London Cuisine
By: Beau Maysey
When British food comes up in conversation, it is often mocked as plain and uninspired: Fish n’ chips, tea biscuits (glorified crackers), warm beer, and sullenness. But contrary to popular belief, in recent decades London has exploded with amazing cultural cuisines from all over the world.
Taste: Without the obstacle of money, one should prepare to have their mind blown by the world of London’s culinary experiences. Instead of restricting oneself to the same fast-food chains, especially those easily found in one’s home country, branch out into stand-alone restaurants and specialty shops like bakeries and bistros. One can immerse oneself even further in the city’s fare through the abundance of vendors at street markets such as Borough Market and Camden Lock. Imagine avenues filled with fresh odors of professionally-crafted crêpes, custom teas, sizzling German sausages, and Australian slow-cooked wallaby. Wherever you go, be sure to check online critiques. Snobs know their stuff.
Money: If budget is a part of the equation, it’s time to strategize. Figure out which restaurants have the best values before the need for food pulls you into the first restaurant you see. Scope out small prepared-food eateries: Pret a Manger is the most prominent of them, but most of these shops sell quality food for wallet-saving prices. Don’t be afraid to hit up local grocers such as Sainsbury's, Tesco’s, and The Co-operative Food, many of which promise meal deals for £3 or less. Even London’s grocery stores have various options for tourists with dietary restrictions.
Convenience: When the restaurant of choice is in another area code and one is hangry (hungry-angry), it’s time to consider expediency. A reliable chain restaurant like Byron (Burgers) or LEON (Naturally Fast Food) will likely be less than a mile away. Meanwhile, Café Nero competes with Starbucks on every third corner with its coffee and pastries. If the need for food is extreme, many bars and pubs offer meal options for the non-Brit who’s living off more than pale ale.
NOTE: Do your research on British colloquialisms so that you don’t waste quid on food you won’t enjoy. A jacket potato means a baked potato. Aubergines are eggplants. Rocket is arugula. Bangers and mash is British mashed potatoes and sausage. An ice lolly is just a popsicle. Don’t worry if someone orders a bap as it simply refers to a small roll. An herb is still an herb, just be sure to pronounce the ‘h.’ For more information on the oddities of the British vocabulary, check out James Carter’s “Slang and Colloquialisms” section. Now go out there and eat well, fellow travelers!
By: Beau Maysey
When British food comes up in conversation, it is often mocked as plain and uninspired: Fish n’ chips, tea biscuits (glorified crackers), warm beer, and sullenness. But contrary to popular belief, in recent decades London has exploded with amazing cultural cuisines from all over the world.
Taste: Without the obstacle of money, one should prepare to have their mind blown by the world of London’s culinary experiences. Instead of restricting oneself to the same fast-food chains, especially those easily found in one’s home country, branch out into stand-alone restaurants and specialty shops like bakeries and bistros. One can immerse oneself even further in the city’s fare through the abundance of vendors at street markets such as Borough Market and Camden Lock. Imagine avenues filled with fresh odors of professionally-crafted crêpes, custom teas, sizzling German sausages, and Australian slow-cooked wallaby. Wherever you go, be sure to check online critiques. Snobs know their stuff.
Money: If budget is a part of the equation, it’s time to strategize. Figure out which restaurants have the best values before the need for food pulls you into the first restaurant you see. Scope out small prepared-food eateries: Pret a Manger is the most prominent of them, but most of these shops sell quality food for wallet-saving prices. Don’t be afraid to hit up local grocers such as Sainsbury's, Tesco’s, and The Co-operative Food, many of which promise meal deals for £3 or less. Even London’s grocery stores have various options for tourists with dietary restrictions.
Convenience: When the restaurant of choice is in another area code and one is hangry (hungry-angry), it’s time to consider expediency. A reliable chain restaurant like Byron (Burgers) or LEON (Naturally Fast Food) will likely be less than a mile away. Meanwhile, Café Nero competes with Starbucks on every third corner with its coffee and pastries. If the need for food is extreme, many bars and pubs offer meal options for the non-Brit who’s living off more than pale ale.
NOTE: Do your research on British colloquialisms so that you don’t waste quid on food you won’t enjoy. A jacket potato means a baked potato. Aubergines are eggplants. Rocket is arugula. Bangers and mash is British mashed potatoes and sausage. An ice lolly is just a popsicle. Don’t worry if someone orders a bap as it simply refers to a small roll. An herb is still an herb, just be sure to pronounce the ‘h.’ For more information on the oddities of the British vocabulary, check out James Carter’s “Slang and Colloquialisms” section. Now go out there and eat well, fellow travelers!