London East End Food Tour: 7 Tastings & Bagels Walk

Summary

Taste classic bagels, fish & chips and world flavours in london’s east end

You’ll walk through London’s East End with a local guide, tasting fresh bagels on Brick Lane, classic fish & chips from one of the city’s oldest spots, handmade truffles, jian bing crepes, apple crumble outside an old pub, plus English cider or ale. Expect stories as layered as the food—and maybe a little rain on your jacket.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ve never had a real salt beef bagel till you try this one,” our guide grinned, waving us inside the bakery on Brick Lane. The smell hit first—warm bread with that hint of pickle and mustard you only get in places that have been doing it forever. I tried to pronounce the bakery’s name and Li laughed, probably because I butchered it. But honestly? That first bite was so soft and salty I forgot about everything else for a second.

The East End is noisy in the best way—kids darting past murals, someone singing near Spitalfields Market, the clang of delivery carts. We stopped by Old Truman Brewery where our guide pointed out old brickwork from when it was still churning out beer instead of art shows. He told us about Huguenot silk weavers and Ghanaian grocers like he’d grown up here (maybe he did). Every few steps there was another story or snack: crispy jian bing with chili sauce (I got it all over my hands), then proper fish & chips wrapped in paper—hot enough to sting your fingers a bit.

I didn’t expect apple crumble to be the thing I’d remember most from a day trip food tour in London, but there’s something about eating it standing outside an old pub while rain threatens to start up again. It tasted like cinnamon and butter and the kind of apples that actually taste tart. We finished with a pint of Truman’s ale inside—a little sticky table, regulars arguing about football at the bar. Our guide raised his glass and said “Cheers to London’s layers.”

I still think about how everyone seemed to know each other around here—even if they didn’t. There’s history in every bite but also this feeling you’re part of something ongoing, not just looking at it from outside. Anyway, bring comfortable shoes and don’t wear white if you’re clumsy with curry sauce like me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore East End food and history

• Explore vibrant street art
• Visit Old Truman Brewery cultural hub
• Discover historic Old Spitalfields Market
• Step into traditional English pub

Top questions

How many tastings are included in this London East End food tour?

The tour includes 7 different tastings featuring local specialties.

Is lunch included on the East End food tour?

The tour includes several food tastings such as bagels, fish & chips, jian bing crepe, truffles, apple crumble, and drinks.

Does this day trip food tour start from central London?

The tour takes place in London’s East End; public transportation options are nearby for easy access.

Are drinks included on this London food walk?

Yes, you’ll enjoy Truman's Ale or English cider/wine along with water during the tour.

Is this walking food tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but involves a fair amount of walking.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

You should contact the provider in advance so they can cater for dietary needs as best as possible.

What are some highlights besides food on this East End walk?

You’ll see street art, historic markets like Old Spitalfields Market, Old Truman Brewery and learn about local history.

Is pickup included for this London East End food experience?

No hotel pickup is included; however public transport options are nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes seven tastings—freshly baked bagels on Brick Lane, traditional fish & chips hot from one of the oldest shops around here, handmade cocoa truffles that melt fast if you hold them too long (learned that), savory Chinese jian bing crepe with chili sauce if you want it spicy, proper apple crumble eaten standing outside an old pub with locals passing by; plus water throughout and your choice of Truman's Ale or English cider/wine to finish things off together before heading home on your own steam.