London is home to some of the world’s best food markets, offering cuisine from across the globe.
Your food markets East London guide by a local
There are a few cities that rival its impressive food scene, making it the capital of street food.
While there has been a boom in street food culture in London, the concept is one that dates back centuries.
Today, there are many modern food markets all over London, offering a variety of affordable and tasty eats.
A popular area in the capital to experience this colourful array of flavours is East London.
Home to some of the best food markets in London, you are sure to find something that will have your tastebuds dancing.
With so many tasty options, it can be tough deciding where to go. To ensure you find a spot that best meets your appetite and needs, here are some of the best food markets East London has to offer.
Best East London Markets to Visit for Some Delicious Eats
East London is well-renowned for housing some of the best food markets in the capital. Here are some of the best spots for a Sunday or weekday bite.
Boxpark Shoreditch
In 2011, Boxpark launched its flagship venue to coincide with the Olympic Games. While the space was mostly intended for pop-up retailers, what attracted the large crowds was its diverse selection of street food and drinks.
Boxpark has three venues across London – namely Shoreditch, Croydon and Wembley.
Boxpark Shoreditch, located in East London, is home to a wide range of street food vendors and restaurants in East London, offering food from all around the world.
A popular spot here is Black Bear Burger which has world-class burgers, fries, and some amazing buffalo wings. For those wanting something different, visit Rudie’s Jerk Shack for some authentic Caribbean foods.
For a fun experience starting at Boxpark Shoreditch, check out this exotic East End food tour.
Details: Boxpark Shoreditch is open Monday to Thursday between 11:00 and 23:00, Friday and Saturday between 11:00 and 23:30, and Sunday between 11:00 and 22:30 | Address: 2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, Hackney, London E1 6GY
Broadway Market
Of all the East London markets, Broadway Market is among the very best. Come sunrise on a Saturday morning, the popular street bursts into life with local food vendors, independent designers and craftspeople setting up their stalls.
Fresh fruit, organic produce, handmade jewellery and skin-care products are some of the many items sold at this vibrant market. And let’s not forget the endless selection of high-quality street food.
One of the market’s most outstanding features is its remarkable location. Running between the London Fields and Regents Canal, you are provided with picturesque views while you nibble on some tasty street food.
Indulge in some vegan tacos from Biff’s Jack Shack, shrimp burgers from Shrimpy or sushi rolls from Temaki while sitting alongside the Regents Canal. Watch the boats pass on by and enjoy a perfect, relaxing Saturday.
Details: Broadway Market takes place every Saturday between 09:00 and 17:00 | Address: Broadway Market, London Fields, E8 4QJ.
Brick Lane Market
With so much to offer, Brick Lane Market is one of the most popular weekend spots in East London. Brick Lane Market comprises a number of individual markets, each with its own unique flare.
Among these, you will find an array of stalls selling homeware, accessories, handcrafted items and of course, amazing foods.
Under the Brick Lane umbrella is the Backyard Market, Boiler House, Tea Room, Vintage Market and the ever-popular Upmarket.
Upmarket
If you’re looking to fill your belly with some of the best dishes from around the world, be sure to visit the Upmarket.
This popular market has been going strong for over 15 years and is home to a wide variety of stalls.
Here you will find a lovely indoor food market offering an endless selection of international and local cuisines.
Dig into a Spanish paella, hand-rolled sushi or some tasty desserts while taking in the market’s festive atmosphere.
Interested in exploring the trendy sights of Shoreditch and Brick Lane? Check out this East End street art walking tour.
Details: The Upmarket is open every Saturday between 11:00 and 17:30 and Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00 | Address: Ely’s Yard, E1 6QL
The Boiler House
Another great Brick Lane market for those wanting a bite is the Boiler House at the Old Truman Brewery.
At this iconic London historical landmark, you will find a wonderful selection of sustainably produced foods, drinks and lifestyle goods.
From the 30 plus food stalls, get a taste of popular cuisines from across the globe. Choose between Italian, Korean, Japanese, Ethiopian, Mexican and so much more.
Details: The Boiler House is open Saturday and Sunday between 11:00 and 18:00 | Address: The Old Truman Brewery, 152 Brick Lane, E1 6RU
Tea Room
For those looking to get their tea or coffee fix and satisfy their sweet tooth, be sure to visit the Tea Room.
Here you will find a range of high-quality coffees and teas, as well as an assortment of freshly baked goods.
Details: The Tea Room is open every Saturday between 11:00 and 18:00 and Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00 | Address: 146 Brick Lane, E1 6QL
Chatsworth Market
With around 50 active traders, the Chatsworth Market is fairly small in comparison to other popular East London markets.
While it has fewer stalls, this vibrant market has plenty to offer. Here you will find everything including handmade beauty products, jewellery, crafty bits and other everyday goods.
Most importantly though, this growing Sunday market is home to some of the best street food outlets in East London.
Some tasty favourites at Chatsworth Market are the handmade pies at Pie Cart, sushi-style Japanese rice parcels from Paddy Field and Vietnamese food from Hanoi Kitchen.
There are many more street food vendors, as well as the obligatory fancy cheese, cakes and bread stalls.
Moreover, Chatsworth Market is a great place to purchase fresh produce. Among the stalls here are the award-winning Downland Produce butchery and Fresh Fish Shop, as well as a brilliant greengrocer.
