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London 1
Many travelers hold sacred the culinary
philosophy that the best dining experiences
are solely those authentic to the immediate
destination. English food has its signature
strokes—and they can be delightfully
gluttonous in moderation—but the heavy
pies, cream-based accompaniments, and
butter-drenched morsels of traditional
English cuisine comprise but a small wing
in London’s larger gastronomic gallery; most
works are international.
From the up-and-coming chefs hidden
amongst the Borough Market food stalls to the
friendly local restaurateur around the cor ner,
you can taste flavors from the far reaches of
the earth in a few short blocks. London is
the living metaphor of contributions from
previously colonized countries around the
globe, and it’s these diverse fusions, adoptions,
and collaborations that make the city’s food
scene so unique.
Indian flavors are so pervasive in the UK,
you can visit an American fast food chain and
find the big-name menu item with a tikka
masala twist. As tempting as that may be, we
recommend the Michelin-starred Veeraswamy
in Mayfair instead. A short walk from the
theaters of the West End, London’s oldest
Indian restaurant is awash with vibrant
Maharajah-inspired décor, serving fine-tuned,
innovative takes on traditional dishes.
The city’s most buzzworthy Michelin
addition is The Araki, the UK’s first three-star
Japanese restaurant and one of just three
London restaurants in the top tier of the 2018
guide. Chef Mitsuhiro Araki is no newcomer
to the Michelin society; his now-closed
three-star Tokyo location had previously been
dubbed Japan’s most difficult restaurant to
secure a booking. Perhaps the same will be
said about the London establishment. With
capacity for only nine people, every seat is
at the chef’s table. The menu—an ode to
original flavors—is meticulously purist and
SPRING | 2018
BEETS
totally unyielding: Edomae-style sushi only;
no karaage deep fry, tempura, teriyaki, or meat
dishes, and no substitutions.
PHOTOS
T O P : D R I N K S AT T H E B O R O U G H M A R K E T
BOTTOM: GOURMET CHICKEN CURRY
PG. 57: CAFE IN LONDON
2
CHICKEN
3
BEANS
C O N TACT YO U R T R AV E L A DV I S O R TO DAY