When you visit London, you should not pass up the opportunity to explore the Borough Market, a paradise for food lovers. It’s a place where you can find fresh produce, artisanal food products, and a myriad of food stalls offering an array of mouth-watering dishes. For those who enjoy culinary adventures, it’s an absolute must-visit. In this article, we will guide you through the best local delicacies to try in this bustling market.
The Charm of Borough Market
Borough Market, nestled under the railway arches near London Bridge, is one of the oldest and largest food markets in London. It’s open six days a week, providing a platform for British and international producers to showcase and sell their high-quality goods. You’ll find stalls selling everything from fruits and vegetables to fish, meat, cheese, and baked goods.
The market has a vibrant atmosphere, with the sounds of traders calling out their daily specials and the tantalizing aroma of freshly prepared food wafting through the air. You’ll find a great mix of traditional British cuisines and international dishes, all prepared from quality ingredients.
Tempt Your Taste Buds with British Cheese
The borough market is a cheese lover’s haven. You’ll find a variety of stalls selling an assortment of British and international cheeses. From the creamy cheddar to the crumbly Stilton, there’s something for everyone.
At Neal’s Yard Dairy, you can sample and buy from a select range of British territorial cheeses. This includes the Colston Bassett Stilton, a traditional blue cheese with a rich, creamy texture and a complex, spicy flavor.
For something a little different, try the Baron Bigod from Fen Farm Dairy. It’s a raw milk Brie-style cheese, known for its rich, creamy, and mushroomy flavor.
Savor the Flavors of Local Street Food
Aside from the fresh produce and artisanal goods, Borough Market is well-known for its incredible street food offering. With countless food stalls, choosing what to eat can be a daunting decision.
For meat lovers, a visit to Roast To Go is a must. Their signature roast beef sandwich, made from top-quality British beef, is served in a soft bun with horseradish and rocket salad. The beef is tender and packed with flavor, making it a popular choice among visitors.
Bread Ahead Bakery is another must-visit in Borough Market. Famous for their doughnuts, Bread Ahead offers a variety of flavors, including vanilla custard, chocolate, and the traditional jam. They’re light, fluffy, and filled to the brim with delicious filling.
Refresh Your Palate with Coffee and Tea
After all the food tasting, you might need a good cup of coffee or tea. Luckily, Borough Market has several coffee stalls that serve excellent brews.
Monmouth Coffee Company is one of the most established coffee shops in the market. They import coffee directly from farmers and roast the beans in their own roasting house. Their coffee is rich and flavorsome, perfect for a mid-morning pick-me-up.
If you prefer tea, head over to Tea2You. They offer a wide range of high-quality loose-leaf teas, including the traditional English breakfast tea and a variety of health-boosting herbal teas.
Discover London’s Best Restaurants within Borough Market
Borough Market isn’t just about the stalls – it’s also home to some of London’s best restaurants. If you’re seeking a more relaxed dining experience, these restaurants provide a fantastic array of cuisines.
Padella is a famous Italian restaurant in the market, best known for its handmade pasta. Every dish is freshly prepared and cooked to perfection. The queues might be long, but it’s worth the wait.
For carnivores, Rabot 1745 offers a fusion of British and Saint Lucian cuisines, with an emphasis on cacao-infused dishes. Here you can enjoy dishes like the cacao-infused beef with a side of sweet potato fries.
Whether you’re a foodie on a quest for new culinary experiences, or you’re just looking for a good place to eat, Borough Market is a must-visit destination in London. From cheese to coffee, street food to high-end restaurants, there’s something to whet everyone’s appetite. So next time you’re in London, make sure to drop by Borough Market and explore the amazing food it has to offer.
Dive Into the Delights of Fresh Seafood
Borough Market is also a hub for seafood lovers. With fresh catches arriving daily from the coast, the market is adorned with stalls serving up the finest British and international seafood.
Shellseekers is one of the most popular seafood stalls in the market. They operate both as a fishmonger and a food stall. Their scallops, sourced from the Dorset coast, are cooked on the spot. Served in their shells with a buttery sauce, these scallops are a real treat.
For those who fancy something a bit different, the Furness Fish & Game stall is a must-visit. They offer a wide selection of smoked fish, including smoked salmon, mackerel, and kippers. Their smoked salmon, gently smoked over oak and sliced by hand, is incredibly flavorful and pairs wonderfully with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Quench Your Thirst with Artisanal Drinks
Pairing your favorite delicacies with a unique beverage can elevate your culinary experience at Borough Market. Whether you’re a fan of craft beers, boutique wines, or fresh juices, there’s a drink stall that will quench your thirst.
Utobeer is a haven for beer enthusiasts. This stall stocks over 600 different types of beer and cider, sourced from small producers in the UK and around the world.
For wine lovers, the Borough Wines stall is a must-visit. They offer a fantastic selection of boutique wines, with a particular emphasis on organic, biodynamic, and natural wines.
If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, check out Chegworth Valley Juices. They specialize in 100% pure fruit and vegetable juices, made from produce grown on their family farm in Kent.
Borough Market is a true gem in the heart of London. It’s a place where you can taste a broad spectrum of flavors, from traditional British delicacies to foods from around the world. It’s not just a market, but a vibrant, living showcase of the diversity and quality of the UK’s food scene.
Whether you’re a foodie seeking new culinary experiences or just on the lookout for a quality meal, Borough Market is a place that can cater to every palate. So next time you find yourself in London, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the vibrancy and deliciousness Borough Market has to offer.