Tokyo Food Guide

Tokyo is so highly concentrated with restaurants, coffee stops and little hole in the wall food stalls that you would not ever have expected. It is so easy to miss the best and most noteworthy places due to the sheer amount of choice in Tokyo (not that it's a bad thing). 

Below are a few key places for ramen, sushi and of course - coffee. It's an ever expanding list! Don't forget to click the name of the establishments, as it will link straight to their website. 

Cafes, bakeries and sweet treats

A - Z cafe
カフェ エートゥーゼ

Escape the hustle and bustle of Omotesando and visit a cafe of Yoshimoto Nara's artwork. Take a peek at the rooftop bar.
5F, 5-8-3 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku

akebono mochi shop
銀座あけぼの

Small but perfect is how to describe this mochi shop and their Japanese confectionary. Tokyo's most famous mochi shop has been operating since 1948.
5-7-19 Ginza, Chuo

aOYAMA FLOWER MARKET TEA HOUSE
青山フラワーマーケット ティーハウス

A beautiful tea house hidden behind a blooming flower shop. An instant favourite with earnest service. Here you'll find yourself time and space to enjoy Tokyo and nature's splendours.
5-1-2 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

be a good neighbour
良き隣人であること

A new day starts here with a perfectly brewed coffee and humble message. Tea, scones and light buttery toast is also offered.
3-51-6 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku

Cafe Kitsune

bread, espresso &
パンとエスプレッソと

The original morning requirements, bread and coffee, are staples at Bread, Espresso &. Get yourself a thick slice of French toast in a skillet and enjoy the ambiance. 
3-4-9 Jingumae, Shibuya

c*lab project tokyo
シーラボプロジェクト

A Japanese and European patisserie offering cakes, cookies, tarts and sweet spongey rolls. If you want to try a roll but not eat all of it, you can have a slice cut especially for you. Although, who could stop at one slice?
1-30-23 Inokashira, Mitaka

cafe kitsuné
カフェ キツネ

Cafe Kitsuné is a must visit, if not because the in-house baristas have been trained by Omotesando Koffee's Eiichi Kunitomo, then for the decor and fox shaped sugar cookies.
3-17-1 Minami, Aoyama

FLORESTA DONUTS
フロレスタ高円寺店

Best known for its animal donuts, Floresta offers organic indulgences if you're a little worried about your carb intake. 
3 - 3, 4-14, Koenjikita

Cafe Kitsune

little nap coffee stand
リトルナップコーヒースタンド

Sadaharu Aoki

Directly across from Yoyogi Park, Little Nap Coffee Stand will serve you an unassuming brew in a paper cup with a smile. 
5-65-4 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku

rose bakery
ローズベーカリー銀座

Famed Rose Bakery carrot cake. Enough said.
6-9-5 Ginza Chuo

sadaharu aoki
パティスリーサダハルアオキ

Sadaharu Aoki aims to create delicious but simple pastries with Japanese Flavours and French technique.
3-4-1, Marunouchi

Santa Monica Crepes

Santa Monica CREPES
サンタモニカ クレープ 

With over one hundred flavour combinations and choices, Santa Monica Crepes and its neighbours down Takashita Street are no-brainers. If you are feeling especially indulgent, get double the whipped cream. One crepe is enough to put you into a sugar coma.
1-16-8 Jingu-mae Shibuya-ku

shiro-Hige Cream Puff Factory
白髭のシュークリーム工房

My Neighbour Totoro cream puffs full of custard and cream and not to mention, so cute!
5-3-1, Setagaya-ku

Totti Candy Factory

The roastery by Nozy Coffee
NOZY珈琲

With beans from Indonesia, Brazil and Ethopia, this Single Origin Coffee Shop is sure to delight.
5 Chome-17-13 Jingūmae

Daily Chiko
デイリーチコ

Eight layers of soft serve in varying flavours including grape, soda, banana, matcha, chocolate and strawberry balance in a single cone at Nakano Broadway.
5-52-15, Nakano Broadway

Totti candy factory
トッティのキャンディ工場

Billowing cotton candy clouds of three colours and flavours are often bought from this cute and mega pink store in Harujuku. Cake pops and other sweet treats are also taken away in magical bags full of sugar.
16-1 Jingumae, Shibuya

