One revolutionary bar, six exciting independent street food vendors, countless irresistible treats from all around the world – all from the heart of the Greenwich Peninsula.
The Design District itself has been awarded TIME Magazine’s “one of World’s Greatest Places in 2021” crown – and this brand new food hall lives right at the heart of it. Housed in a striking glass structure created by acclaimed Spanish architects Jose Selgas and Lucia Cano, visitors can eat and drink under the magnificent tree canopy in the airy and comfortable space.
If you’re anything like us, you’ll be hitting more than just one of the food vendors in your visit – and maybe another for dessert. The quality is top notch. Here are the temptations:
- Eat Lah (Malaysian) - colourful and rich flavours dominate the menu. While you can get the better known Chicken Rendang, Satay, and sweetcorn fritters, our highlight was the Nasi Kerabu – fried chicken, crackers, salads, and most Instagrammable of all, blue rice!
Eat Lah's Nasi Kerabu - Sugo (Italian) – genuine Italian created by restaurant entrepreneurs to remind them of home. Fresh arancini, pork ragu fritters, and overflowing home-baked focaccia sandwiches (we recommend ‘The Porkstar’).
- Ehla (Eastern Med) - true to its name (‘come over’ in Greek and ‘welcome’ in Arabic), it’s comforting and filling. Falafels, shawarma, bulgur pilaf bowls, and mezze are all available here, with fresh spanakopita and pastries baked daily.
Falafel Bowl from Ehla - Raastawala (North East Indian) – dishes and cooking techniques inspired by life in Kolkata. Spicy Water Bombs (spiced potatoes in a semolina puff) are on offer, but the Kolkata Kati Roll is the standout – naan with egg and fillings ranging from spicy lamb kebab to tandoori chicken and chickpeas.
- Guasa (Venezuelan) – an underrepresented cuisine in the UK, it definitely needs more recognition. The highlight is of course the arepas (grilled cornmeal cakes) with various fillings like pulled chicken and beans, but they also offer bowls, all accompanied by the signature GUASA avocado-based sauce.
Guasa's Arepas, a Venezuelan delight - Toasted by The Great British Charcuterie Sandwick & Cheese Bar (British) – the very best of British toasties. Local bread with local fillings, the sandwiches can be packed with anything from Wagyu Salt Beef, Cornish Lobster, and Treacle Cured Bacon. The real treat here is the Cornish Gouda Raclette. And don’t forget to grab one their infamous crodoughs on the way out – the red velvet is dreamy!
The beverage offering is equally as exciting. The Canteen Bar’s cocktail list is creative and crowd-pleasing – and curated using local ingredients. Other than the standard bar offerings, it also offers a house lager brewed next door by Meantime Brewery. What’s also notable about The Canteen Bar is that it’s one of the first bars to utilise EcoSpirits – so with each serve, customers help to save up to 150g of carbon emissions. It’s the best of all worlds. You can eat, drink, and give back all at the same time.
Design District Canteen may very well be Greenwich’s hottest addition yet. An architectural and gastronomical delight, a venture out to SE10 is definitely worth your while. You can visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner from 11:30 until late every day, at 7 Soames Walk, London SE10 0AX.
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