London is one of the largest cities in Europe, spanning triple the size of Madrid and nearly five times the size of Paris. For young students who might be new to the city, the only way to make any sense of it all is to break it down and find the places worth visiting. A lesser-known gem can be found in Spitalfields Market located in the East End of zone 1, a short walk from the Whitechapel and Aldgate tube stations. The market is filled with up-and-coming food vendors and more shops than one can make sense of. No more bickering with friends over whether to go out for Indian or Mexican food, because Spitalfields has it all – from traditional vegan Ethiopian dishes to gluten-free flatbread. After eating, you can browse their wide selection of shops with vendors who benefit from the exposure the market gives them and the affordability the space allows.
food from around the globe
Fen hand Pulled noodles
This first restaurant is one of the best, and if you stick around long enough you might just get to see them hand-make your noodles in their traditional style. My personal favorite dish is their twist on a classic comfort food, chicken noodle soup. With winter creeping up on us nothing is more enjoyable than a warm and spicy soup to lift spirits. Their chicken is cooked for hours and pulled apart with every bite. Be warned: it is a bit spicier than what you might be used to, but every bit more delicious. Fen Hand Pulled Noodles has a taste of home for everyone and is one of the reasons I can’t stop visiting the market.
Pilpel
If you’re craving a classic falafel look no further than Pilpel. Arguably one of the best and most authentic restaurants in Spitalfields. Their falafel is not only reasonably priced, but honestly the best I’ve ever had. With customizable portions, it’s perfect for a quick snack or to share.
Naan Wrap
A little pricier than some of the other food stands in Spitalfields, this vendor offers great Halal options and definitely a hearty meal. I found their wraps were more than enough for one, but are the perfect meal to share over a drink. If you decide to eat here make sure you ask for some sauce on the side, because their wrap left my mouth feeling a bit too dry for my liking.
Indi-go rasoi
Located in the central square of the market this vendor sells quite a variety of Indian dishes. I was very excited to see what they had to offer and paid a reasonable price for my meal. However, I think better options may be available elsewhere at lower prices. Its main selling point is its location in the market, and if you’re set on having Indian food, it’s a good place to go. For visitors of the market willing to expand their horizons, I would point them in the direction of some of the other vendors mentioned in this review.
Cakes
Once you’ve picked your main dish, head over to the cakes situated near the back of the market for the perfect dessert. They offer a wide variety of regular and vegan cupcake options. Their flavors are all delicious whether you opt for a classic red velvet or try their new cinnamon roll. If you’re looking for something more filling or maybe something to share, they now offer cake in a jar which is not for the faint of heart. After eating only half I was just about ready for a nap, but I consider it well worth it.
small busIness at its finest
luka
This female-owned skincare business has a stall at the back of the market, and a salon down the street from Spitalfields. If you think you might have already heard of it, that’s because it had a spread in both Glamour and Vanity magazines. This is a great example of the exposure a marketplace like this allows for its business owners. Visiting places like Spitalfields is not only fun, but a valuable experience as a consumer, since you get to see places and products that would never be center stage at other places say, Covent Garden. Luka customizes its products, so there’s something for every hair or skin type.
green active
This stand is hard to miss as it’s located right by the main entrance of the market and offers FREE samples! It features a rather booming new industry, which is the CBD business. Their gummies offer calming properties to help you get through the day-to-day stress. Their owner, who I spoke with, explains that a certain amount of stress is important to stay balanced, but when it gets too much, it’s important for one to be able to manage it. A great plus for this business is the fact that Spitalfields is located next to a prominent financial district and they see many businessmen and women in their clientele.
Hazindad
With the holiday season coming up, everyone is scrambling to find gifts and the good news is all Hazindad candles are on sale until after Christmas. While normally a little pricey, these discount candles are really creative and something I would love to see under my tree this year.
suco
For fans of sustainability, this stand is a great one to stop by. SuCo solves a problem we are all guilty of, which is buying single-use plastic. Their creative water bottle design allows you to fold your bottle down when empty so it’s that much less of a hassle to put in your bag. It’s true their bottles are on the more expensive end but they offer a great deal when you choose to buy two. So maybe consider grabbing one for a friend when you stop by.
So what’s stopping you?
Spitalfields Market might not be the best-known spot in London but I think that’s all the more reason to visit. Not only is it often less crowded, but this also means it’s filled with local businesses and places you never could have discovered elsewhere. The small nature of the market allows rental prices to remain low so that almost anybody can show off their new idea to passers by. So, you can say you were one of the first to try a new water bottle design, eat at a famous restaurant, or visit a salon. It can get a little busy on the weekends, but for a lazy day, it’s great to stop by with a group of friends for a fun lunch and shopping experience. One more added bonus is the photo booth you’ll find by the exit so you can document the perfect day you had!