Cheap eats in London

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Skip to:

• Soho
• Camden
• Islington
• Nottinghill
• Marylebone
• Hackney
• London Bridge
• Fitzrovia
• Battersea
• Shoreditch
• Peckham
• Paddington
• Clapham Junction

Soho

1. Chinatown bakery

Tucked right by the iconic Chinatown gate, this bakery is a must-visit for anyone craving a sweet treat. Pick up a tray and choose from a delightful array of goodies. Try the soft pandan cake, with its delicate texture and lovely pastel green colour, or indulge in a Hello Kitty mooncake filled with salted egg yolk – the perfect balance of sweet and savoury. The chicken and pork floss buns are a real standout for those who prefer something savoury. Don’t miss out on their famous taiyaki, the fish-shaped pastry, which comes filled with everything from traditional red bean paste to ice cream or Nutella. With a second branch just around the corner on Newport Place, you’ll never be far from these tempting baked delights.

Buns from £2

2. C&R Cafe

Down a quiet side street, this unassuming Malaysian eatery has earned a loyal following, especially for its standout laksa. You’ll find two versions on offer – the tangy, tamarind-infused assam laksa and the rich, coconutty Singapore laksa. The menu also features Malaysian favourites like tender Hainanese chicken with fragrant rice, nasi lemak (a comforting dish of coconut rice, dried anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, sambal, and curry), and the irresistibly flaky roti canai. Perfect for those seeking authentic flavours without the frills.

Soups from £5.50

3. Jinli

For spice enthusiasts, Jinli is a must-visit, offering a celebrated take on the bold flavours of Szechuan cuisine. Inspired by the dishes of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, this restaurant takes its name from a bustling street known for its vibrant street food scene. Expect a menu brimming with expertly crafted regional favourites and creative twists, from cumin-spiced grilled lamb to stir-fried green beans with minced pork, and tangy, spicy braised aubergines.

Mains from £6.30

4. Singapulah

At peak times, Londoners and visitors happily queue for up to 40 minutes to snag a table at Ellen Chew’s tribute to Singaporean cuisine. The menu proudly highlights beloved suppliers like DoDo, the go-to for fishballs, and Udders ice cream, whose durian flavour divides opinion, much like Marmite. Expect comforting dishes such as noodles, nasi goreng, and beef rendang. Their Singapore laksa served over easy-to-scoop mee tai bak noodles, keeps the slurping to a minimum.

Small plates, perfect for sharing, include fried chilli crab bao and kueh pie tee – delicate pastry cups filled with prawns and peanuts. A pastel palette, vibrant retro adverts, and shelves of ceramics and imported products brighten the simple, practical setting. Sip on signature cocktails and mocktails infused with ingredients like Yeo’s chrysanthemum tea for a truly authentic experience.

Small plates from £5.50

Camden

5. Dhakaah

The newest addition to Camden Market’s polished Hawley Wharf, Dhakaah offers Bangladeshi street food with a mission to bring more of the country’s culture to the UK. Set up on the second floor of the food court; it’s a casual space ideal for a speedy meal and drinks before heading out into the bustling high street. The menu is a mixture of snacks, small plates and a few larger dishes, alongside drinks that put a South Asian spin on cocktail favourites. Start with the crunchy potato-filled fuchka (similar to pani puri) and spiced peyaju (dhal fritters) while sipping on a Bangladeshi lemon G&T, or a dirty martini flavoured with the Indian olive-like fruit jolpai. There’s classic creamy lassi and borhani for alcohol-free options, a yogurt-based drink spiked with a bit of green chilli, coriander and mint. Bigger plates include a spicy beef kathi curry in a flaky parota and free-range chicken with caramelised onion, nuts and masala flavours, plus there’s ice cream-adjacent kulfi if you fancy something sweet afterwards.

Small plates from £6

Islington

6. Zia Lucia

Head over to Zia Lucia on Holloway Road for a fantastic range of pizza bases. Choose from their signature options: traditional, wholemeal, vegetable charcoal, or gluten-free. All are made from doughs that are fermented for 48 hours before being baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. Each base brings a unique flavour and texture to your pizza.

We particularly love the gluten-free option—it’s delightfully crisp yet wonderfully light. You can also customise your pizza with tempting toppings, such as spianata, tender broccoli, roasted butternut squash, and creamy Taleggio goat’s cheese.

Mains from £11.30

7. Tootoo moo

Tootoomoo brings the bold, vibrant flavours of Asian street food into a relaxed and colourful setting on St Pauls Road. Here, you'll find a menu with Asian classics, from comforting miso soup and flavourful potsticker dumplings to rich rendang curry. Alongside these familiar favourites are more adventurous dishes like shichimi squid with Japanese pepper and sweet chilli, or a refreshing duck and watermelon salad with cashews and hoisin.

