London Travel Tips 7: Beyond the Beefeater – Embrace the Global Dining Scene

When travelling to London, it’s essential to experience a hearty plate of Fish and Chips or a proper Sunday Roast. However, to truly capture the city’s spirit, you must broaden your palate and dive into its extraordinary range of international cuisines.

London is arguably the world’s most diverse city, and nowhere is that more evident than in its food. For a visitor, trying different cuisines is not just a culinary pursuit; it’s a fast, affordable, and delicious way to travel the world without leaving the Tube network.

Why London’s International Food is a Must-Try

1. Authenticity and Quality: London’s large immigrant communities have created culinary enclaves where the food is prepared for locals, meaning the flavours are genuine and rarely watered down for tourists.

2. Affordability: Meals from countries like Vietnam, Korea, and Mexico are often found in fast-casual formats or small, family-run establishments, offering huge, flavourful portions for a fraction of the price of a typical central London restaurant.

3. Unique Fusion: London chefs are constantly innovating, creating unique fusion concepts that blend traditional British ingredients with global techniques.

A Taste of the World on a Single Trip

Your London itinerary should intentionally include these global highlights:

• Chinese Food: Beyond standard Cantonese fare, explore regional specialities. Look for Northern Chinese Noodles (especially the wide, hand-pulled varieties), Sichuan Hot Pot, or simple, satisfying BBQ Skewers (like those covered in cumin and chilli). Chinatown is the easiest place to start, but venture to other neighbourhoods for deeper cuts.

• Korean BBQ: An interactive and fun dining experience! Gather around a tabletop grill and cook marinated meats like Bulgogi and Samgyeopsal yourself, accompanied by dozens of delicious, small side dishes (Banchan).

• Vietnamese Food: Found mainly in areas like Shoreditch and Hackney, Vietnamese restaurants are known for being cheap, fast, and fresh. A warming bowl of aromatic Pho (noodle soup) or a hearty Banh Mi sandwich is perfect for a budget lunch.

• Mexican Food: From casual street food trucks serving authentic tacos to modern restaurants specializing in high-quality ceviche and Mezcal cocktails, London offers a vibrant and often innovative take on Mexican gastronomy.

• Traditional Local Pub: And finally, always circle back to the traditional local pub. While not international, it offers the essential local flavour—a hearty meal, a perfectly poured pint, and a chance to engage in some classic British people-watching.

---

🍜 The Experience: Discovering Belt Noodles at Belt Noodle London

To illustrate the sheer variety on offer, consider the unique experience found at a specialist spot like Belt Noodle London.

Forget the spaghetti-thin noodles you might be used to; Belt Noodle is an ode to the bold, wide, hand-pulled noodles of China’s Shaanxi province.

Upon entering, you are immediately met with a modern, young, and energetic vibe. The service is fantastic and fast, essential for Londoners and travellers alike.

The main attraction is the authentic and special nature of the food:

• The Main Star: Belt Noodle is famous for serving London’s WIDEST & LONGEST Belt Noodles. These thick, delightfully chewy ribbons of dough are hand-pulled to order, often making a satisfying slapping sound as they hit the counter—a process known as Biang Biang.

• Must-Try Dishes: The menu features these iconic noodles paired with rich toppings like the slow-cooked, deeply flavourful Braised Beef Belt Noodles. For a perfect side, the Grilled Chicken Leg offers a delicious, crispy contrast to the silky, saucy noodles.

London’s Longest & Widest Belt Noodles.
12:30-22:00 Everyday
19B Rupert Street London W1D 7PA

This dining experience is the perfect example of why trying different cuisine is crucial in London. It moves beyond generic tourist fare, placing you right in the middle of a dynamic, global food scene. It’s a culinary adventure that is well worth seeking out!