Where to eat for cheap in London

London is a great place to eat, you can pretty much get anything you want, and it boasts some of the best restaurants in the world, but eating out here regularly, whether you’re on holiday or you live here, can get expensive fast.

Here are seven of my favourite cheap eats in London.

Ippudo

I do not queue for food, it’s my rule. I have to queue here every time I go and I couldn’t care less. This global ramen chain is quick, consistent and delicious. I guess it might not seem good value for noodles on the face of it, but it’s hard to argue with an impeccable meal in central London for £20 a head.

Go for the number 11, spicy ramen (karaka-men) with double pork and a nice cold Asahi. Difficult to beat and probably one of my favourite meals of all time. 

London restaurants in Canary Wharf, Covent Garden and Charing Cross.

BunBunBun

There’s no shortage of Vietnamese restaurants in Hoxton, but this is one of my favourites. It’s a tiny little place and always packed but they make amazing bun and there are other great dishes like a pork chop dish with a fried egg on top which is to die for.

The dessert place, Helu, next door is owned by the same people and offers matcha ice cream and bubble waffles among other treats.

Kingsland Road, Hoxton.

Gold Mine

Excellent no-frills Chinese food in Bayswater famous for its roast duck and other meats. An easy trip for lunch or dinner from the museums in South Kensington. Get the Cantonese roast duck and braised aubergine with minced pork in hot pot (number 171)

Queensway, Paddington.

Dumpling Shack

I wrote about this place when it first opened a new stall in Spitalfields from its previous home in Broadway Market. It’s not an eat-in place but there are tables and heaters  in winter around Spitalfields market to keep you comfy while you eat. There are delicious dumplings and noodles for around £7 each for a generous portion.

Spitalfields Market, East London

Est India

I’m yet to eat in the restaurant in London Bridge, but it’s my go to delivery (when they’re not too busy to accept orders). Delicious ‘railway lamb’ and some treats that are more difficult to come by in the UK, like pau bhaji (soooo good).

A great option if you fancy staying in or a place to refuel when you’re exploring London Bridge and Borough Market.

Union Street, London Bridge

Pizza Union

Roman style pizza at bargain prices: their margharita pizza is just £3.95 but there are plenty more options available. You can eat in or take out and they serve soft drinks as well as beer. 

Don’t miss their amazing dessert, a warm dough ring with Nutella and mascarpone: it’s huge and it’s £3.20.

Restaurants in Aldgate, Spitalfields, Dalston and Kings Cross

Hill & Szrok

Traditional butchers by day, restaurant by night, this tiny place on Broadway Market serves up a small meat-centric menu of delicious dishes. Hill & Szrok focuses on seasonal organic and free range meat and produce. They do great pasta ragu and beef tartare.

It is shockingly good value, especially on Sunday with two courses priced at £16 and three at £19. It also boasts a decent wine list which includes Silex and Gaja and they also offer £15 corkage.

Broadway Market, Hackney