Borough Market — Review by Strictly Dumpling

The Dishes

Borough Market showcases an impressive array of foods that represents culinary excellence. The standout item is undoubtedly the pulled pork sandwich, generously loaded with succulent pulled pork, fresh cabbage, and finished with freshly shaved cheese that adds a nutty umami complexity. Every bite reveals meat so tender it requires minimal chewing, cooked in what the reviewer describes as pure magic. The pork crackling is exceptionally generous, providing fatty crunch that releases pure flavor throughout the sandwich. This sandwich is ranked among the best ever experienced.

The sausage roll deserves equal praise with its perfectly golden, flaky exterior that shatters when bitten, revealing a juicy interior soaked with meat juices. The peppery, smoky, tender sausage inside is beautifully seasoned with herbs and spices, with a crispy toasted edge that stands out. The paella features monster-sized prawns that are absolutely beautiful, sweet, and succulent, though the dish overall leans slightly salty. The fresh garlic and chive knot pastry is bakery perfection - crispy, flaky, buttery and so light it tastes like it was baked in heaven's ovens. The rosemary and sea salt focaccia is ginormous and perfectly made with a crispy exterior and dream-like soft, chewy interior, delivering beautiful olive oil, herbs, and sea salt flavors. The triple cooked chips are sensational - crispy outside with a mushy center, made from just the middle part of potatoes with homemade sauces.

The Experience

Borough Market operates as a bustling historic marketplace with numerous vendor stalls and shops. The venue features butcher shops with aged steaks and famous sausage rolls, fresh seafood counters with oysters and tartar, bakeries, cheese vendors, and international food stalls. The atmosphere is lively and crowded, especially as the market opens. However, seating is limited, with the reviewer noting they wished for more standing tables or designated eating areas throughout the market. Some seating exists at the market edges, but discovering it takes exploration. Historic touches include a famous entrance featured in Harry Potter.

Value & Pricing

The prices vary by vendor but represent reasonable value for the quality offered. The pulled pork sandwich, sausage roll, and paella appear moderately priced for London, though the paella is noted as pricey. The fresh pastries and focaccia are premium items but reasonably priced for artisanal quality. Overall, Borough Market offers excellent value considering the exceptional quality and freshness of ingredients.

Notable Moments

This might be the best thing at Boro Market

This is an absolute must try sandwich. I'll rank this as one of the best sandwiches I ever had

This tastes like I'm in Italy. The most perfectly made focaccia

The reviewer was particularly struck by the quality of the pulled pork sandwich, describing the contrast between the flaky pastry and juicy meat with genuine awe. They also marveled at the fresh focaccia being made before their eyes and discovered that the market entrance was featured in the Harry Potter films.

The Verdict

Borough Market is absolutely worth visiting for anyone in London seeking exceptional street food and market experiences. It's best for those wanting to sample multiple cuisines and styles in one location, from traditional British fare to international offerings. The pulled pork sandwich is a must-try item that lives up to its reputation. The market rewards exploration to find hidden gems and seating areas, and visitors should arrive early to avoid crowds and access the best selection from vendors.