Fast Food/Conbini Stores

That conbini life cannot be overlooked, particularly as Japa's seemingly understated convenience stores have some of the freshest, tastiest and cheapest food on offer. Here you can find juice, fresh fruit, karaage, icecream, onigiri, sushi, small bento boxes, dumplings and even steamed cakes in addition to your typical sweets and chips. Don't forget to swing by:

• Lawson's (There is even a Natural Lawson's selling organic products only and it's the best!)
• 7/Eleven (More than just an association with Krispy-Kremes)
• Family Mart (Also, any place that stores Muji products is an incredible place in my opinion)
• Mini-Stop
• Newdays

Kaiseki

Nihonbashi Yukari
日本橋 ゆかり

For those that wish to experience a traditional multi-course degustation in Tokyo, Nihonbashi Yukari is the way to go.
3-2-14

Ramen

Afuri
阿夫利 ラーメン

Yuzu flavoured broth may seem unorthodox however it is a complete treat at Afuri for those citrus inclined. The noodles are top notch too.
1-1-7 Ebisu, Shibuya

Fuunji
風雲児

Literally translating to "Lucky Adventurer", this small but popular shop specialises in tsukemen broth and regardless of what size bowl - be it small, medium or large, it will cost you all the same. Be prepared to want more.
2-14-3- Yoyogi, Shibuya

Ichiran Ramen
蘭

Tonkotsu ramen knows no bounds at Ichiran. Simple but delicious, this ramen restaurant covers the main staples and then some. Customise your sides, choose the way your noodles are cooked and if you'd like the green or white part of the spring onion.
1-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya

Ippudo Ramen
博多一風堂

Sure, Ippudo can be found in Sydney and Singapore, but it cannot be replaced for authenticity and quality as it stands in Tokyo. Pull up a seat, pick your side dishes and get ready to slurp hot and tasty ramen noodles in tonkotsu broth.
1-3-13, Hiro, Shibuya

Santouka Ramen
めん山頭火

Slices of marinated charshu pork, perfectly half-boiled egg still gooey on the inside and bamboo shoots sit in a beautifully arranged bowl every time.
1-18-5, Nishi-Shinjuku

Tsuta Ramen
蔦

Tsuta Ramen is the first and only Michelin starred Ramen restaurant in Japan. With rare blends of soy sauces, the shoyu ramen is deemed perfection. It is so popular that they now have ticket machines, so be prepared to get in line from 8am onwards if you're dedicated.
1-14-1, Sugamo, Tokyo

Sushi

Genki Sushi

Genki Sushi
元気寿司

A change to the typical sushi conveyor belt, Genki Sushi delivers your food to you via trains. Just place your order through the touchpad.
24-8, Udagawacho Shibuya

Sushi Dai
寿司大

Tsukiji's most famous sushi bar comes hand in hand with one hour waits and expertly cut sushi. The fatty tuna cannot be missed and the sweet soya is brushed onto each piece with the right amount of restraint.
4-16-10 Tsukiji, Chuo

Sushi Kanesaka
銀座・丸の内の江戸前寿司 鮨かねさか

Committed to perfecting the art of sushi - balance, taste and humidity, Sushi Kanesaka has not gained two Michelin stars for nothing.
8-10-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku

 

Sukiyabashi Jiro Honten
すきやばし次郎

Jiro dreams of Sushi, so does Barack Obama and thousands of other die-hard sushi fans. Take cash and reserve in advance for a seat at the ten seat sushi bar of dreams.
Tsukamoto Building B1F, 4-2-15 Ginza

Sushi Saito
鮨 さいとう)

A three Michelin star sushi resutaurant innocently located in Roppongi may actually spoil your sushi tastebuds forever. Reserve at least four months out if you're dedicated. 1-4-5 Roppongi Minato

Soba

Yutoku Soba
ゆふ徳

This home-made soba noodle shop is the perfect place to practice your slurping techniques, especially as slurping is seen to be a sign of pure enjoyment. 
4-12-2 Meguro, Tokyo

Soranoiro
ソラノイロ

Although Soranoiro has won awards for its chuka soba, many people tend to visit to test out the Special Vegetable Soba (Vegan), of which includes a healthy serving of carrot-based broth.

