Where to Eat in London on a Budget

As a cosmopolitan capital, London is one of the world’s gastronomy epicentres with cuisines from every country in the world. From Michelin star sushi to English ‘Pub Grub’ there’s a wealth of flavours and foods on offer. With a reputation as an expensive city, insider knowledge is needed to make it a little lighter on the wallet. Here are our recommendations of where to eat in London on a budget.

Famous for Sunday Roasts, English Breakfasts and Pies – the English diet is not always considered the most healthy, however there are plenty of choices. Head to Hoxton for Vietnamese restaurants or Soho for budget Italian restaurants in Soho, and experience great dim sum in Chinatown.

The breakfast of champions, this is the perfect way to set up your day, especially if you’ve been enjoying London’s pubs and bars the night before. It can also be found in lots of cheap cafes (or ‘greasy spoons’ ) as a ubiquitous English favourite. Not for the faint hearted, this is a killer meal with a bit of everything – fried. The best places to get your bacon and egg on a budget in London are the traditional cafes but there are a few restaurants that do a posher version. Check out Smiths of Smithfield in traditional Spitalfields market, Terry’s Cafe or The Breakfast Club cafes (at 5 locations around town)

You can find Central London’s Chinatown from the aromas of roast duck wafting teasingly through the streets. Just above Leicester Square there is a whole grid of great restaurants, offering great value dim sum, set meals and buffets. There are also some Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese restaurants in this area, so if you’re looking for steaming bowls of noodles then this is your best bet. Lots of places here are cash only but you can also get a great lunch for under £10. Favourites are Cantonese restaurants New China and Canton and Sichuan restaurant New Aroma.

London has lot a lot of its traditional ‘Pie & Mash’ shops but there are stills some to be found. If you’re central try Battersea Pie in Covent Garden (not Battersea) – they also have good vegetarian options or Kelly’s. South of the river don’t miss Goddard’s in Greenwich, it’s famous locally and has been here since 1890! It’s also great for budget prices.

Try Brick Lane Market for world cuisine at great prices (open Sundays) including Moroocan, Burmese and Ethiopian cuisine – you’ll be spoilt for choice! For good Paella and sausages including German specialties try Borough Market. For burritos, wraps and pastries try Berwick Street Market.