If you want to experience international cuisine hinted by the traditional 90’s British punk aura then head to Camden Town. The market stalls at Camden is a shopper’s paradise where you can find everything from handmade jewelry to vintage clothing shops. The Camden market stalls and locks offer plenty of international and vegetarian friendly food. It’s the best place to score a five-pound burrito or a plate of Asian food for under 10 quid. There are also several vegan and vegetarian restaurants just outside of the market.
Located near the London Eye and the Waterloo tube station, Southbank is the perfect place for a mid-afternoon snack or lunch. Featuring everything from pastries to sandwiches to mixed drinks, visitors can explore authentic British and international fare. The market operates Friday through Sunday and is crowded everyday. One major component is the use of local and sustainable ingredients. There is no shortage of vegetarian or vegan food. From juices to vegan “meat” puff pastries, you can find something for every veg head. Besides Cambden, this is one of the best spots for vegan and vegetarian-friendly cuisine.
Food Trucks along the Thames River
Okay, this one’s not really a market, but it sure seems like it as food trucks are as plentiful as street artists. In between the Jubilee Gardens and Waterloo Bridge, visitors can find a series of food trucks along the Thames River. Not far from Southbank Centre Market, this is the perfect location for the mid-day lunch break along the most bustling boardwalk in town. Visitors can find everything from ice cream to taco to barbeque trucks. While eating, you can boat watch or dive into a used book sold by one of the many street vendors. I highly recommend the taco trucks.
Brixton Markets
Located in Brixton Village, this culinary market hosts a variety of international fare. From blood orange cake to Colombian rice and plantains, Brixton is the place where hipsters enjoy the diverse taste of life. You can find all sorts of tasty delights from Japan, Ethiopia and South America. On Saturdays, the market rotates a vintage, flea, craft and bakers market along with a farmers market on Sunday.
Broadway Market
Located in South Hackney, foodies head to this East London market to fulfill their mouthwatering taste buds. Here, the food vendors are serious about their ingredients to appease the hipster palate. Broadway is a mecca for all things culinary. Spices, Vietnamese coffee, organic veg burgers, cheese and freshly basked cupcakes - the choices are endless. Known for its chilled atmosphere, the market is outline by quaint cafes, music stores and small business fashion shops.
Maltby Street Market
This small but bustling weekend market is located nearby the Tower Bridge and Southwark. The biggest attractions include the Monty’s Deli sandwiches and St. John Bakery’s sourdough bread and fresh baked donuts. The market also includes the traditional produce, meat (sorry veggies L ) and cheese stalls. If you want the authentic European experience while saving money than buy a fresh-baked loaf with some English cheese and create an afternoon picnic on a nearby park bench.
What's your favorite market in London? Let me know! I'd love to check it out the next time I'm in London! Cheers!
This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 6 Markets for Cheap Eats & Veg Food in London.