Tempura

Tempura Masa
てんぷら 真

Fresh ingredients of your choice are presented to you prior to being coated in batter and fried. Tempura Masa (Tenmasa) uses a light oil and therefore the tempura has a particularly light and refreshing taste.
1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku

Anzu Ginza Mituskoshi

Tonkatsu

Anzu Ginza Mituskoshi
銀座杏子日式豬排

Tender, intense and flavoursome Joshu pork loin is served with the freshest and finest accompaniments, salads and rice. The loin is marbled, delicious and melts in your mouth.
4-6-16 Ginza

Butagumi
豚組

A restaurant in the middle of a suburban neighbourhood, marked only by a crescent moon window will serve you arguably the best tonkatsu in Tokyo as it specialises in pork and pork only.
2-24-9 Nishiazabu, Minato

Kimukatsu
キムカツ

Crispy and textured, kimukatsu is a little different to your regular tonkatsu restaurant. Thinly sliced pieces of pork loin are layered on top of each other to make one regular cut of tonkatsu.
4-6-5, Ebisu

Maisen Tonkatsu
とんかつ まい泉

Incredibly well known in Tokyo for being a restaurant in a public bath house, Maisen Tonkatsu is also known for its succulent tonkatsu and light but crisp coating.
4-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku

Tonki
とんき 目黒店

One of the few restaurants in Tokyo with seating where you can watch the chefs prepare your tonkatsu dish.
1-1-2 Shimomeguro Meguro

Udon

tokyo Ment-sudan
東京麺通団

This self-serve restaurant offers a range of hot and chilled udon noodles among the numerous toppings (buffet style) on offer. Mentsudan is also particularly well known for their tempura, too.
7-9-15 Nishishinjuku

Udon Yamacho
うどん　山長

For less than about $15 AUD, this fancy looking restaurant has all of your udon requirements covered. Fat, thing or medium noodles are cooked al dente. Note, English menus are not offered.
13-6-5, Ebisu Shibuya

Breakfast in Perth, an Illustrative Guide

Gone are the weekends that begin with the sound of cornflakes falling into a bowl. When appetites in Perth began to expand outside the adventurous 'big breakfast' consisting of sausage, bacon and eggs - so too did the breakfast choices. We've moved away from the likes of burnt toast, haphazardly spread marmalade and butter that we never quite lathered to the corners. The past few years have shown a shift from cardboard cornflakes and splashes of milk towards over-the-top pancake stacks and eating real food for breakfast.

It turns out that breakfast is not only functionally important, but also because it presents yet another opportunity to catch up with friends and family, go outside and do a little less. Dessert for breakfast is not uncommon, with plenty of flexible food choices falling into both categories for experimentation. We can rest assured that Perth has some options to thoroughly indulge in on the weekend. After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and these choices should be taken seriously. 

Tbsp.

French Toast. A seemingly obvious choice for breakfast but one that is not commonly found on menus. tbsp. does a good job in ensuring their bread is not soggy and that their toast is adequately dressed with fresh berries and whipped honey butter. What is great about this dish is that the butter doesn't completely melt away and you still have a little extra to slather on your bottom slice. 

Chu Bakery

Beginning the weekend with a coffee in one hand and a Chu Puff in the other is something many people of Perth have turned into a ritual. When the food in question is as pretty as it is satisfying, it is hard to pass by this corner bakery without peering into its cabinet display of temptations. The profiterole is light and although the cream appears dense, the consistency is just right - holding its own but smoothly melting away once bitten to reveal a sweet jelly. 

Flora and Fauna

Brightening the plates and tables of fruit and flower lovers alike, Flora and Fauna's most popular and photogenic dish is the Chia Bowl. The toppings vary depending on seasonal fruit but promises to be fresh and filling. It also makes you feel like you've been really good and super healthy, so I suppose you can reward yourself with an indulgent treat later. That's how it works, right?

Pixel Coffee Brewers

Breakfast isn't quite complete without an appropriate cup of coffee. It is at Pixel that your latte art is taken to a whole new level by their baristas (special mention to 72Transformations). Say goodbye to the seemingly boring flat white and say hello to latte art so Instagramable that you think it should be in international latte art competitions. They also serve up a balanced cup of coffee, with beans from Ethiopia, Columbia and Costa Rica.

