Small world in a big city

by Emma Hearle

London has become a culturally diverse capital with many migrants settling within the city over the centuries.

However, what many people do not realise is how rich the international culture is that has built up here in that time.

Some areas are more popular like the Bangladeshi and Bengali communities in Brick Lane, east London and China Town in the West End, which serve curries and Dim Sum respectively to thousands of locals and visitors all year round.

There is great architecture and it is so pretty at night to wander around - especially during Chinese New Year when the streets are lit up with lanterns.

Although some areas aren’t as well known as China Town, there are many fantastic cosmopolitan hubs of culture thriving with exotic sounds, flavours and tastes where any Londoner can enjoy a varied experience in foreign culture all over the capital.

Latin American London

Close to Seven Sisters tube station is an indoor market thriving with everything to do with Latin America.

The market is not obvious to passers-by, and can go unnoticed as it is quite hidden.

However, once inside, it is like a tiny corner of Latin America, with many stalls ranging from hair and beauty products to Colombian, Bolivian and Ecuadorian groceries.

Packed with music and families, many of which come to feel at home, despite being thousands of miles away from where they were born.

Edgar Ramos, originally from Bolivia says; “I come here every weekend with my wife and baby daughter. I like to chat with other Bolivians who have moved to London and eat the food that I am used to from back home. My wife has her hair cut in the Peluquería and there is a lovely homely atmosphere.”

There is a record store that offers a CD and DVD burning service where you can get Latin American telenovelas, as well as popular salsa music copied onto discs.

Pop to the juice bar and order one of the jugos naturales which are fresh fruit and ice blended juices: my favourite was the passion fruit which I enjoyed with one of the popular cheese bread rolls.

Middle Eastern delights

Edgware Road, just north of Marble Arch, is known for being home to a large Arab community.

There are a wide range of Middle Eastern foods on offer and shisha from the many restaurants and cafes here. There are also delicious Lebanese meats and breads and of course falafel and hummus favourites!

You can visit shops that sell shisha pipes, which are great for house parties!

Don’t miss out on trying one of the many pieces of Baklava from one of the Middle Eastern supermarkets, which are delicious small pieces of sweet pastries filled with chopped nuts and honey.

Little India

Southall Broadway Market, in Ealing is known as ‘Little India’ and if you love curry, want to buy a sari or watch a Bollywood movie, then this is the place for you.

It is lively on the weekend and there are bright and colourful fabrics, spices and jewellery as well as music and award-winning fast food curry houses to sample.

It really is a great way to absorb the Asian atmosphere and it is like going on a mini-trip to India or Pakistan.

Asrit Babu, whose family have an Indian restaurant in Southall said: “You have to come here to appreciate the mouth-watering flavours and smells! I have grown up in England but I always come here with my family to eat, as the curries are the best in London! People always think Brick Lane is the only place to eat good Indian food, but just a little further out in Southall you can find ‘Little India’ and it’s definitely worth a visit!”

These are just a few of London’s highlights, but you will find international supermarkets, restaurants and shops all over London and they’re great alternatives to the usual high street chains we are all used to.

You can try favourite foods, beers or listen to the best music each country has to offer and travel the world without leaving the capital.