Shoreditch, located in East London, is a bustling hub filled with delicious food and stunning street art. If you’re not afraid of crowds, the best time to go is during the Sunday Market. But if you do make the trip, make sure you go on an empty stomach. Here are some places I tried and loved…

Beigel Bake

The baked beigel (bagel) with salt beef is truly the star of Brick Lane. The store is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. The line is usually out the door, but don’t let that deter you. The line moves quickly and the food is worth the wait. There are many options, from plain beigels to beigels with cream cheese and onion. I got the salt beef with mustard and pickles. The beef was succulent and perfectly savory. The mustard provided a spicy kick and the acidity from the pickles cut in nicely, making me want more. A must when in London!

Crosstown Doughnuts

Right next door to the beigel store is Crosstown Doughnuts, a popular doughnut shop. The Cinnamon Scroll is a classic. The dough was light and had that satisfying smell donuts do. It had a simple sugar glaze, which complimented the cinnamon sugar filling. The staff also recommended the Sea Salt Caramel Banana Cream, which I have to try the next time I go…I’ll be back.

Sunday Market

Brick Lane’s Sunday Market is packed with food stalls, featuring dishes from all around the world. You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy the market. Simply walking down Brick Lane, taking in all the tantalizing smells and colorful foods is enough to bring a smile to your face. Stalls that caught my eye included artisan grilled cheese, to-go pasta, dim sum, and mini Dutch pancakes covered in powdered sugar.