Where to join a late-night halal cart crawl in London boroughs and what to order for the most photogenic bites

London after midnight has a way of rearranging the city’s personality: neon reflections in puddles, night buses humming like quiet rivers, and the irresistible lure of late-night halal carts that gather around tube exits, market corners and industrial pockets. I’ve been chasing these scenes for years—part hunger, part photography habit—and I’ve learned that the best halal cart crawl combines bold flavours, good light and the kind of crowd energy that makes street food feel like a local ritual.

Where I go for a halal cart crawl by borough

London’s halal cart culture is spread across boroughs—each pocket has its own vibe. Below are the spots I return to again and again, with what to order for the most photogenic bites and why they work for late-night wandering.

Camden (Camden Town & Mornington Crescent)

Camden’s night crowd is a mix of gig-goers, students and tourists; the carts here serve hearty plates that look great under string lights. I like to start near Camden Road or the Mornington Crescent exits.

What to order: Chicken shawarma wrap with pickled red cabbage and a drizzle of garlicky toum. The layers—charred meat, bright pickles, glossy sauce—photograph beautifully when you tear the wrap open.

Photo tip: Shoot at a low angle with the market lights behind the cart to capture steam and bokeh; use a wide aperture to blur the background.

Islington (Upper Street & King’s Cross fringe)

Near King’s Cross and the edges of Islington, carts cater to late-shift workers and clubbers. Flatter, folded wraps and loaded plates reign here.

What to order: Lamb doner plate with grilled tomatoes, fresh herbs and a neon sprinkle of sumac. The contrast of pink lamb against green herbs makes for a punchy composition.

Photo tip: Ask for a lemon wedge—squeezing it while your camera is running creates motion and a freshness that reads well in photos.

Hackney (Dalston, Stoke Newington)

Hackney’s carts are where experimentation happens: more chili, more pickles, bolder plating. I love Dalston late at night; the crowds are electric.

What to order: Spicy mixed grill wrap with halloumi or chicken, drizzled with chili oil and topped with pickled cucumber. The glossy oil and char marks make the shot.

Photo tip: Use side lighting from a nearby shop front to emphasize textures—the char on meat, the resilience of halloumi.

Southwark & Bermondsey (near Borough Market, Bermondsey Spa)

Near late-night markets and pubs, these carts serve portions that are generous and picture-ready. I like starting near the bridges and walking down toward Bermondsey.

What to order: Mixed kebab platter with rice, salad, and a swirl of tahini. Photograph from above to capture the full palette—grains, greens, and sauces.

Photo tip: A top-down frame works best here; hold your plate over a dark surface (or ask the vendor for a paper tray) to make colors pop.

Tooting (Tooting Market & High Street)

Tooting is a goldmine for South Asian and Middle Eastern halal options. The area stays alive late and the street colours—neon signs, painted shopfronts—give photos a strong sense of place.

What to order: Chicken tikka wrap or seekh kebab in naan with crunchy onions. The saffron-tinted chutneys and charred edges are very photogenic.

Photo tip: Capture the vendor at work—flames, skewers and hands mid-turn tell the story as much as the food itself.

Greenwich & Deptford

Closer to the river, you’ll find carts that attract students and night cyclists. Plates tend to be colourful and less uniform—perfect for creative compositions.

What to order: Falafel wrap with beetroot, tahini and a pile of greens. The round falafel hits contrast nicely against flat breads and drips of sauce.

Photo tip: Shoot in RAW if possible to preserve highlights—those tahini drips and oil glints need detail.

Practical tips for a seamless crawl

Go after 11pm for the most authentic atmosphere—many carts are busiest between 11pm and 2am.

Carry small cash if you can; while many vendors accept cards via Square or SumUp, some still prefer cash for quick transactions.

Bring wet wipes and disposable cutlery if you’re picky about hands-on eating—the texture of bread and sauce is better with clean fingers, but food photography can get messy.

Ask permission before photographing vendors closely; a quick compliment goes a long way and I’ve found vendors often pose or arrange food more photogenically when asked.

Rotate between wraps and plates—wraps are tactile and motion-friendly for photos, while plates show colour variety better in flat lays.

What to order for the most photogenic bites (quick cheat sheet)

Dish	Why it photographs well	Best shot angle
Shawarma wrap	Layered textures, glossy sauces, and torn-open fillings	Low angle for depth; close-up of the torn section
Mixed kebab platter	Colour contrast between rice, herbs and sauces	Top-down to capture the composition
Falafel wrap	Round shapes vs flat bread, crunchy vs soft	Three-quarter angle to show layers
Halloumi & chilli wrap	Caramelized edges and glossy oils	Side light to emphasize texture
Kebabs on salad	Vivid greens and charred meat contrast	Top-down or 45° to emphasize the meat

Lighting and camera settings I use

I shoot with a compact mirrorless camera and prefer fast lenses—think f/1.8–f/2.8—so I can keep shutter speeds high in low light. If you’re using a phone, switch to Pro mode if available.

ISO: keep it under 1600 if possible to avoid heavy noise; modern phones handle higher ISO, but texture suffers.

Aperture: wide (f/1.8–f/2.8) for shallow depth and creamy bokeh, especially behind wrapped plates.

Shutter speed: 1/125s or higher if people are moving; slower if you want to capture motion blur from sauce drizzle.

White balance: set it manually under mixed lighting—streetlights can give an orange cast, and neon can shift tones.

My flow for a two-hour halal cart crawl

Start with a light bite (falafel or small wrap) to warm up the palette and scout the light.

Hit a main stall for a hearty plate—this is your centerpiece shot.

Finish with something sweet or a last wrap to capture those late-night street scenes with emptying crowds.

If you’re planning a night out with a camera, pack patience and an appetite. Halal cart crawls are as much about the people and movement as they are about the food. Walk, talk, taste, and let the city’s late-night rhythm decide your route—your best shots will come from the moments in between.