The best places in London to pick up food on the go
Food on the go doesn't have to have been sweating away in cellophane for 8 hours.
There are really only two rules in life:
- never eat in the street
- never eat more than you can lift
... OK, we'll concede, as our lives grow increasingly hectic maybe sometimes we've gotta grab a bite on the go - but that doesn't mean we have to lower our expectations and settle for something which has been sweating away in cellophane for 8 hours. There's still some great food you can munch as you hustle across the city in time for your 2 o'clock.
Coupled with fantastic street food stalls and markets which spill out across London every lunchtime we've hand-picked some of our favourite shops where you can grab some quality food on the go.
Just try and find somewhere nice to sit down and enjoy it.
For us.
Bahnmi11
101 Great Eastern Street EC2A 3JD
Street food is achingly hip, and Vietnamese bahn mi is one of the reasons why – who doesn’t like the sound of a baguette smothered in cheese and pâté, stuffed with shredded marinated meat, grated garlic, onion, tabasco and a generous drizzle of lemon juice? At Bahnmi11 you can also substitute the baguette for a noodle salad or rice box.
Meats are marinated overnight and slow-cooked at this great little Mexican eatery, served with zesty salsas made from cactus leaves, pineapple and dark chocolate. Choose from burritos, tacos or healthy salads.
Leon
275 Regent Street W1B 2HB
This healthy fast food chain doesn’t compromise on taste, offeringdishes like poached salmon with brown rice and herb slaw, and grilled meatballs in flatbread. Leon is also a founder member of the Sustainable Restaurant Association. There are numerous branches dotted around town.
Charming French bistro L’Absinthe acquired the café next door in 2010, which sells quiches, Toulouse sausages and beef Bourguignon. Baguettes, croissants and tarts are baked freshly on the premises each day.
KERB
King's Boulevard and Granary Square, Kings Cross N1C 4AA
Shopping Destinations
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KERB(formerly known as Eat St.) is the name of the street food market on the brand spanking new King’s Boulevard. Traders rotate daily, and include Luardos, <a href=”http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/news/index.php?type=&news_id=16061”>Rainbo</a>, Mussel Men and Yum Bun. Open during the week between 11am and 2.30pm.
This fast food eatery of sorts has Middle Eastern fare like tagines, tabbouleh and falafels, and you can also pick up things like jams and harissa from the on-site delis. Prices are low, another reason why this mini-chain is expanding rapidly.
Princi
135 Wardour Street W1F 0UT
Restaurateur Alan Yau (Hakkasan, Wagamama, Busaba Eathai) turned his hand to Italian artisan bakery Princi, and as with all his other ventures, he triumphed. There is a sumptuous display of olive breads, pizzas, strawberry tarts and passionfruit cheesecakes, all of excellent quality. It’s very difficult to get a seat, so the take out option is highly recommended.
This Lebanese street food eatery has been a roaring success since it first opened in a quiet Soho alleyway. They’ve now added a <a href=”http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/restaurants/restaurant-14845.php”>second, larger site in Mayfair</a> (with plans to open another in Shoreditch). Delicious soujouk and herby lamb are available to take away.
This deli has homemade pastitsio, which is a Greek version of lasagne, and spanakorizo, a rice and spinach dish, along with freshly made hummus, sandwiches, salads and cakes. You can also stock up on olives, dolmades and breadsticks here.
