Borough Market Food Guide: What to Eat and the Best Food Stalls

Oct 9, 2025

Fresh seafood and smoked fish displayed at Borough Market in London, with shoppers browsing busy food stalls under wooden beams.
Fresh seafood and smoked fish displayed at Borough Market in London, with shoppers browsing busy food stalls under wooden beams.

If you’re visiting for the first time, the amount of Borough Market food on offer can feel like too much. Which stall is actually worth the wait? Is there anywhere to sit down after the chaos? Whether you're after quick bites, pantry goods, or a proper meal nearby, this guide cuts through the noise. 

’O Ver Borough sits just a few minutes away, but here’s what to eat inside the market itself.

TL;DR: What to Eat at Borough Market.

If you’re wondering what to eat at Borough Market, start here.

  • Kappacasein – iconic cheese toastie, gooey and golden.

  • Brindisa – smoky chorizo roll that defines the market.

  • Bread Ahead – vanilla custard doughnut, best eaten warm.

  • The Black Pig – new stall serving roast pork sandwiches with apple slaw.

  • Monmouth Coffee – grab a flat white before the queues.

  • Sit down nearby: ‘O Ver Borough for Neapolitan pizza.

Best Borough Market Food Stalls: What to Eat First

To make it easier to navigate, we’ve grouped the best stalls by what you’re craving. Expect prices between £5 and £10 per item. Borough Market is London’s home of street food favourites and local staples.

Borough Market food stall featuring Olivier’s Bakery with a wide display of fresh artisanal bread and shoppers browsing the market in London.

For Cheese Lovers

Borough Market’s cheese stalls are legendary, drawing visitors in with the smell of toasted sourdough and melting cheddar.

Kappacasein

If Borough Market had a smell, this would be it. Melted cheese on sourdough, toasted until crisp and golden. It’s rich, gooey, and completely satisfying.

Neal’s Yard Dairy

A haven for cheese lovers. Taste before you buy, ask about their British blues and raw milk cheddars, and leave with something you can’t find in a supermarket.

Borough Market food stalls in London showing local traders under red canopies selling artisan salsa, fresh juice, and handmade products at the historic market.

For Meat and Savoury Lovers

From chorizo rolls to slow-roasted pork, these stalls serve rich, hearty dishes made for hungry travellers.

Brindisa

The chorizo roll that made Borough Market famous. Smoky, messy, and perfect to eat on the go.

The Black Pig

New for 2025, serving slow-roasted pork sandwiches with apple slaw. Crispy edges and a soft centre create a satisfying bite packed with flavour.

The Ginger Pig

Home of the city’s favourite sausage roll, with flaky pastry and a peppery kick.

For Sweet Teeth

If you’re craving something sweet, the bakeries here offer everything from custard doughnuts to flaky French pastries.

Bread Ahead

The famous vanilla custard doughnut is light and fluffy and often sold out by lunch. £4–£5.

Comptoir Gourmand

A French bakery stall serving brownies, lemon tarts, and almond croissants. Perfect for a quick sugar fix.

For Global Flavours

This corner of the market celebrates global cooking, with street food stalls bringing bold flavours from around the world.

Roti House

Freshly stretched flatbreads, hot off the griddle. Try the lamb curry or masala sweet potato.

Freshly made flatbread with spiced chicken and salad from Roti House, one of the popular Borough Market food stalls serving authentic London street food.

Elpiniki

Greek wraps stuffed with pork belly, tzatziki, herbs, and fries. Fresh, hearty, and satisfying.

Juma Kitchen

Iraqi-inspired dishes with bright flavours. A good choice for vegetarian and vegan visitors.

Iconic Borough Market Food: What to Eat and Must-Try Stalls

These are the market legends that define the Borough Market experience.

  • The Ginger Pig: Famous for sausage rolls that balance flaky pastry with perfectly seasoned meat.

  • Brindisa: The legendary chorizo roll is smoky, messy, and one of the best things to eat at Borough Market.

  • Bread Ahead: Their vanilla custard doughnuts are a Borough Market must-try. They usually sell out before lunch.

  • Kappacasein: The ultimate cheese toastie, made with Montgomery cheddar and onions. Still one of the best food stalls in Borough Market.

