London Whitechapel And The East End

As with all things East End, diversity is the name of the game when it comes to food. Whether you’re looking for a £2 market-gathered picnic, a cheap and filling curry lunch, vegan fare in a hip and crowded cafe, or a refined sit-down British meal, you’ll find it here. Brick Lane has long been known as one of the most mouth-watering destinations in London; while it got on the map for its spectacular curries, it’s also home to some of the best Jewish bakeries, hip coffee shops, and alternative cafe scene. Aspiring chefs can stock up on fresh, organic food at Spitalfields Market, an Edwardian hall teeming with creatively decorated international food stalls. Finally, Hoxton and Shoreditch are the places to go for haute cuisine in the area’s bars. A growing number of trendy restaurants on Hoxton Square and Shoreditch High Street also offer excellent pre-club fuel, and Kingsland Road boasts a treasure trove of affordable Vietnamese eateries. (Old St., Shoreditch, or a 10min. walk from Aldgate East or Liverpool St.)

Café 1001, 91 Brick Lane, Dray Walk (☎7247 9679; www.cafe1001.co.uk), in an alley just off Brick Ln. Aldgate East. This massive warehouse-turned-artists’ den feels more like a never-ending block party than a cafe. Students, artists and assorted hipster types lounge in couches in the spacious upstairs or at the numerous picnic tables that dominate the alleyway, while staff dole out fresh homemade food to eat in or take away. Choose from a variety of premade salads (3 for £3.50) and healthy main dishes (£5.95 including 3 side salads) at the buffet, or grab a massive sandwich (from £3.50) and pastry (from £.80) at the cafe side. Selections of wine and beer (£2-4). Outdoor barbecue weather permitting (burgers £4, with fries £4.50). Nightly DJs or live bands 8pm-close, W live jazz. Open M-Th and Su 6am-midnight, F-Sa 6am-12:30am.
Chaat, 36 Redchurch St. (☎020 7739 9595; www.chaatlondon.co.uk), Liverpool St. A sleek but cozy restaurant, tea room, and bar, Chaat serves delicious Bangladeshi food. Start with a “Chit Chaat” like samosas or tomato, ginger, and coriander soup; follow it with a veggie or meat dish; add a “Mopper” (rice or bread) and an accompaniment like dhal or pan-fried okra; and finish with a homemade dip. Doubles as an art gallery. 5-course meals £14. Reservations recommended. Open M-Sa 6:30-11pm