Cosmopolitan cities like London offer the best food choices from all over the world. From outdoor markets to small shops, you can find gourmet world cuisine for less than £10. Even better, these places are scattered throughout the city so you don’t have to venture far if you rent a house in London.
Here are six of our favourites for undeniably good (and affordable) eats in London.
Roti King
No one complains about the queue at Roti King because the food is worth it. This authentic Malaysian wonder has people lining up for amazing roti. Roti is a buttery Southeast Asian flatbread, in this case, filled or topped with curry, minced meats, or fish.
Dessert gets its spot, too, in roti with caramelized bananas, coconut jam, or a heap of vanilla ice cream.
Under £5.
Location: 40 Doric Way, Euston.
Pieminister
When it comes to what to eat in London, there really is never such a thing as too much pie. Pieminister offers up British classics, like beef, kidney, and venison. They have new spins, too, like chorizo, curry, and feta.
Around £4.50 for pies; meals still around £10.
Locations: Farringdon, 91 Leather Lane; Gabriel’s Wharf, Southwark, 56 Upper Ground.
BAO
BAO serves its unique, steamed, soft bun filled with an array of tantalizing flavours and textures. Try the Taiwanese street food classic, with slow-braised pork dusted with peanut powder. Or maybe try the veggie daikon, confit pork, fried chicken varieties, and more.
Don’t forget dessert at BAO, either: fried Horlicks Ice Cream.
Around £4 each.
Two locations: Netil Market, Hackney and 53 Lexington Street
Herman ze German
With sausages made in the Black Forest back in the old country, Herman ze German knows its wurst. Options include chilli, smoky pork, veal, and even a seitan version for vegetarians. There’s something here for everyone to love when looking for the best food in London. Ask about the guest wurst for something special.
Around £5.
Three locations: Charing Cross,19 Villiers Street; Soho, 33 Old Compton Street; and Fitzrovia, 43 Charlotte Street.
Mike and Ollie
Flatbreads and wraps are done up here with seasonal ingredients that are locally sourced whenever possible. Mike and Ollie keep it easy-going and comfortable with prices to match. For something different, check out their manti, which are handmade Turkish-style dumplings crammed with flavour.
About £7.
Locations: Brockley Market, Lewisham; Manti Street Food Stand, Flat Iron Square Food Court, 68 Union Street.
Dishoom
This London restaurant is essentially Iran by way of India. Dishoom recreates the Bombay cafe-style of Iranians in exile right in London.
For breakfast order the Kejriwal–fried eggs on chilli toast. Or savour Murgh Malai any time, with its chicken in garlic, ginger, coriander stems, and a dash of the creamy marinade. There are also lots of veggie options.
Most dishes around £7, with plenty for less.
Four locations: Covent Garden, 12 Upper Street; Carnaby, 22 Kingly Street; Shoreditch, 7 Boundary; King’s Cross, 5 Stable Street.
We’ve just scratched the surface of the vast options for cheap eats in London. Explore those little shops off the beaten path, but don’t miss the dozens of food stalls at the public markets. You really can do London on a budget and find amazing dishes!
About the Author: Oasis is a new brand of hospitality. They believe travel is essential, allowing people to enrich their lives and gain new perspectives on cultures across the globe. So they offer accommodation in the world’s top destinations that combine the amenities of a full-service hotel with the adventurous spirit of a home stay.
