, and decades of migration. From Nigerian suya in Croydon to Korean tacos in Shoreditch, these vendors don’t just sell meals—they tell stories. And the best part? You can taste them all in one afternoon. You’ll find London food markets, organized hubs where dozens of vendors gather under one roof, often with live music and beer on tap like Maltby Street, Broadway Market, and Boxpark. But the real gems? The ones tucked into alleyways or parked outside tube stations after dark—places you won’t find on Google Maps until someone whispers the name.

There’s no single "best" street food in London. It’s about what hits you at the right time. Maybe it’s the crispy falafel from a Lebanese cart in Camden, or the sticky, sweet bao from a family-run stall in Chinatown. Maybe it’s the first bite of a Welsh rarebit toastie at a weekend market in Dalston, or the smoky, spicy lamb skewers that make you forget you’re standing on a busy London street. These aren’t trends. They’re traditions, passed down and reinvented every day. And they’re all free to explore—no dress code, no cover charge, just good food and real people.

What you’ll find below are real stories from the people who cook it, the places where it’s best eaten, and the dishes you can’t miss. No fluff. No hype. Just where to go, what to order, and why it matters.