London, one of the most diverse culinary capitals in the world, offers diplomats stationed in the UK a chance to ease homesickness through food. With more than 40 per cent of its population born abroad, the city provides authentic flavors from nearly every culture. From Brick Lane’s spice-laden chai to elegant European classics, ambassadors have shared their favorite spots that remind them of home.
Romania: Comfort in Family Cooking
Romania’s ambassador to the UK, Laura Popescu, admits that her most reliable cure for homesickness comes not from restaurants but from her mother’s cooking. “Papanași [doughnuts] and merdenele [cheese pastries] take me straight back to my childhood,” she says. Whenever the nostalgia deepens, her mother travels to London to recreate these dishes at home.
Bangladesh: Simple Pleasures
For High Commissioner Abida Islam, comfort comes from simple, everyday meals such as rice with daal and chutney. On Brick Lane, she often enjoys masala chai at Chaiiwala, a reminder of home. London’s vibrant Bangladeshi community, especially in the East End, makes the city feel familiar. She also looks forward to sharing iftar in Trafalgar Square next year.
Brazil: Flavours of Feijoada — and Beyond
Brazil’s traditional bean and meat stew, feijoada, is best enjoyed at Frigideira in Kensal Rise, according to Brazil’s representatives. They also recommend the chain Fazenda for steakhouse favorites such as picanha, lombinho, and farofa. Interestingly, the ambassador admits a fondness for Daquise, a Polish restaurant near the V&A, as it reminds him of a German restaurant back in Rio.
Germany: Seasonal Specialties and Tradition
Former German ambassador Miguel Berger highlights the seasonal delicacy of white asparagus (Spargel), best enjoyed at the German Gymnasium in King’s Cross. Served with potatoes, ham, and hollandaise, the dish brings the flavors of home to London. For Berger, nothing pairs better than a chilled Pils beer.
Greece: Chasing Dishes, Not Restaurants
Greek ambassador Yannis Tsaousis embraces London’s Greek culinary offerings, from moussaka and souvlaki to feta salad. He doesn’t seek out specific restaurants but pursues dishes wherever he finds them — from Mayfair establishments to small Oxford Street food stalls. “When the ingredients are right, even a simple feta salad becomes perfection,” he explains.
Hong Kong: Comfort in Chinatown
For Fiona Chau, Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, comfort food is always nearby. Chinatown offers dim sum, cha chaan teng-style dishes, silky milk tea, and honey-glazed char siu. The variety of Hong Kong flavors across London makes homesickness less of a challenge.
India: The Joy of Street Food
India’s ambassador reflects on childhood memories of chaat, especially pani puri — crispy shells filled with potato, chickpeas, and spiced cumin water. “It’s a rush of textures in one bite,” he recalls. For authentic flavors, he recommends Shayona in Neasden or spots in Hounslow and East Ham. He also misses South Indian specialties like dosas and appams, for which Quilon near St James’s Park is a favorite.
A Global Culinary Capital
London’s international food scene ensures that ambassadors and diplomats rarely feel too far from home. From Bangladeshi chai stalls to Brazilian steakhouses and Greek street food, the city serves as both a diplomatic hub and a culinary bridge between cultures.
