Foodie Destination: Borough Market

I asked a few people for their #1 foodie destination, they emphatically replied "Borough Market!" And with good reason - London's oldest food market (first documented in AD 43 when the Romans sacked London) features produce, meats, and cooked specialties from all over Europe. It's just like the Wicker Park farmer's market I formerly frequented, only instead of Indiana to the south, London has France, Italy, Espana. I tasted everything from French foie gras to Italian olive oil to Spanish chorizo to English liver & onions.

I was quite overwhelmed by the cornucopia of vendor stalls and hungry hordes at the outdoor market near London Bridge. Luckily, the pricey vendors were generous with the samples, and my local foodie friend, H. steered me to some tasted-and-true faves.

You would expect this giant man and his giant pot to churn out some earthy Saxon slurry. Not so - mussel and potato curry over rice, and it tasted like a mild sweet thai curry. It was satisfying in the cold weather, but I found it to be a bit too bland. (Cost: 5 quid)

These here oysters were happy as clams in the English Channel just hours before. They were similar in brine and texture to U.S. East Coast oysters. Makes sense since they all come from the Atlantic ocean. (Cost: 4 quid)

There were plenty of game at the market: venison, lamb, pheasants, ostrich - you could buy raw or prepared. I enjoyed the showmanship of these hanging pheasants and their feathers were pretty.

I decided to split an ostrich burger with H. It tasted like a chewy, tender cut of tenderloin. Notice the 4:1 ratio of bread to meat - not uncommon in London and its turning me into an Atkins follower. I toss a bun every time I eat a burger. (Cost: 4 quid/2)

MMM. A panoply of bacon. I like the bacon verbiage here: streaky = bacon striped with fat.

H took me to Neal's Yard for some traditional British cheeses. Cheese maids ran around the shop with large hunks of Red Leicesters and Double Glouchesters, paring off slivers for patrons. Neal's source directly from artisanal cheesemakers and mature them on the site of this Southwark store. I left with a hefty slice of a savory Montgomery's Cheddar. (Cost: 5 quid).

At this point, I was regrettably full. I will be back - preferably on a weeknight to avoid the crowds and to take advantage of the mulled wine.

Summary
A must-see for any local or visiting foodie
Food: High quality overall, but varies from vendor to vendor
Cost: Expensive - I would break the bank if I did my weekly shopping here. However, its great for a random food safari once you factor in the free samples. (Total cost: 16 quid).

Borough Market
8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL

Neal's Yard
6 Park Street, London, SE1 9AB