You’ve read our profile on local cookbook author and food consultant Shu Han Lee, who also goes by the moniker Mummy I Can Cook (@mummyicancook). Based in London for the past eight years, when it comes to food, we can hardly think of anyone better to probe for the city’s best cafes and restaurants, so we roped her in to let us in on her go-to food spots. Here are her recommendations:
EAST LONDON
Broadway market
“This market is great fun on a Saturday, especially if it’s sunny. The street has a reputation for being ‘hipster’ but you’ll find beards and tattoos as much as you will babies in prams. Food-wise, you can have a taste of everything from artisan jams and smoked salmon to Thai/Persian street food – truly a representation of London’s vibrant cultural mix. Take your time and stroll through the stalls with a coffee from resident coffee roaster Climpson & Son’s. On a nice day, I like to gather bits and bobs from various stalls and end up on a grassy picnic spot at London Fields.”
Broadway Market, London, E8 4PH
Netil market
“While you’re in the area, check out Netil market, a smaller market just 5 minutes walk away from Broadway market. You’ll find more street food and craft traders. The original Bao (Taiwanese street food sensation) stall still stands there. Get yourself the fluffiest steamed bun – stuffed with their classic braised pork belly, pickles and roasted peanut powder; or crispy daikon for the vegetarians.”
13 – 23 Westgate St, London E8 3RL
e5 bakehouse
“Also don’t forget to check out this bakery-cum-cafe, which is under the railway arches, about a two-minute walk away from London Fields station. They make some of the best local sourdough breads, and also serve up simple breakfast/ lunches featuring their famous breads.”
395 Mentmore Terrace, London E8 3PH
Rochelle Canteen
“This Shoreditch-based restaurant has only recently extended its opening hours; before, you could only visit on weekdays for lunch, which meant you could pretty much only visit if you had a flexible schedule, a day off from work, or were on holiday. The relaxed vibe still remains in the sun-filled restaurant and its garden terrace; and the simple, seasonal, British cooking is some of the best in London. The place is tucked away from the bustle of Shoreditch in Arnold’s Circus, in an old boy’s school; you have to buzz to be let in.”
Rochelle School, Arnold Circus, London E2 7ES
NORTH LONDON
The Good Egg
“One of my favourite brunch spots, The Good Egg in Stoke, Newington serves up food that’s inspired by Jewish flavours and culinary traditions – from New York to the Mediterranean. For instance, you’ll find a typical breakfast dish of eggs pimped up with roasted aubergine, pomegranate molasses, tahini and zhoug, and served in warm pitta bread. Their cornbread is a must-try. On weekends, you’ll often find queues spilling out onto streets – though this has lightened up with the opening of their second branch in Soho. (I still prefer the more laid-back décor and vibe of the original spot though.)
While you’re there, make sure you have a stroll through the quaint Church Street and its many independent stores – you’ll find everything from kitchen crafts to florists to designer fashion.”
93 Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, London N16 0AS
SOUTH LONDON
Borough Market
“While Borough market has become very much a tourist trap these days, it’s still great fun to visit for a food-lover. Here you’ll find the largest congregation of artisan food producers, and be able to taste everything from cheese to doughnuts. While you’re there, do check out Neal’s Yard Dairy. The cheesemongers there are experts in their field, and the shop itself is a lovely stinky (in a good way) spectacle, stacked with shelves and shelves of different cheeses.”
8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Padella
“Right outside the market is Padella, a restaurant serving some of the best fresh pasta in London, for as cheap as a fiver. Their classic Tuscan dish of pici (thick hand-rolled pasta) served with parmesan, butter, garlic and black pepper is a must try. Be prepared to queue though.”
6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ
CENTRAL
Darjeeling Express
“Tucked away at the top floor of Kingly Court is Darjeeling Express, an Indian restaurant bringing together the wonderful spicy aromas of Calcutta’s street food with that of the royal Hyderabadi cuisine. You’ll also find an all-women team rocking it in the kitchen. The restaurant is homely and the staff, warm and friendly to explain the culinary origins of the dishes. The Prawn Malaikari and puris are my favourite.”
Kingly Court, Carnaby St, Soho, London W1B 5PW
Kricket
“However, if you’re after something less traditional, Kricket is a good shout for Indian food with a twist. Expect to be sharing plates and tables. The cocktails here are fun, inventive and definitely worth trying.”
12 Denman St, Soho, London W1D 7HH
Kiln
“Kiln is a casual restaurant that serves Thai-inspired dishes, cooked only over wood-burning ovens and grills. The menu is seasonal and changes often, so go there and get surprised. The claypot baked glass noodles is a menu staple that can’t be missed – the noodles take on a wonderfully smoky aroma and is full of delicious flavour from the Tamworth pork belly they’re cooked with.”
58 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 9TL
