Why Camden Market is a Foodie Destination
If there’s one foodie hotspot in London you’ve heard of, it’s likely Camden Market. Arguably the most renowned in the entire capital, Camden Market has always been known for its rebellious and creative spirit, which is evident in both its food and atmosphere. It attracts people from all backgrounds, whether it’s locals, tourists, musicians, or artists, it’s hard not to love Camden Market.
Camden Market offers a huge variety of eats, from classic London foods to international dishes from all over the globe. No wonder I take so many of my London food tours here to sample it all.
In this guide, I’ll take you through some of Camden Market’s foods, famed stalls, and provide you with valuable tips that will come in handy for when you visit.
The Flavours of Camden: What to Eat
Photo credit: The Dark Horse
You’re going to be spoiled for choice when you visit Camden Market, but whatever you do, save some space in your belly for these select few stalls.
The Dark Horse is the go-to spot for traditional British classics served alongside refreshing brews. Here you’ll find all the yummiest beloved English dishes, from crispy battered fish and crunchy chips with creamy mushy peas to flaky chicken pies loaded with a savory mushroom sauce.
Camden Market also pulls out all the stops when it comes to international flavors. Sample freshly made Chinese dumplings at Kim Klan, bite into crispy tacos at Moozak’s, or savor crunchy falafel with smooth, nutty hummus at Lebanese Box.
Vegans and vegetarians won’t be left out either, as Vegan Thai serves up plant-based creations infused with Thai flavors. This allows you to try some signature recipes from the Land of Smiles, like a sweet, citrusy pad Thai, without feeling guilty afterwards.
For those who still have room for something sweet, make sure to add Batch’d to your list. These guys serve up an incredible list of desserts, including buttery donuts, luscious brownies, and plenty more indulgent treats.
Camden’s Street Food Culture
Believe me, the Camden Food Market’s culinary culture is as diverse as it gets, with a little something for everyone.
The most common type of establishments you’ll come across here are open-air stalls with street food vendors specializing in a specific type of cuisine. Plates are usually grab-and-go style, so you walk up, order your food, and when it’s ready, you take it somewhere else to eat.
Prices vary significantly from stall to stall. You can spend as much or as little as you like, as there’s everything from affordable eats to gourmet creations.
A typical visit to Camden Market is all about walking around with a flavorful snack in hand, while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, making it a wonderful experience for adventurous eaters and groups alike.
When and How to Visit Camden Market for Food
Photo credit: Camden Market
Camden Market is open every day of the week, giving you plenty of freedom to choose when to visit. It might be tempting to plan your trip on the weekend, but I urge you to stick to midweek instead, as it gets way too overcrowded on weekends because more people are off work.
While many of the stalls have secured their place at Camden Market, some change with the seasons, so always do your research before coming if you have a particular stall in mind.
There are plenty of booths at Camden Market that accept card payment, but not all of them do. Try to withdraw some British Pounds before coming, just in case the place you’d like to eat at doesn’t have a card machine.
Don’t think for one second that Camden Market is solely focused on food, there’s much more here than dining establishments. You’ll come across shops selling handcrafted items, vinyl records, and all sorts of other bits.
If you’re lucky enough, you might catch some live music when you’re there, but if that’s not your thing, you can always grab a bite to eat and head down to the canal nearby for a walk with some snacks in hand.
Camden Market Beyond the Plate
It’s easy to focus on Camden Market’s eats, but there’s much more to this historic trading post. What began as a small local arts and crafts fair in 1974 has evolved into a hub for global street food in London, becoming an integral part of the city’s cultural identity.
The history of Camden Market is deeply rooted in music, fashion, and counterculture. From hosting legendary counterculture rock bands to serving as a hub where young people experimented with the era’s trendiest fashions, these events shaped the Camden Market into what it is today.
Initially, Camden was a small market with just 16 stalls. But over time, its popularity grew, eventually leading to the introduction of additional food stalls, which have now become the driving force behind the Camden experience.
Final Thoughts: Taste the World at Camden Market
You can eat in a lot of places in London, but nowhere is quite as vibrant or diverse as Camden Market’s food scene. A mix of global street food, beloved British favorites, and daring new dishes can all be found here in one setting.
If you’re a food lover hoping to experience the multicultural flavors that the city is praised for, Camden Market is a must. It’s such a highlight that we include it on many of my London food tours to introduce foodies like you to this popular market’s best-kept secrets.
Sources:
The Dark Horse. (n.d.). Menu. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://www.thedarkhorsecamden.com/menu-pub thedarkhorsecamden.com
Kim Klan Chinese Restaurant. (n.d.). Instagram profile. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://www.instagram.com/kim_klan_chinese_restaurant/
Moozak. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://www.moozak.co.uk/
Lebanese by Mezzet – Camden Market. (n.d.). Food & Drink / Lebanese by Mezzet. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://camdenmarket.com/food-drink/lebanese-by-mezzet
Vegan Thai Food. (n.d.). Instagram profile. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://www.instagram.com/vegan.thaifood/
Batch’d. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved October 1, 2025, from https://www.batchd.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOoqUmzwFujD53vo4oLRCcWeHv4Y2U0rejrh9YFr35i7FTGJMps_8