The OGs of East London markets can be found side by side, just around the corner from Liverpool Street station in Spitalfields. Both open seven days a week and filled to the brim; Spitalfields Market and Old Spitalfields Market are everything you’d want from a London market and so much more.
Within metres of each other, you can find independent fashion, beauty, and wellness brands, as well as daily traders markets. Browse art from local makers, grab one-of-a-kind gifts from the many, many stalls, or (and in our opinion, most importantly) stuff your face with some of the yummiest street food in town.
Talking of food; there’s over 60 places to choose from between the two markets, so we’d recommend going with an empty stomach and your very stretchiest trousers.
The best places to eat in Spitalfields Market
1. Chi Chi + The Pasta Family
We’re starting off strong with Chi Chi + The Pasta Family. They serve up a mouth-watering variety of fresh pasta and sauces (and we all know that pasta is the elite carbohydrate), using only the highest-quality ingredients. Bellissimo!
2. Dos Mas Tacos
Serving up traditional Mexican tacos with bold colours and even bolder flavours; Dos Mas Tacos‘ seasonal menu is simply spec-taco-lar.
Fillings include slow-cooked pulled beef, fried shrimp and crispy fried mushrooms. But if you’re more of a burrito fan, don’t panic: they’ve got those too!
3. The Duck Truck
A spot that – quite literally – does what it says on the tin. This hugely popular food truck sells mouthwatering recipes all based around, you guessed it: duck.
Crispy duck wraps, confit duck legs, duck breast, duck salads, duck fat chips… you name it, they’ve got it. And as it was the UK’s first duck-only restaurant; you can rest assured that you’ll be in safe hands wings at The Duck Truck.
4. Crosstown
Since creating the world’s first sourdough doughnuts back in 2014, Crosstown have been perfecting their craft and have since been hailed the best doughnuts in the UK.
Classic flavours on offer here include cinnamon sugar, dark chocolate truffle and Tongan vanilla bean custard, but don’t miss out on their specials either such as matcha and rhubarb or coffee, cardamom and coconut. Basically, you can’t go too wrong here as they are all absolutely bangin’ (and most of them are vegan too!), so don’t miss out on paying them a visit.
The best places to eat in Old Spitalfields Market
5. Crunch
A relatively new addition to Old Spitalfields Market; Crunch serve up show-stopping, head-sized sandwiches. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside; every item on the menu is everything you’d want from a sandwich. And more.
6. Funky Cellar
If you’ve got some time on your hands and are looking for a place to sit and rest those legs after a long day of retail therapy; look no further than Funky Cellar. It’s filled to the brim with cheese in every form, and has a wine cellar for you to pick the perfect tipple to wash it all down with.
7. Merkamo Ethiopian
The award-winning team here serve up sensational Ethiopian grub. Oh, and it’s all vegetarian and vegan. Adding a fresh and exciting twist to the traditional east African cuisine; Merkamo is a must-visit when in Spitalfields.
8. Dumpling Shack
Renowned for serving up some of the best dumplings in London (big claim, I know), The Dumpling Shack have grown quite the cult following in the capital city. They’ve spent three years perfecting their recipe and often travel back to China for inspiration; so it’s no surprise that they frequently have customers queuing round the block for a taste of their dumplings.
9. Humble Crumble
The penultimate entry on our list of where to eat at Old Spitalfields Market is, of course, Humble Crumble. The world’s first crumble bar; they serve up a variety of traditional and iced crumbles – with unlimited custard. Everything is customisable, even down to the ratio of fruit and crumble, so you can truly get the crumble of your dreams here. And as this is their first permanent shop in London – it would be rude not to pop in, right?
10. I Thai
Serving up street food that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Bangkok; I Thai adds a contemporary (and very tasty) twist to each of their noodle dishes. Once you’ve tasted them, you’ll have to thai and stop yourself going back for seconds (and thirds).
So there you have it – a roundup of the best and yummiest spots to explore in Spitalfields Market and Old Spitalfields Market. Bon Apettit!
📍 You’ll find Spitalfields Market at 65 Brushfield Street, E1 6AA and Old Spitalfields Market at 16 Horner Square, London, E1 6EW.
🚇 Nearest stations are Liverpool Street and Shoreditch High Street.