Piccolo's Corner

Forget the smashed avo (although it is also offered at Piccolo's) and go for the smashed pumpkin. A poached egg sits on top like the proverbial cherry on the cake. The egg is glossy, pristine and once split to allow the yolk to seep onto the plate, it is done perfectly almost every time. The smashed pumpkin shouldn't be overlooked as the pumpkin itself is a comforting and versatile vegetable and is honoured in this simple but tasty smash.

Mrs. S

There is a reason why the Manwhich has been on the menu at Mrs.S for more than five years now - it's a winner. There are no complaints of beetroot relish staining lips or fingers as the combination of flavours within the sandwich lend nicely to the pulled pork. The ciabatta roll is lathered in aioli, cucumber and greens are added in for good measure to break up the soft and tasty pork and to tone down the awesome jolt of flavour from the beetroot between the wedges of bread. The only challenge is being okay with not sharing. 

Harvest Espresso

What did matcha lovers do in Perth before matcha lattes were on menus? They either held out for somewhat mediocre green tea lattes from Starbucks in a city other than Perth - or they did what I did (and still do) and went to the Asian grocery to purchase matcha powder and make their own. Harvest Espresso was among some of the first cafes to offer the matcha latte to avid green tea fans, providing their customers with a smooth and creamy cup of astringent antioxidants. What's more is the large comes in a decent sized mug you can wrap your cold hands around come winter time. It's still a favourite place in Perth to grab a matcha latte.

This will be a continuously updated post. I hope you have enjoyed it so far! All illustrations by me. 

Paris Travel Guide: Sweets

Paris is the home of sweets. Deciding on which patisserie to go to is just as difficult as deciding on which attraction to visit. There is no denying that anything and everything in Paris is carefully constructed with finesse and ease - you can't go wrong anywhere you go, however each place has their specialties and their signature options and it does take a little while to navigate yourself around the best that is on offer. Just make sure your tastebuds and stomach are ready.

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Patisserie Sadaharu Aoki

For beautifully made, delicate and delicious morsels of flavour, you can't go past Sadaharu Aoki. Born in Japan but trained in both Paris and Tokyo, Sadaharu Aoki's skill and heritage are displayed in every treat in his patisseries. The only problem is then choosing which to eat out of the many amazing cakes, pastries, chocolates and macarons and then trying to convince yourself that you've bought it to eat, not just to admire! Notable selections include: Ginza (pictured), Tarte caramele sale, Citron praline, Matcha azuki, Tarte yuzu and any, if not all, macarons. 

Dalloyao

Since dazzling the Court of Versailles until the French revolution, Dalloyao has been dazzling the French with its gastronomic delights. It's most famous pastry is the Opera cake - cake and biscuit soaked in coffee syrup, layered with butter cream and topped with chocolate ganache. Layer upon layer of chocolate guiltiness.

Angelina

Angelina is as famous for its hot chocolate as it is for it's signature Mont blanc, a ball of meringue and fromage blanc (soft cream cheese), covered in whipped cream and chestnut imple. The Millefeuille vanille is also just as good, with thin sweet pastry cracking and crumbling when your spoon submerges itself in the vanilla cream.

Pierre Herme

It is said that you 'haven't done Paris if you haven't visited Pierre Herme', demigod pastry chef and king of macarons. His macarons are a cacophony of colours and flavours and are so sought after that Galleries Lafayette have three boutique stores set up throughout the shopping gallery. Each mouthful is a balance of interesting flavours with sometimes two or three combinations.

Les soeurs sucrees

Maybe I'm swayed because I visited this bakery/patisserie almost every day in Paris, but I wouldn't go back if their pain au chocolat, meringues and baguettes were not as good as they were. The pain au chocolat is reason enough to re-visit. Light, buttery and filled with just enough chocolate, these were our go-to. Everything is handmade fresh that morning.

L'Eclair de Genie

Who am I to ignore possibly the most incredible and interesting eclairs Paris has to offer? Eclairs have certainly been brought back, with copy-cat stores trying to reach that level of simplistic elegance L'Eclair de Genie is all about. I am not usually one for eclairs but these are by far an exception. Flavour combinations include pistachio and orange, passionfruit and raspberry and yuzu, cassis, and salted caramel praline. The flavours are unreal and a bite will lead to an explosion of delicious filling and are beautifully presented little works of pastry art.

