Categories: Camden, Kentish Town, London Living
We've seen our students enjoying the cosy winter vibes on our SCL Instagram, so our next blog post is all about the delectable winter food you absolutely can't miss in London. And don't worry, it's not just about Christmas feasts – we're revealing the secrets of all the tasty winter treats you need to try when you’re studying in London.
Warning: We're about to make you very hungry!
As an international student in London, immersing yourself in the city's rich culinary traditions is an essential part of embracing a new, unique cultural experience. London's winter food scene is brimming with yummy delights that perfectly capture the spirit of the season. By trying traditional British dishes, you'll not only broaden your culinary horizons but also develop a deeper understanding of the city's culture and traditions.
A classic Christmas appetiser, pigs in blankets are sausages wrapped in bacon. They are often served hot with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Nothing says cosy and comforting quite like the British roast dinner. Imagine succulent roast beef or rosemary infused chicken, crispy roast potatoes, and an array of seasonal vegetables, all served with the traditional trimmings: Yorkshire pudding, gravy, and a dollop of horseradish sauce.
Tip: For a truly authentic experience, head to The Bull & Gate in Kentish Town (near our SCL Kentish Town Campus), a renowned pub that has been serving Londoners for over 150 years. Their traditional roast dinner is a must-try for any foodie visiting Kentish Town.
A classic Christmas treat, Christmas pudding is a dense, spiced cake soaked in brandy or rum. It is often served with custard or brandy butter.
Fact: Learning a new language is more than just memorising words and grammar rules. When you immerse yourself in the local culture and learn about traditions, you'll also start to understand the different ways that people use the language. So, be open-minded and try all the festive food you can! It's a great way to learn about the local culture and improve your language skills.
Although some people might think of mince meat, British mince pies are actually filled with a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and sometimes brandy, too. As a traditional English Christmas treat, they are often served warm with a dollop of cream or custard.
The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread is a true winter delight. This sweet treat is made with ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and is often decorated with festive motifs.
Imagine indulging in a slice of sticky toffee pudding, its moist, caramelised sponge melting in your mouth, while the rich, buttery toffee sauce drenches your palate with its irresistible sweetness. This decadent dessert is a must-try for any sweet tooth.
Experience the timeless pleasure of apple or blackberry crumble with its crunchy topping revealing warm, comforting fruit flavours beneath. The combination of tart berries, cool ice cream, and sweet crumble is a perfect treat that never goes out of style.
Warm up your winter evenings with the festive cheer of mulled wine or hot cider infused with aromatic spices. Whether you're exploring Christmas markets or cosying up in a local pub, these heart-warming drinks are a must-try during the holiday season and make a great alternative to hot cocoa.
Step into any cosy café during the festive season, and you're likely to find the delightful eggnog latte on the menu. This warm and creamy coffee beverage is infused with the rich flavours of eggnog, offering a comforting sip of holiday cheer.
Discover tasty Hanukkah treats in London, like the famous sufganiyot and yummy latkes. Don't forget the playful Hanukkah gelt! These delights will take you on a fun journey, letting you experience the joy of this special celebration. Explore different parts of London, try delicious foods, and feel the welcoming spirit of the Jewish community.
You can find these deep-fried donuts filled with jelly in Yonah Schimmel's iconic Jewish bakery in Whitechapel. They have a wide variety of flavours to choose from, including traditional jelly, chocolate, and strawberry.
Try a delicious latke dish in Bubala - a modern Jewish restaurant in Shoreditch. Latkes are made with fresh potatoes and are served with sour cream and applesauce.
For those seeking a more playful Hanukkah treat, Golders Green Kosher Market offers an abundance of hanukkah gelt, the chocolate coins that bring joy to children and adults alike. As you wander through the market, your eyes will be drawn to the vibrant displays of latkes, the savoury potato pancakes that are a staple of Hanukkah cuisine.
Explore the diverse neighbourhoods of London on a tasty adventure, where you can find special places and enjoy the friendly welcome of the city's African community. Whether you love trying different foods or are just interested in Kwanzaa flavours, London has delicious options for everyone.
