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The moment I landed in London for KubeCon in early spring 2024, I knew my trip wouldn’t be complete without diving into the city’s vibrant food scene. Having already spent some memorable days exploring Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes and culture and enjoying London’s urban charm, I was eager to discover one particular treasure I’d heard so much about – Borough Market.
As a foodie, this place was on my radar long before the trip. I’d heard rave reviews from friends and bloggers alike, so during my short stay, I managed to squeeze in a visit with a friend who knows London well.
In this blog post, I’ll take you through everything I ate at Borough Market, focusing especially on vegetarian options. If you’re a tourist or even a local looking for a vegetarian-friendly guide to Borough Market, this will be your ultimate companion. From the history of this iconic market to practical tips on how to get there, and a detailed list of stalls and dishes you simply can’t miss, I’ve got you covered. So, let’s dig in!
A Bite of History: Borough Market’s Journey Through Time
To truly appreciate Borough Market, a little historical context helps. This market is one of London’s oldest and most renowned food markets, dating back to the 13th century. Yes, you read that right – its origins trace back over 700 years! Initially established in 1276, the market was set up as a place for local farmers and traders to sell fresh produce and foodstuffs to the people of London.
Over the centuries, Borough Market evolved alongside the city. Its location near London Bridge made it a natural hub for merchants and food vendors. The Industrial Revolution and the expansion of London saw the market grow in size and popularity. By the 20th century, it had become a bustling centre not just for locals but also for those seeking gourmet and specialty foods.
What sets Borough Market apart today is its unique blend of tradition and modernity. While it remains a place to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meats, it also hosts a wide variety of street food vendors offering cuisines from around the world. You can expect a lively atmosphere, with stalls bursting with fresh produce, artisanal bread, exotic spices, and, importantly for us vegetarians, plenty of delicious meat-free options.
Walking into Borough Market, you’re stepping into a community hub where food is celebrated in all its forms. Expect crowds, chatter, the smell of fresh coffee (ocassional meat and sea food) and baked goods, and the occasional burst of laughter from friends sharing a meal. It’s a place where history meets contemporary food culture, making it a must-visit for any food lover.
Getting There: A Stroll or a Ride?
Now, how exactly do you get to Borough Market? This is one of the easier parts of the adventure. My friend and I actually walked from Tower Bridge, which, I’ll be honest, felt quite doable and pleasant. The walk took about 15-20 minutes, and the weather was just right – not too hot, not too chilly. The scenic route along the Thames with views of the iconic Tower Bridge made the journey part of the experience.
For those who don’t want to walk or are coming from farther afield, there are plenty of public transport options:
- Tube: The closest London Underground station is London Bridge. It’s just a short 5-minute walk from the station to the market. London Bridge is served by the Jubilee and Northern lines, making it super convenient from most parts of London.
- Bus: Several buses stop near Borough Market, including routes 17, 43, 141, 149, 343, and 381. The “Borough Market” stop is generally your best bet.
- Train: London Bridge station also serves as a railway station, so if you’re coming from outside London, trains will bring you here directly.
- Walking: If you’re in Central London, walking to Borough Market is quite pleasant, especially if you like exploring the city on foot. The walk from Tower Bridge is scenic, giving you great views of the Thames and the iconic bridge itself.
One tip from my experience: if you want to soak in the atmosphere and the surrounding architecture, walking is the way to go. But if you’re short on time or the weather is unpredictable, public transport is efficient and easy.
The Vegetarian Foodie’s Treasure Trove: What I Ate at Borough Market
Here comes the part I know you’ve been waiting for—the food! Borough Market is often stereotyped as a meat lover’s paradise, but trust me, as a vegetarian, I found a delightful range of options. I made a point of trying everything vegetarian (and some vegan) that caught my eye, and here’s the rundown of my favourites and must-try stalls.
1. La Pepia – Venezuelan Arepas (Vegan-Friendly)
The very first stall I spotted was La Pepia, serving Venezuelan Arepas. They had a clear sign highlighting their vegan offerings, which immediately caught my attention. If you’ve ever had medu vada back home, you’ll find the texture somewhat similar—crispy on the outside but soft inside, with a few veggies mixed in.
These arepas were slightly more oily but packed with flavour. A simple, hearty snack that reminded me of home but with a South American twist. The vegan label was a big plus, and it was a perfect way to start my Borough Market culinary journey.
Location:La Pepia on Google Maps
2. Comptoir Bakery – Artisan Breads and Pastries
Next up was Comptoir Bakery. I’m a sucker for good bread, and these guys did not disappoint. We picked up some sourdough loaves and a few rolls, which were rich, soft, and clearly made with love and quality ingredients. Their range is fantastic—pastries, different types of bread, and cakes.
If you’re looking to buy something to take home or just want a carb fix, Comptoir Bakery is your go-to.