Boulangerie Aux Castelblangeois

Living so close to this boulangerie, we tried many a delicious pastry. The views at the window are hypnotic and instead of just purchasing one sweet, you may find yourself doing what I did - purchasing four which I then had to somehow get home in one piece. Each day holds a different selection to choose from, however their amarys framboises (pictured) is one of the staples, as are their opera, tartlette caramel and tartlette citron pastries.

Pozzetto

Of course my list would not be complete without at least one gelato - from Pozzetto. For gelato handed to you through a window above a selection of amazing flavours, Pozzetto is the way to go and it is the best gelato I have ever had. The pistachio gelato (my favourite, and pictured with hazelnut) is made from Sicilian Bronte pistachios and is spatula'd out, not scooped - onto the cone or into your dish. I know this because as we ordered, the owner was teaching her new employee the technique of setting the gelato into the cone with the spatula. The gelato is smooth, light and silky. Like good gelato it melts quickly but is eaten just as fast!

Sydney Guide: Sweets

For those that need something sweet in their lives, here are some sweet treats to remember and where to get them the next time you're venturing around Sydney.

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Aqua S

For soft serves as light and as fluffy as clouds, pay a visit to Aqua S. They're well known for their sea salt swirls of aqua blue and toppings of fairy floss, burnt marshmallow, popping candy and caramel popcorn. Flavours are on rotation but sea salt is their specialty.

Devon Cafe

A place where you can truly eat what would normally be a night snack, for breakfast. We're talking about the Cookies 'N Cream. It's a delicious and cinnamon based muesli cookie, topped with violets, raspberries and a strawberry and violet gel with raspberry cream. It's as sinful as it looks, but remains light and fresh.

ONE Tea Lounge & Grill

A recent addition to York Street, ONE Tea Lounge & Grill has been abuzz due to these dessert baogers, offering fillings of matcha ice-cream and black sesame in between two deep fried - deliciously soft on the inside - crispy on the outside baos. Top these off with a little miso caramel sauce and you're good to go.

Black Star Pastry

A trip to Sydney just would not be complete if you did not pay a visit to Black Star Pastry for its "world famous" strawberry and watermelon cake. Soft, light and pretty, the strawberry watermelon cake is a must try. The watermelon also doesn't at all clash with the cream as you may have thought, instead they complement each other well and there's some satisfaction in running your fork through the watermelon.

Gelato Messina

Okay, tell me one person who hasn't heard someone rave about Gelato Messina? With flavours that are experimental but brilliant, Gelato Messina cannot go wrong. When they offer red velvet gelato, pear and rhubarb, pavlova, salted caramel and white chocolate or even your simple but delicious vanilla, you have to pull yourself in line and try to refrain from purchasing their five taste platter. I didn't have the self restraint not to.

Chanoma

If you are looking for some serious matcha heaven that best reflects what is available in a sweet parfait store in Tokyo, Chanoma is not a place to miss. Lines are long but service is swift and you'll find yourself diving into the likes of the below. Or if you prefer something a little more simple, they also do straight matcha soft serves. Their hotdogs are also really good too.

Adriano Zumbo at the Star

There's a reason why this V8 Vanilla Cake was a pressure test challenge in the Australia Masterchef Finals. It's incredibly amazing. With layers of vanilla chantilly, toasted brûlée, vanilla water gel, macaron, almond crunch, dacquoise, ganache and glaze ... how can anyone resist? Zumbo is famous for his croquembouche, macarons with a difference (hello salted popcorn, malt milkshake and new york blueberry cheesecake) and various other masterful concoctions, he is a true modern day Willy Wonka. Pay a visit.

Cafe Cre Asion

It's a cafe tucked in the side streets in Surry Hills. It also gets very busy and is a favourite pick for locals. Simple but delicious dishes and tasty sweet treats are available for you morning through afternoon. The matcha fondant is one to note, particularly as it is soft, warm and oozes just the right consistency of matcha from the middle. Their macarons and green tea swiss roll are also lovely.

