The Complete Guide To KERB: London’s Street Food Market

Unlike Borough Market, which has been a cornerstone of London’s food trade for decades, KERB was founded in 2012 after the demise of Eat St. Founded by Petra Barran, KERB, for a short period of time, remained exclusively at Eat St.’s venue — Kings Cross — but has since expanded to a range of venues all open at different times of the week. From West India Quay for Canary Wharf’s busy bankers to Gherkin, Paddington and swishy Spitalfields, KERB is always on the lookout for different areas for expansion. The food traders call themselves the ‘KERB-anists’ and are even open to private events. From the Sri Lankan Kothu, mouthwatering gyozas, Korean kimchi to filling dosas, KERB is the place to be if you’re looking for a quick, appetising bite of food.

If you are married to your mushroom risotto soup from Pret or can’t resist a tuna and cucumber sandwich from EAT for lunch, make sure you give yourself a full hour to soak up the wide range of culinary goodness at your nearest KERB. At any of the KERB areas, you’ll find around ten KERB-anists rustling up a hot, sizzling plate of food. It’s not limited to lunch — if you’re lucky, you’ll find KERB perched up at Southbank on weekend evenings too.

If you’re in the mood for some gorgeous, food coma-inducing and lip-smacking burgers, head to Mother Flipper at West India Quay from Wednesday to Friday. From the Dirty Barbie, which includes candy bacon and candy onion, to their special Mother Flipper Cheese Burger, you’ll wish for them to open a proper establishment like all the other burger establishments London is home to. With perfect brioche buns and juicy meat patties with accompaniments like cheese, gherkins and their signature candy bacon, this one is for all who love feasting on a good ole’ burger.

If you’re looking for something homemade with a kick of just the right amount of spice, your best bet will be Kothu Kothu (meaning chop chop). This Sri Lankan stall serves a well-loved favourite – Kothu Roti, which is shredded into pieces and mixed with your choice of meat and/or veggies with special spices. It goes perfectly with a side of yoghurt, perfect for those with a low tolerance for spice. Find them at Paddington and Gherkin.

Continuing the spice trend, but this time with a twist, and an absolute favorite with office goers is Kimchinary — a Korean and Mexican fusion of Korean burritos. With tangy and bold flavours and a special gochujang sauce, kimchi fried rice and the freshness of spring onion, this burrito is guaranteed to fill you up. Choose from a slow-braised bulgogi ox cheek, gochujang and sesame grilled chicken, and Korean chilli aubergine — there’s something for everyone.

Quick and easy to make, quick and easy to eat, Oh My Dog! Hot Dogs will keep you coming back for more. The best of American fare, Oh My Dog! serves some of the yummiest frankfurters you’ll ever taste. With names like Deputy Dog, Candy Dog and Yum Dog, it’s impossible to stay away. Can someone pass the mustard please?

Everyone loves a good dessert, and with so many flavours floating around at KERB, you definitely need to treat your sweet tooth to some glorious brownies. Serving only the most decadent of brownies is Batch Bakery. You’ll never know what you’ll get — maybe a beetroot flavour brownie one day and a candied orange brownie the next.

What’s a food market without some Indian street food? These KERB-anists swear by Dosa Deli — crispy savoury pancakes made from rice and lentils. They’re dairy free, gluten free, and vegan. No wonder they’re such a hit!