Where to eat insects in London

Yum Bug is a pioneering brand that's transforming the dining experience by incorporating insect-based ingredients into its dishes. Diners can try the likes of cricket mince and pomegranate flatbreads or cricket kofte, or simply enjoy whole roasted crickets as a snack. The minimalist, industrial-inspired venue is buildig on the success of Yum Bug's sold-out pop-up events, and includes bringing in notable guest chefs alongside the regular kitchen team.

When launching in 2023, the West Hampstead branch of popular pizza group Zia Lucia introduced a new dough to the group's existing line-up of traditional, wholemeal, charcoal, and gluten free. Made from finely milled roasted crickets, the insect-based dough has a light, nutty flavour to it. Where you go from there is up to you, with a variety of pizzas and toppings to choose from.

The Santo Remedio eateries pride themselves on the authenticity of their Mexican cuisine, so it comes as no surprise that there's something a little extra about their version of guacamole. Guacamole con Chapulines is a traditional Mexican street food dish, commonly found at the country's vibrant night markets, that adds a bit of grasshopper crunch and protein to the well-known green dip. And don't worry if you'd rather have your guac plain – the grasshoppers are optional.

Covent Garden's welcoming Lao Café offers an opportunity to indulge in authentic Laotian dishes, somewhat of a rarity in the city. What's even rarer, however, is the option to add ant eggs to one of their signature soups. The eggs, a traditional Southeast Asian culinary addition, are high in protein and add a bit of sourness to the dish, popping in your mouth as you eat them.

These vibrant, authentic Mexican eateries boast quite the tequila collection, but their insect-based dining extends beyond the worm in the bottle. In collaboration with Yum Bug, a company championing edible insects and insect-based products, they offer a unique taco. Rich in protein, iron, calcium, and other goodies, the Yum Bug Taco is made with pan-fried cricket strips, teriyaki & soya sauce, garlic, guacamole, pineapple salsa, pickled onion, chilli, crispy onion, pomegranate, coriander, and habanero sauce.

Horizon Edible Insects is a wholesale retailer of dried edible insects. At their Ealing farm, where they grow their critters, they regularly host cooking classes. Participants can learn more about raising and using this environmentally friendly alternative, followed by hands-on preparation and eating of five different dishes made with insects.

The all-around friendly Goods Office, an all-day café, restaurant, and bar in Stroud Green, offers a varied menu throughout the day. You'll find all the classics here, from beans on toast to mac and cheese or fried chicken, as well as an unexpected insect-based surprise – crickettes, a dish consisting of crickets, potato, and melted cheddar in panko breadcrumbs, served with dips.