You will hardly find someone who doesn’t like Asian food. Whether it’s spicy ramen, pani poori, or fragrant pad thai, there’s something for everyone.
If you live in London, you may wonder where to find the best Asian street foods. But since London is known as the culinary capital of the UK, it is the perfect place to enjoy a variety of street foods from around the world.
In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best Asian street food places that you should try at least once in your life.
Best Places to Try Asian Street Foods in London
Here are eight places to enjoy Asian street food. You can find various types of food, such as Japanese, Indian, and Thai.
Borough Market, London Bridge, Southwark
If you ask someone about the “London food market,” this is probably the first place they will refer you to. Borough Market offers a huge selection of Asian street food restaurants, from Bao Borough to Arabica Bar and Kitchen.
The first one is famous for Japanese-fusion bao buns and the second one serves amazing spicy treats to satiate your taste buds. You can also go to Cafe Nawaz if you want to try their unique Salmon samosa. And if you’re craving some vegetarian dishes, then Gujarati Rasoi is your place.
Pop Brixton, Brixton
Popular for its extensive mix of cultures and cuisines, Brixton represents London’s culinary diversity. Thanks to the Pop Brixton project, it's quite famous amongst visitors and locals.
Its famous Asian street foods include Baba G's Bhangra Burger, Seekh Stop's Pakistani and Punjabi food, The Purple Chilli Lounge’s delicious lamb samosa, and Kamome's authentic Japanese food. And if you’re craving Chinese food, visit Mamalan, a cosy cafe that offers delicious northern Chinese street food.
Camden Market, Camden Town
If you want to visit a place just to try the street foods, then Camden should be your next choice. The place is packed with market stalls where you can enjoy with your friends and families and have some insta-worthy pictures while enjoying some mouthwatering foods.
Camden has over 100 stalls for street foods and drinks, meaning that there’s something for everyone. Do not forget to try the Cantonese roasted meats at Three Uncles, boba-tastic teas at Golden Tea, cheesy naan melts at Khaao Karachi, and rainbow-coloured jiaozi dumplings at Baoziinn.
Bang Bang Oriental, Colindale
Known as one of the best street food markets in London, Bang Bang Oriental is also the largest pan-Asian food court in Europe. It has 27 different food stalls from which you can choose your favourite one.
You will find many familiar and not-so-familiar street foods from Tokyo to Mumbai and everywhere in between. Do visit Royal China One68 Dim Sum and try their signature Black Gold custard lava buns and bite-sized gyoza treats from Xi Home. Also, try some desserts from Yaki Ya to satiate your sweet tooth.
The Kitchens, Old Spitalfields Market
It has been home to countless immigrants for centuries. The Kitchens, situated in Old Spitalfields Market, is a great place to explore different street foods. The outstanding East London chefs have ensured you enjoy some of the best street foods in that area.
What dishes should you try there? We recommend you try the signature sheng jian bao soup dumplings at Dumpling Shack, fluffy steamed buns from Yum Bun, hand-pulled noodles at Fen Noodles, and delicious sweet and savoury tofu puddings and rice rolls from Ricebrother.
If you still have some appetite, try the Jianbing hand-rolled Chinese pancakes from Pleasant Lady.
Hackney Bridge Kitchens, Hackney Bridge
This canal-side spot is situated near Hackney Wick and is a famous place to hang out with friends and grab something to eat. Hackney Bridge Kitchens offers some of the most delicious Japanese, Filipino, and Vietnamese street food.
We recommend trying some Vietnamese dishes from Hanoi Chay, delicious gyozas and katsu curry boxes from Rainbo, and Filipino barbeque from Filigrillz. While you’re enjoying food, do not forget to check out the independent shops, independent studios, and community gardens.
Boxpark Shoreditch, Shoreditch
This award-winning site is actually a shipping container complex where you can find some amazing food stalls and pop-up shops. Boxpark is one of the best places to hang out during the weekend in East London.
You can try some delicious noodles at Wok House, Korean bao at Coqfighter, mouth-watering Vada pau at Himalayan Curry Zone Shoreditch, and Malaysian street food at Peninsula. Also, remember to visit Sugoi Jpn to enjoy some Japanese-Latin fusion foods.
Mercato Mayfair, Mayfair
The place is situated on the deconsecrated church of St Mark’s on North Audley Street. Its two floors offer authentic Asian street food, which you can enjoy while shopping at the market stalls.
We recommend trying some bao, ramen, and dumplings at Steamy & Co, authentic chai at the Pink Tea cafe, and some Malaysian food at the Street Lab. Also, remember to visit TAM Fusion for a superb gastronomic experience.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to street foods, Asian cuisines have a lot to offer. From Japanese to Korean and Vietnamese to Indian, you will find many delicious options to enjoy.
The abovementioned places are some of the best in London, where you can find authentic Asian street foods. Whether you’re a spice lover or have a sweet tooth, you will find at least one dish with which you will fall in love.
