One of the best things about London is its’ many must-visit markets. Camden Market, though, is not one of them. But, funnily enough, it’s also one of the few London markets I have heard plenty about before coming to England. And for the same reason, we took a bus to Camden and waited in the corner of Wendy’s until the market’s opening time.
Is This Famous Camden Market???
We walked past the river and orange juice sellers and entered the market compound.
My first reaction was:
Hu, this could not be it???
It reminded me of the tourist trap markets in South East Asia (and the Cairns Night Market), only worse because the price tags were in Pounds. It was filled with meaningless trinkets and knick-knacks.
I told Fafa to do one quick round and leave. But then we realized that the earlier part was just a tiny section of the market. So stepping out of there, we saw the food section.
Camden Market For Foodies
Though not as impressive as Borough Market or Portobello Market, Camden Market’s food section is worth a second look. We went stall by stall until we stumbled upon Pino’s Warung, an Indonesian street food stall, on a tiny lane.
I checked my watch, thought of Wendy’s brekkie we had a little over an hour before, and decided it shouldn’t matter. So we sat and ate what turned out to be the best Indonesian food I had in London.
Refuelled, we decided to explore a little longer, but seriously there was not one exciting shop. Most of the items look like they came from the markets in Bali or Thailand.
Indian Alley
Tired, we stopped for a drink in a cool-looking Indian restaurant, Indian Alley and ordered Mumbai Margarita and Delhi Daiquiri. Let me tell you something; I had long forgotten the last time I didn’t finish my alcohol until that day. It was that bad. Topped with shitty service from the waiter, we made our way out of the place and to Camden Market. Outside, we saw even the kitschier side of Camden Market neighbourhood. Souvenir shops, off-brand clothing stores and loudly designed restaurant fronts.
It was all just too much, so we left.
Would I come back to Camden Market?
I am curious about a few things we skipped this time, like Hans and Gretel, London’s most immersive and magical dessert emporium and the indoor mini golf. But not curious enough to ever go back to Camden Market as a tourist.
If (when) I live in London, yes ━ in and out to eat Indonesian food at Pino’s Warung.
So I say skip Camden Market unless you are after the best Indonesian food in London.
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