You can find it at many African and African-American restaurants and cafes in London. One of the places you can check out is the Brixton Market. This culinary spot has a diverse range of stalls, including several food vendors that offer dishes like Karukera, Mbuzi Nyama Choma, and Kinakamondo.
Now let's explore the inviting world of British savoury treats, comforting and rich, making your London experience not only fulfilling but also a delightful culinary adventure.
Indulge in the warmth of this traditional British dish – steak pies. Packed with succulent pieces of steak, bathed in savoury gravy, and encased in a flaky, golden crust, these pies are the epitome of comfort food.
For a hearty dish that embodies British comfort, indulge in Bangers and Mash. This beloved classic features succulent sausages served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, all smothered in rich onion gravy. Head to The Flask in Highgate, where they're known for their exceptional take on this traditional favourite, offering a snug setting to enjoy this hearty winter delight.
For a hearty and satisfying meal on a chilly day, treat yourself to Shepherd's pie, another British classic. Layers of creamy mashed potatoes, tender lamb or beef mince with carrots and onions, and rich gravy come together to create a comforting dish.
Elevate your winter dining experience with a medley of Winter Roasted Vegetables – a harmonious blend of earthy goodness. Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, beets and potatoes mingle with hearty winter greens, creating a symphony of flavours and textures.
Venture into the world of seafood warmth with Fisherman's Pie. A delectable mix of flaky fish, shrimp, and mussels nestled beneath a velvety layer of mashed potatoes, this dish is a winter treat for seafood enthusiasts. Visit The Engineer in Primrose Hill (near Kentish Town or Camden Town Campuses) for a delightful rendition of Fisherman's Pie in a charming setting, completing your winter food exploration in London.
Experience the comforting warmth of Jacket Potatoes with a winter twist. These oven-baked spuds are generously filled with delightful toppings such as melted cheese, savoury beans, and even a touch of crispy bacon. For a cosy and customisable experience, head over to The Potato Project in Soho, where you can explore a variety of unique and delicious jacket potato creations to satisfy your winter cravings.
Embrace the portable delight of Scotch Eggs, a popular and satisfying snack during the winter months. These savoury treats feature a perfectly cooked egg wrapped in seasoned sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to golden perfection.
Where to Indulge in Savory Delights near Camden, North Acton, and Kentish Town Campuses
These savoury delights promise to add warmth and flavour to your winter days in London, making your study trip a truly delicious experience.
Tip: If exploring London's festive markets is on your winter wishlist, we've got another great read in store for you – our blog post all about Christmas Markets. We'll guide you through the best spots to visit, what to expect, and how to make the most of your merry adventures.
London Hotspots for Vegans and Vegetarians
Visit the Real Greek restaurant with several locations in London. This place offers a variety of traditional Greek dishes, including a vegan stew made with vegetables, grains, and beans.
Famous for its sushi and sashimi, the Asian-inspired fast food chain Wasabi also has a variety of salad bowls, soups and bento boxes.
And let’s not forget to mention Peacefood Cafe. This is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant with several locations in London that offer a variety of healthy and delicious dishes, including hearty vegan stews and more.
Places to Visit for Halal Diners
Dishoom: This popular Indian restaurant chain has several locations in London and offers a wide variety of halal-certified dishes, including tandoori chicken, lamb biryani, and naan bread.
Examples of what's on the menu:
Mezze Bar: This Middle Eastern restaurant offers a variety of halal-certified mezze dishes, including hummus, baba ganoush, and falafel.
Tayyabs: An authentic Pakistani restaurant which serves up a wide variety of halal-certified dishes, including nihari, haleem, and rogan josh.
As you dive into the delicious world of London's winter flavours, we hope these food tips add extra fun to your study adventure. Exploring tasty treats is just one cool part of your time here. If you're interested in boosting your learning journey while enjoying the UK’s capital wonders, take a peek at our different classes that help you improve your English language skills and prepare you for international higher education abroad.
Remember, we're taking a break from lessons between December 15th and January 2nd, giving you a chance to soak up the city's festive atmosphere.
Got questions or want to know more about our classes? Just drop us an email at info@sclinternationalcollege.com. Get ready for a winter full of learning and tasty experiences – we're excited to have you join us in London!
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