Details: Chatsworth Road Market is open every Sunday between 11:00 and 16:00 | Address: Between Dunlace Road and Lockhurst Street in Lower Clapton, E5 0LH
Leather Lane Street Market
Leather Lane Street Market is a historic market in Holborn dating back 400 years. As its name suggests, the street was once known for clothing and footwear.
Today, it is a haven for street food lovers with dozens of food stalls catering to a hungry weekday crowd.
Being at the centre of a business area, Leather Lane is a popular spot amongst local office workers who frequent the market on their lunch breaks.
With vendors from around the world, there is a wide selection of hearty food items to choose from, all at reasonable prices.
For a delicious and wholesome lunch, stop by Daddy Donkey’s for a banging burrito or Al-Kouther for some amazing falafels.
In addition to street food, Leather Lane sells a bit of everything including fruit, veg and fresh flowers. Moreover, referred to by some as a coffee mecca, it is also the perfect place to get your caffeine fix.
Details: Leather Lane Street Market is open Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 15:00 | Address: Leather Ln, London, EC1N 7TJ
Exmouth Market
Another popular weekday food market in London is Exmouth Market. Just a stone’s throw from Clerkenwell, Farringdon and the bustling city centre, this pedestrianised street has become a favourite among locals on their lunch breaks.
Exmouth Market is home to about 20 artisan street food stalls selling a variety of international and local dishes. Relish in some traditional Indian cuisine at Gujarati Rasoi and pick up a lovely French crepe at Crepes and Galettes.
For a true local favourite, visit Spinach & Agushi for some Ghanaian cuisine or Ion Patisserie for the most delightful, sweet treats.
While the market is only open at lunchtime on weekdays, Exmouth is still worth the visit on the weekends, as well as at night.
Offering a proper, continental Europe-style ‘sidewalk cafe’ vibe, have a drink and soak up the street’s lively ambience.
Details: Exmouth Street Market is open Monday to Friday between 11:00 and 14:00 | Address: London, EC1R 4QE
Old Spitalfields Market
The Old Spitalfields Market is one of the oldest markets in East London, dating back over 350 years.
The Victorian structure was built in 1875 as a wholesale market and is now a popular art, crafts, fashion and food destination.
Here, underneath a single roof, are 44 retailers and restaurants, 88 market stalls and 25 street food traders. Open 7 days a week, this is the perfect place to unwind.
The 25 food and beverage stalls here offer a lovely variety of quality dishes. Get your bagel on at Dirty Bagel, satisfy your sweet tooth at Humble Crumble and wash it all down with some refreshing Taiwanese fruit tea at Yi Feng.
In addition to these local favourites, there are many more stalls to visit and dishes to eat.
There are also a number of high-end restaurants with established chefs like The Kitchens and the Real Greek.
Details: The Old Spitalfields Market is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between 10:00 and 20:00, Thursday between 08:00 and 18:00, Saturday between 10:00 and 18:00 and Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00 | Address: 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW
Whitecross Street Market
Another old East London Market is the Whitecross Street Market which came into existence over 150 years ago.
While it was once one of London’s great Sunday markets, trade is now largely limited to lunchtimes.
Today the bustling food market comprises many food stalls situated along the northern half of the street between Old Street and Fortune Street.
Located near offices, Whitecross has become a popular destination with local workers who frequent the market to visit the many food stalls.
Here, visitors are offered a wide selection of Turkish, Vietnamese, Indian and Mediterranean cuisines – to name a few.
Some local favourites at Whitecross Street Market include Luardos’ burritos, Beiju’s Brazilian flatbreads and The Iskelé’s tasty Turkish lahmacun.
With so many tasty options available, you’re sure to find something that best suits your palate.
Details: Whitecross Street Market is open Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 14:00 | Address: Whitecross Street, London EC1Y 8JL
Roman Road Market
Roman Road Market is a traditional East End market that dates back over 150 years. Stretching through the heart of the Bow in East London, the market is famed for its affordable fashion finds, quality homeware and top-notch street food.
The bustling street is lined with dozens of stores, restaurants in Bethnal Green, cafés and food stalls. A popular Roman Road Market stall is Sweet Treats, an old-fashioned Victorian-style corner sweet shop.
Another is Andy the Donut Man who has been at his spot outside Bow library since 1996. Here you can enjoy some of the best churros and doughnuts in all of London.
Moreover, there are plenty of things to do nearby including a visit to Victoria Park, Fish Island, Queen Elizabeth II Park and the well-kept Tredegar Square.
Details: Roman Road Market is open Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 and 16:00, as well as Saturdays between 10:00 and 17:00 | Address: 536 Roman Road, Bow, London E3 5ES
Eataly London
The final market on this list is the newly opened Eately in Liverpool Street, which launched on the 29th of April 2021. The name Eataly is a combination of the words “Eat” and “Italy”.
It is an Italian food market in London and at 42 000 sq ft is a haven for Italian food and possibly the largest in the world. Here you can expect to find an assortment of retail stores, take-away eateries and the brand-new Alfresco dining concept, La Terrazza di Eataly.
Details: Eataly Liverpool Street is open Monday to Friday between 07:00 and 23:00, as well as on Saturday between 09:00 and 23:00 and Sunday between 09:00 and 22:00 | Address: 35 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3YD.
Which East London Market Will You Be Visiting?
With so many tasteful weekday and Sunday markets, East London is the perfect spot to pick up lunch or go on an epic food adventure.
Regardless of which market on this you decide to visit, you are guaranteed to leave feeling happy and satisfied.
If you’re planning a trip to England’s capital, be sure to check out these amazing London travel tips.
