The True Taste of London: Iconic Dishes to Experience
What is the true taste of London? The capital’s food scene is delightfully varied and seems to become more so every year, with old favorites such as St John and Quo Vadis standing proudly alongside new arrivals serving everything from Filipino cooking to Antipodean small plates and Nigerian tapas. Still, there are some iconic dishes that best represent the London culinary scene—dishes that have influenced young chefs, blazed a trail for a new type of dining, or become a bucket list item for foodies across the world.
Must-Try Dishes in London
Below, we round up the dishes that everyone should try at least once. More than half come in at under £10, while a few are more fine-dining than street snacks. These dishes sum up why the best restaurants in London are also some of the best restaurants in the world. The selection ranges from Malaysian street food staples to breakfast dishes served in skyscrapers, pasta worth queuing for, and desserts that will leave you wanting more.
1. Crêpe Suzette, The Ritz Restaurant
Despite being the signature dish of one of London’s most iconic hotels, the Crêpe Suzette actually originated in Monte Carlo in 1895. As the legend goes, a waiter preparing dessert for the then Prince of Wales and his friend Suzette accidentally set the dish on fire. Much to everyone’s surprise, the roaring flames provided unexpected entertainment, and the then Prince, later known as King Edward VII, encouraged the introduction of this flamboyant dessert to the menu.
The Ritz Restaurant has long been known for its theatrical dining experience, and the Crêpe Suzette is the highlight. The preparation involves a dazzling display, where sugar is caramelized in a pan, followed by the addition of butter, orange rind, lemon, and orange juice to achieve that signature citrusy flavor. Once the mixture is golden brown and sticky, the perfectly formed crepes are coated with the sweet liquid, then crowned with a lashing of Grand Marnier before being ignited.
This drama culminates in a serving of crepes bursting with flavor, topped with sweet vanilla ice cream.
Price: Serves 2 for £62