Kyoto Guide: See

ART, CULTURE AND ARCHITECTURE

Gion Odori (Geisha Dance)
Gion Kaikan Theatre, Gion, Higashiyama-ku
Shows at 1.30pm & 4pm
¥ 3500/4000 admission/admission with tea

Nijo-jo (Castle)
541 Nijojo-cho, Nijo-dori, Horikawa Nishi iru
8.45am – 5pm
¥600
(Tozai line to Nijo-jo-mae)

Kyoto International Manga Museum
(Downtown Kyoto)
Karasuma-dori, Oike agaru
10am – 6pm, closed Wednesday
(Karasuma or Tozai lines to Karasyma-Oike)
www.kyotomm.com/english

NEIGHBOURHOODS

Gion
(Southern Higashiyama)
Higashiyama-ku
(Keizhan line to Gion-Shijo Station, Tozai line to Sanjo-Keihan)

Ponto-cho
(Downtown Kyoto)
Ponto-cho, Nakagyo-ku
(Keihan line to Sanjo, Hankyu line to Kawaramachi)
Traditional nightlife district and on of Kyotos five geisha districts. Best visited in the evening, combined with a nearby walk in Gion.

Nishijin
(Downtown Kyoto)
Nishijin
(Kyoto City Bus 9 to the Horikawa-Imadegawa stop)
Home of Kyoto’s textile industry, source of the fantastically ornate kimonos and obi.

PARKS

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Ogurayama, Saga, Ukyo-ku
6am – 6pmFree
(Hankyu line to Arashiyama)
Famed bamboo grove, stroll through to Okochi Snso Villa.

Kyoto Imperial Palace Park
(Central Kyoto)
Kyoto Gyoen, Nakagyo-ku
6am-6pm Free
(Karasuma line to Marutamachi or Imadegwa)

Maruyama-koen
(Southern Higashiyama)
Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama-ku
(Tozai line to Higashiyama –walk south for about 10 minutes. From Kyoto Station take bus 206 and get off at Gion stop. )

SHRINES

Fushimi Inari-taisha
(Southeast Kyoto)
Yabunouchi-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku
6am – 6pm FREE
(JR Nara line to Inari)
The mountain is lined with thousands of red tori.

TEMPLES

Daitoku-ji
53 Daitokuji-cho, Murasakino
6am – 6pmFREE
(Karasuma line to Kitaoji)
Collection of Zen temples, raked gravel gardens and wandering lanes.         

Higashi Hongan-ji
(Kyoto Station area)
Karasuma-dori, Shichijo agaru
5.50am-5.30pm
FREE
(JR Tokaido main line, Jr Tokaido shinkansen line, Sanyo Shinkansen line, Kinetsu Kyoto Line)

Kinkaku-Ji
(Northwest Kyoto)
1 Kinkaku-ji-cho, Kita-ku
9am – 5pm
¥ 400 admission
(Kyoto City Bus 205 from Kyoto Station to the Kinkakuji-michi stop or Kyoto City bus 59 from Sanjo-Keihan to the Kinkakuji-mae stop.)     

Nanzen-ji
Fukuchi-cho, Nanzen-ji, Sakyo-ku
8.40am – 5pm
¥ 500 garden entry
¥300 – 400 Grounds fee
(Tozai line to Keage, Kyoto City Bus 5 or the Eikando-Michi stop)
One of the finest temples in Kyoto with expansive grounds and subtemples.      

Nishi Hongan-ji
(Kyoto Station Area)
Horikawa-dori, Hanaya-cho sagaru
5.30am-5.30pm   Free
(JR Tokaido main line, JR Tokaido shinkansen line, Sanyo shinkansen line, Kitetsu Kyoto Line)

To-ji
(Kyoto Station Area)
Kujo-cho
¥ 500 – admission to grounds
¥ 800 Pagoda
8.30am - 5.30pm
(JR Tokaido main line, JT Tokaido sinkansen line, Sanyo shinkansen line, Kinetsu Kyoto line)

Tofuku-ji
15-778 Honmahi, Higashiyama-ku
9am – 4
(JR Nara line to Tofukuji)
¥ 400 admission to garden
¥ 400 Grounds fee

London's Best Markets

London has such an amazing market culture. For lovers of food, bric-a-brac, antiques and flowers,  London is the place to go. Listed below are a couple of markets I had the pleasure of visiting and a few others that were on my list and highly recommended by friends. There are also the random pop up markets that occur during certain days of the month or season. Pay attention to the items being sold at the mixed markets as some days specialise in certain items, as well as the times and bank (public) holidays.