  • Monmouth Coffee: A London coffee institution. Many say no Borough Market trip is complete without a flat white here.

Tip: Go mid-morning to dodge the crowds. By midday, expect long queues at every one of these stalls.

Hidden & Take-Home Gems

Beyond the hot food stands, you’ll find artisan produce stalls that reflect the market’s craft-driven spirit. Borough Market is full of places that offer local gifts and produce to take home. Many of these traders also use local produce from nearby farms and suppliers.

Wood-fired pizza at 'O Ver near Bourough Market, the perfect place to eat.

Spice Mountain - Packed with spices from around the world, from paprika to rare blends. The owners know their stuff and always offer cooking advice.

Turnips x Tomas Lidakevicius - A produce stall with a twist. Part greengrocer and part fine dining, the tasting menu changes weekly.

Tartufaia - The truffle stall you smell before you see. Oils, pasta, and sauces that make ideal gifts.

Borough Olives - Bowls of marinated olives and antipasti to sample and take home. Perfect with wine later.

Where to Eat Near Borough Market (When You Need a Seat)

For a proper sit-down meal nearby, 'O Ver Borough is just five minutes from the market. We use local ingredients sourced from nearby traders.

You can also read our guide to the best restaurants near London Bridge and Borough Market.

Quick Tips for Visiting Borough Market

  • Go early; the best time for food is before 11 a.m.

  • Most stalls take cards, but it helps to carry a little cash.

  • Open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (shorter hours on Fridays).

  • Bring a tote bag for extras. You’ll likely leave with more than you planned.

  • The Tate Modern is nearby if you want to walk off your lunch.

FAQ: Eating at Borough Market

What food is Borough Market famous for?

Borough Market is famous for cheese toasties from Kappacasein, chorizo rolls from Brindisa, Bread Ahead doughnuts, and sausage rolls from The Ginger Pig.

Is Borough Market expensive?

Not really. You can try several dishes for around £20. Most Borough Market food stalls serve items in the £5–£10 range.

Can you sit down to eat at Borough Market?

There are limited benches and shared tables inside, but it’s mostly stand-and-eat. For a proper seat, head to nearby restaurants like O Ver or Padella.

What time is best to visit Borough Market for food?

Before lunch, ideally between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. By midday, queues for the best Borough Market food stalls can be long.

Do you need cash at Borough Market?

Most vendors accept cards and mobile payments, but it’s handy to carry a little cash just in case.

How long do you need at Borough Market?

Plan for one to two hours if you want to wander, snack, and shop. Add more time if you’re booking a sit-down meal nearby.

What are the best vegan or vegetarian options at Borough Market?

Elpiniki’s veggie wraps and Juma Kitchen’s Middle Eastern dishes are both popular choices for plant-based visitors.

What is the best food to eat at Borough Market for first-timers?

Start with a chorizo roll from Brindisa, a cheese toastie from Kappacasein, or a doughnut from Bread Ahead.

Final Thoughts: Borough Market Food Is Better When You Slow Down

Part of the fun is wandering, trying one thing here and something else two stalls over. Once you’ve grazed and browsed, it helps to have a plan for what’s next. Whether it’s a quick espresso at Monmouth or a pizza at 'O Ver, Borough Market is best enjoyed without rushing. Borough Market remains at the heart of London’s vibrant food scene, best enjoyed slowly and with an open appetite. This Borough Market guide highlights the stalls and stories that make it so special.

As a local team near Borough Market, we visit regularly to keep this guide current.

Updated October 2025


Monday
17.30-22.45

Tuesday-Thursday
12.00-15.00; 17.30-22.45

Friday
17.30-23:15

Saturday
12.30-23.15

Sunday
12.30-22.45

44-46 Southwark Street, London SE1 1UN

Monday
17.30-23.00

Monday
17.30-22.45

Tuesday-Thursday
12.00-22.45

Sunday
12.30-22.45

Sunday
12.30-22.45

Sunday
12.30-22.45

Saturday
12.30-23.15

Saturday
12.30-23.15

Saturday
12.30-23.15

Friday
17.30-22.45

Friday
17.30-23:15

Friday
17.30-23:15

Tuesday-Thursday
12.00-15.00;
17.30-22.45

Monday
17.30-22.45

Monday
17.30-22.45