Eating London – Borough Market’s 5 best eats

Given that London is one of the most food market-crazed cities I’ve ever been to, I’m starting this post with a rather dangerous statement: London’s Borough Market is, inarguably, the metropolis’ most famous and popular market.

Located near London Bridge station, this sprawling market is home to over 100 stalls. A market has been operating in the Borough neighbourhood since the 11th Century, and it has been cementing its reputation for selling the best fresh produce ever since.

While some traders offer hot food and ready-to-go fare, others specialise in items for the pantry – from cured meats to preserves to the best craft beer and wine from around the world. Given the variety of goods on sale, the market draws an equally diverse clientele, where tourists rub shoulders with home-cooks and top chefs sourcing the top-quality ingredients.

As a new(ish) Londoner and a scarily amateur cook, I form part of this crowd over the weekends. Even though I’ve visited Borough Market numerous times, I always feel like I find something new every time I return here.

I love trying something different every time I go here, but there have been some stand-out dishes in the past. Here are my five best eats from Borough Market.

Scallops from Shellseekers

Starting with a typical entrée ingredient, these aren’t just any old scallops. Shellseekers Fish and Game only sells hand-collected scallops, sourced off the coast of Devon. Perfectly seared, Shellseekers’ scallops melt in your mouth, with delicious accompaniments like bacon and cabbage stir-fry.

You can also purchase fresh shellfish and seafood at the stall, along with some game products. You can find Shellseekers in the Middle Road area of the market, where they trade from Wednesday to Saturday every week.

Artisan bread and pastries at the Flour Station

The Flour Station’s story begins in 2002 in Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant, where the aim was to produce the very best artisanal baked goods in the city. With stalls at various markets across the city, it’s become a go-to stall for breads and pastries at Borough Market.

For me, I feel it’s safe to say that anything you buy from the Flour Station will be delicious. The crusty ciabatta and the hazelnut, sultana and rosemary levain are just two of my favourites, while, on the sweet side, the bakewell tart and blueberry buns tempt me every time.

Get your bread and pastry fix from Thursdays to Saturdays in the Green Market area.

Duck confit from Le Marche du Quartier

If you love French cuisine and produce, you need to make a stop at Le Marche du Quartier. At first glance, the massive paella pan may seem out of place; a closer glance confirms that it’s filled with delicious shredded confit duck. At lunchtime, expect a queue, as the duck confit sandwich is a popular choice.

Costing £5 and served in a ciabatta bun with rocket and lashings of mustard, there is a generous helping of the duck. Simultaneously tender and crispy, this may just be one of my favourite sandwiches in the city.

High-quality French ingredients can also be found at Le Marche du Quartier, such as a variety of French cheeses, foie gras and truffles. The stall operates in the Middle Road area of the market from Wednesday to Saturday.

Chorizo roll from Brindisa

Out of all of the countries I’ve visited, I’ve probably been to Spain the most. It should come as no surprise then that I – along with much of Borough Market’s visitors – have a love for Spanish food flavours. The chorizo roll from Brindisa is consistently in demand.

With a permanent market shop at the heart of Borough Market, Brindisa sells a multitude of typically Spanish ingredients and products, from Iberico and Serrano hams to a wide range of cheese and anchovies. These offerings notwithstanding, Brindisa’s major drawing card is its chorizo roll.

You can choose between one piece of chorizo sausage or two, which is grilled, then served on a toasted roll with a drizzle of olive oil, along with some rocket and grilled peppers. I don’t mean to exaggerate, but, for me, it’s heaven in a sandwich. Get it at the shop between Monday and Saturday.

Ice cream at Greedy Goat

It’s not every day that you can say that you’ve tried ice cream made from goat’s milk, but that can change, thanks to the Greedy Goat stall.

With less fat and 10% lactose than regular ice cream, Greedy Goat’s creamy flavours include vanilla, chocolate and mango to more decadent options like lemon cheesecake with raspberry ripple and strawberry and balsamic.

Grab a cone in the Green Market area between Thursdays and Saturdays.

This is just the smallest of snapshots of the foodie offering at Borough Market. I, for one, am happy to keep visiting to increase this list of ever-growing favourite market eats!