Borough Market

It's no secret that Borough Market is every foodie's dream. The market was established in 1885 and spans four sections, even possessing a little information centre and a map. Famous for its artisan food, fresh produce and deli shops Borough Market is worth the visit. Its high quality sellers offer free samples, beautifully stacked fruit and vegetables and hot ready to eat market meals. Cheeses, chorizo, bread, wines, beers, cakes, preserves, honey, turkish delights, seafood and hot paella are just a few of the things for sale at the Borough Market. If you love food, you mustn't miss it. 

Opening hours:
Monday - Tuesday: Lunch from 11am - 5pm
Wednesday - Thursday: Full market, 11am - 5pm, Friday from 10am - 6pm, Saturday 8am - 5pm
Closed Sundays

Address:
8 Southwark Street, London

Tube:
London Bridge Station

Brick Lane

Consisting of five different specialty areas, Brick Lane is a good place to visit when in East London. Gritty, full of personality and street art, Brick Lane is home to the Boiler House Food Hall, Tea Rooms, Sunday UpMarket, Vintage Market and the Backyard Market. 

Opening hours: 
Saturdays: 11am - 6pm
Sundays: 10am - 5pm

Address:
91 Brick Lane, London

Tube:
Aldgate East

Camden Lock Market

The best mix of food and drink, fashion, music and art is at Camden Lock. The markets themselves are eclectic, situated in what is regarded to be the epicentre of culture and music in London. 

Opening hours:
Monday - Sunday: 10am - 6pm

Address:
Camden Lock, Chalk Farm Road, London

Tube:
Camden Town

Columbia Road Flower Market

This market will more than likely put any other flower market to shame. Every Sunday Columbia Road is alive with colour, sweet smells and locals. Trucks full of crates and flowers are parked on the surrounding streets while owners try to sell their wares. Walking through the market I caught words of advice on how to prune trees, plant herbs and when to "fess up the money for the flowers". A cacophony of colours, Columbia Road is almost every girl's dream market. The stalls themselves are owned by 3rd, 4th and 5th generations of families. Visit early to avoid the crowds and to get the most value out of your visit. 

Opening hours: 
Sunday: 8am - 3pm approximately

Address:
Columbia Road, London

Tube:
Bethnal Green Tube Station

Portobello Road

Portobello Road is equally notable for its pastel coloured houses and its long stretching street market. It is also the world's largest antique market at 940 metres long with over 1000 stall spots. The stalls are not just limited to antiques however, with fresh fruit and vegetables also sold. The markets are surrounded by countless places to purchase breakfast or lunch - a wise idea to fuel up when beginning to walk the long stretch. 

Opening hours:
Monday - Wednesday: 9am - 6pm
Thursday: 9am - 1pm
Friday - Saturday: 9am - 7pm

Address:
Portobello Road, London

Tube: 
Notting Hill Gate Station

Old Spitalfields Market

Super historic - even located in an old Victorian building in Shoreditch, Old Spitalfields is open seven days a week. For vintage clothing, furniture and bric-a-brac, it is the perfect hub for arty and trendy items. Each day has a different focus, but each has a tendency to present itself to you like that of an Etsy store. The main market days are Thursdays - Sundays. On the first and third Fridays of every month, the markets are joined by a Record Fair which will seek out crowds of the classic. 

Opening hours: 
Monday - Wednesday: 10am - 5pm
Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 10am - 4pm
Saturday: 11am - 5pm
Sunday: 9am - 5pm

Address: 
16 Horner Square, Spitalfields, London

Tube:
Liverpool Street

Real Food Market

Featuring more than 40 producers and delicious pulled pork and apple in a brioche bun, this particular market is held every Wednesday to Friday. The worst thing about this market is probably that you don't have enough room in your stomach for everything. 

Opening hours:
Wednesday - Friday: 12pm - 7pm

Address:
Belevedere Road

Tube:
Waterloo

Other markets of note include:

Broadway Market
Covent Garden Market
Greenwich Market
Leadenhall Market