Location:Comptoir Bakery on Google Maps
3. Colombian Coffee Company – For the Coffee Lovers
I’m still not a coffee aficionado, but I’m learning. This tiny stall had everything a coffee lover could want: espresso, latte, cold brew, and more. The baristas were friendly, and the aroma was intoxicating. I grabbed a latte, which was smooth and well-prepared.
If you want a caffeine kick while you explore, this is a small but mighty spot.
Location:Colombian Coffee Company on Google Maps
4. Turnip’s – The Famous Strawberry Chocolate Experience
Here’s something you might have seen on Instagram or heard about—Turnip’s strawberry chocolate. This place has a unique system: you queue, pay, and then move to the next stage where a staff member dips fresh strawberries under a chocolate tap, coating them in rich, luscious chocolate before handing them over to you.
The strawberries were massive, juicy, and perfectly ripe, and the chocolate was rich without being overpowering. It was a heavenly combination and totally worth the queue.
Location:Turnip’s on Google Maps
5. Tacos Padre – Spicy Cauliflower Tacos
My friend insisted we try Tacos Padre, and I was game. This stall was buzzing with people, clearly popular. They had a vegetarian option—the Cauliflower Tacos. Let me tell you, these were fiery! I haven’t had anything that spicy in London before.
The tacos had a crispy shell, and the filling was spicy and flavourful. The catch? At £10 for 3 pieces, it felt a bit expensive for what you get. Still, if you’re into spicy food and want a quick bite, it’s worth a try.
Location:Tacos Padre on Google Maps
6. Khanom Krok – Thai Mango Sticky Rice with Coconut Milk
Thai food is a hit at Borough Market, and Khanom Krok was buzzing when we arrived. Though their vegetarian options were limited compared to meat dishes, I spotted the Mango and Sticky Rice with coconut milk, a classic dessert.
It was slightly sweet but beautifully balanced. I’d seen this combination before but never tried it until now. The mango was fresh and juicy, and the sticky rice creamy and fragrant. Definitely a must-try dessert.
Location:Khanom Krok on Google Maps
7. Humble Crumble – The Trifle Crumble Dessert
If you have a sweet tooth, Humble Crumble is a must-visit. This is one of London’s most loved dessert places, and their stall at Borough Market draws consistent queues. We ordered the Trifle Crumble, which combined chilled strawberries, raspberries, cherries, crumble, and vanilla custard.
This dessert was rich but not overly sweet—the balance was perfect. It felt indulgent but not cloying. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a fruity, creamy dessert.
Location:Humble Crumble on Google Maps
8. Gujarati Rasoi – Authentic Indian Flavours in London
Craving some Indian food? Gujarati Rasoi is your spot. This stall was bustling with a crowd, and understandably so. They serve authentic Gujarati dishes: Thali, Bhujia, Paratha, Lassi, and Chai.
I loved seeing such a traditional Indian spread in the heart of London. It was comforting and familiar, yet unique in its own right. The Thali was well-portioned and full of flavours, perfect for a filling meal.
Location:Gujarati Rasoi on Google Maps
9. The Mysterious Pandan Soda Spot – A Hidden Gem
There was a place (sadly, I didn’t catch the name) a little further from Turnip’s that caught my eye because they served a lot of interesting drinks and snacks. I picked the Pandan Soda, which I’d never tried before.
Wow. I LOVED it! Pandan has this unique, slightly earthy flavour that reminded me vaguely of basmati rice aroma, but in a soda form, it was refreshing and intriguing. Definitely a discovery worth repeating next time.
Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Borough Market
Before you jump into the Borough Market experience, here are some practical tips from my visit:
- Be Prepared to Walk: The market is sprawling, with narrow aisles and lots of vendors. Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be on your feet a lot.
- Expect Weekend Crowds: Weekends are bustling, so if you prefer a quieter visit, try weekdays or early mornings.
- Mostly Covered, But Not Completely: The market has covered sections, but some areas are open-air. Bring a cap or umbrella depending on the weather.
- Stay Hydrated: There’s surprisingly no free water available, so carry a bottle with you.
- Card Payments Are King: All stalls accept contactless card payments, so no need to carry cash.
- Fresh Produce Galore: Beyond ready-to-eat food, there are plenty of vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and other produce if you want to pick something up.
Wrapping Up My Borough Market Adventure
I won’t lie—I initially thought Borough Market was going to be a meat-heavy place with limited vegetarian options. The first thing I spotted were vegan Arepas from La Pepia, and from there, I happily sampled one vegetarian dish after another. The variety, freshness, and creativity on offer were impressive.
I loved the energy, the smells, and the pure joy of eating my way through such a historic and vibrant market. Whether you’re a tourist or a Londoner, vegetarian or not, Borough Market has something to delight your senses.
If you’re ever in London, do yourself a favour and visit Borough Market. It won’t disappoint.
If you’ve got any queries or suggestions, drop them in the comments below. You can also tweet to me at @Atulmaharaj or DM @Atulmaharaj on Instagram or Get In Touch.
