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A food tour is one of the best ways to get under the skin of London, eating your way through a neighbourhood while a guide unpicks its history and culture. Whether you join an organised walk or plan your own tasting route, this guide covers how to eat your way around the city.
Guided food tours
Several established operators run walking food tours through London's most delicious quarters, typically pausing at independent shops, markets and restaurants for tastings as a guide tells the story of the area. The classic routes cover Borough Market and the surrounding streets, the Bangladeshi and Jewish heritage of Brick Lane and the East End, and the delis and cafes of Soho. Tours usually last a few hours and include enough food to replace a meal, so come hungry.
Self-guided tasting routes
You can also build your own food tour for the price of what you eat. Borough Market is the obvious starting point, and the nearby Maltby Street Market makes a lively weekend follow-on. In the east, Brick Lane and the surrounding markets stitch together bagels, curry and street food, while Chinatown rewards a grazing crawl of bakeries and dumpling houses. Our guide to the best food markets in London is the perfect companion.
Are food tours in London worth it?
For anyone who loves eating, they are a great introduction to a neighbourhood, combining tastings with history and local knowledge you would not get on your own. The best tours pace the food well and take you to independent spots rather than tourist traps, so choosing an established operator with good reviews pays off.
Where are the best areas for a food tour?
Borough Market and its surroundings, Brick Lane and the East End, Soho and Chinatown are the classic areas, each with a distinct food culture. Markets make natural hubs, so building a route around one is a reliable way to eat well.
Where to go next
Pair it with the best food markets in London and the city's best food halls, or plan a wider day with more things to do in London.
