Eating London East End Food Tour

The East End Food Tour introduced us to the diverse meals that own a storied history in one of London’s most fascinating districts.

East End Food Tour with Eating London

Since it existed, the East End was always thought of as the ‘tough’ end of London. Bearing a history of overcrowded ghettos and poor immigrants, disease and crime. It is, after all, the setting for the infamous brutal murders of Jack the Ripper.

When I lived in London during university, I had heard of the East End but didn’t really go out of my way to set foot in it.  As a travel writer returning to London years later, I was excited to see how the East End has changed.

Today, it is the place to be — full of diversity, great shops, nightlife, markets and delicious food.  That brought me to my spot on the East End Food Tour.

London’s East End: Feed Me

The fact that East London was always rough and tough, where waves of immigrants found a home among working class, has contributed to the incredible diversity of food you can sample here today. From Jewish, Bangladeshi to Afro-Caribbean, the diversity of eateries open a journey unlike other urban districts.

Maddie, our friendly guide, met us at the fantastic Old Spitalfields Market to take us to eight stops that weave a story about the East London food scene as it is today.

East End Food Tour with Eating London

Here’s a look at the tastes she introduced us to:

Bacon Sandwich at St. John Bread and Wine

One of the most famous restaurants in London. As a bacon lover, this first stop hit the spot. Bacon sandwich… as good as it looks.

Bread and Butter Pudding at The English Restaurant

A stop into this 17^th-century heritage listed and feel like you’re back in time trying some of their creamy rich bread and butter pudding, an English kitchen classic.

 

 

English Cheese at the House of Androuet

Learn about the English and their love of cheese.

Poppie’s Fish and Chips

This famous eatery serves up fish and chips the way the English have always loved this classic dish.

 

Cider at the Pride of Spitafields

This quintessential English pub turned out to be a great stop for the authentic atmosphere, the great cider and beer and the cat that rules the place.

 

 

 

Curries at Aladin

In the heart of the curry mile, known as Brick Lane, the most famous visitors have praised the cooking at this simple Indian restaurant which is one of the top 10 in a city that loves Indian food.

 

Bagel Time at Beigel Bake

As a New Yorker, I know the bagel and I love the bagel. What an experience to have one at a historic Jewish bakery in the East End.  Salted beef, hot English mustard and a sweet gherkin stuffed to the brim in a soft just-out-of-the-oven bagel. Much respect!

 

Salted Caramel Tart at Pizza East

I loved this Shoreditch eatery at first sight. The décor, vibe and menu was my kind.  Considered on of the hippest restaurants in town, we dug into a smooth salted caramel tart.  While staying in the East End, I frequented Pizza East two more times – for brunch and dinner.

 

Conclusion: Eating London East End Food Tour

I walked away with incredible insight about the East End and not just the food.  Maddie pointed out the unique architecture, fantastic street art and was ready to go with old photos to help us envision the East End through the years.

Today, with its hipster vibe and creative energy, the district has come into its own with its cultural roots very much part of its upswing. On the East End Food Tour, you certainly get a taste of its diversity, from its cultures to its cuisines.  Highly recommended.

For more food options in London, check out this guide on the 10 amazingly cute cafes in London.

East End Food Tour with Eating London Tours
Four-hour tour
www.eatinglondontours.co.uk
From £69 per person

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*Travel Greece, Travel Europe was a guest on the East End Food Tour with Eating London. As always, all thoughts are my own.

Have you ever eaten your way through an excellent food tour in Europe? I’d love to hear about it and take your advice. Feel free to comment in the comment boxes below.