When I remember cities I’ve visited when I was younger or even think about home, my mind immediately jumps to the food I’ve had there. That’s the kind of person I am. I knew that London would be a wonderful place for so many things but I never really considered how the food might be. And I’m glad that I did not, because I am surprised every week at a new place I find or a new dish I’ve tried.
Of course, Boston has a ton of variety and I miss some places that I used to frequent. But London seems to have the world on a plate. So I’m constantly juggling trying local foods and items I doubt I’ll see again. Something quintessentially English that I’ve come to enjoy is afternoon tea. It’s a serene experience to sit for hours in the middle of a busy week and drink tea and just catch up with friends. Not to mention, the desserts are always delightful and adorable.
London is a very multicultural place. And by that, I don’t just mean it is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities. It’s also a place where people live a variety of lifestyles. I never considered vegan food or fusion dishes seriously before but I’ve found myself trying a whole host of dishes from a vegan burger made of what seemed like ninety-seven ingredients to raw cake. Some I will not go back to (that raw cake) but I’m glad that my definitions of things that are so close to me and so well defined, such as food and culture, is being pushed time and again.
On the subject of local food, I’d like to think that the many cuisines that inhabit London’s pockets are as local as anything English. My favorite place is Koshari Street, a small Egyptian street food restaurant. Koshari is a mix of rice, pasta and lentils with fried onions. It’s spicy, filling and super tasty. The first time I went there, I was indifferent about it but something kept making me go back. I eat there almost every week. I’m sure everyone who works there knows me now!
Meal etiquette here does not seem to be very different from the US. The same rules apply here. Thankfully, the portions are so much smaller and manageable. But the downside is that I don’t have leftovers waiting for me the next day! One thing I have noticed here is the number of people who go to restaurants by themselves and just sit and enjoy their meal in silence. Eating out has always been a social event for me so I can’t imagine what that feels like. But I’m determined to try it at least once. Also, there’s a lot more Indian food here, which surprised me at first. There’s an entire British Indian cuisine made up of things I’d never even heard of but felt as though I should have known.
I cannot say that I eat most of my meals in one place. I’m constantly on the search for something new to try. This week, I’m determined to get falafel.