The dishes are simply presented but full of flavour. The crispy smoked chicken with chilli salt and spicy mayo was a highlight – a deliciously umami-packed take on grown-up chicken nuggets. The popcorn shrimp, dusted with nori and served with a yuzu-spiked mayonnaise, offered an irresistible combination of salt and citrus that kept us coming back for more.

Small plates from £2.95

Notting Hill

8. Farina

Located on Notting Hill High Street, Farina pizzeria brings a touch of Naples to London, steering clear of pineapple and pepperoni in favour of classic, authentic toppings. In the summer, enjoy a seat by the floor-to-ceiling folding glass doors, where the irresistible aroma of wood-fired pizza enhances the experience. Opt for a spot next to the inviting open kitchen for a more cosy atmosphere.

The 48-hour fermented dough yields a light, airy base with a beautifully charred crust—perfect for tearing off and using to soak up the rich tomato juices. For a spicy kick, try the Farina pizza, topped with nduja, salami, and provolone. Alternatively, the Burratina pizza features a fresh and creamy blend of courgette and burrata, ideal for a lighter yet indulgent option.

Mains from £9.50

Marylebone

9. BAO Mary

BAO Mary marks the fifth chapter in the beloved story of Taiwanese steamed buns and small plates that has been captivating Londoners since 2013. The brainchild of friends Shing Tat Chung, Erchen Chang, and Wai Ting Chung, who first served their iconic gua bao on the city streets, this latest venue brings a vibrant burst of Southeast Asian flavour to the Marylebone area. Despite its modest size, BAO Mary impresses with bold, delectable dishes and a chic, contemporary interior that contrasts strikingly with its humble origins.

Bao from £6

10. Florencio

Chef Diego Jacquet has launched a new pizzeria adjacent to his modern Argentinian grill, Zoilo. The pizzas are crafted from a 48-hour fermented dough and feature toppings inspired by Buenos Aires’ renowned muzza style. Highlights include the El Cuartito, topped with chorizo, grilled peppers, and jalapeños, and the Martita, generously layered with gorgonzola béchamel, courgettes, and walnuts.

Mains from £11.90

Hackney

11. Koya

Nestled off the bustling Broadway Market, Koya’s charming little sibling brings a slice of Japan's iconic noodle bars to London. Emulating the tachi-gui (standing dining) experience found in Japanese train stations, this casual spot offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious bowls of springy udon and hearty donburi rice dishes.

Start your day with their renowned English-Japanese breakfast: hot udon topped with egg, crispy bacon, and buttery soy mushrooms, or opt for a traditional neba-neba rice bowl featuring fermented soy beans, pickled seaweed, okra, and an onsen tamago egg. Post-lunch, indulge in crunchy chicken kara-age with spring onion sauce or dive into steaming bowls of udon in a rich dashi broth.

Don’t miss out on their latest menu additions, such as slow-braised beef shin served on hot noodles drizzled with chilli oil, the KO salad with cold udon and pickled aubergine, and a variety of mini-don rice bowls perfect for a quick bite on the go.

Mains from £9.60

12. Morito

With its polished concrete floors, striking horseshoe marble-topped bar, and vibrant pops of colour, Morito effortlessly blends into the Hackney scene. Instagram-worthy mirrored fish-scale tiles add a touch of glamour to the space. Co-owned by Samantha Clark and head chef Marianna Leivaditaki, the open kitchen showcases culinary excellence. Marianna, formerly of Moro, hails from Crete, where her family's fish restaurant honed her expertise in exceptional ingredients. At Morito, she elevates high-quality produce to new heights, with buffalo butter echoing the farm in Thessaloniki and aromatic za’atar from Istanbul, making the breadbasket truly irresistible.

The menu mirrors the original Morito’s offerings of tapas, mezze, and larger plates for lunch and dinner, with exciting new additions. Start your day with made-to-order Moroccan bread, enjoy homemade halloumi with pickled za’atar, or savour kid mechoui paired with goat’s curd, preserved lemon, and harissa.

Small plates from £5

13. Dusty knuckle

If you’re on the hunt for a bakery in Hackney, The Dusty Knuckle is a standout choice. This social enterprise café and bakery is driven by a meaningful mission, as co-founder Max Tobias explains: "We aimed to create a bakery that offers employment opportunities to young people at the margins of society."

Max and Rebecca Oliver quit their jobs and launched The Dusty Knuckle from a shipping container in 2014. Due to the bakery’s success they have now been able to set up permanent residence opposite the original site, along with expanding into Haringey.

Cookies from £2.50

London Bridge

14. Padella

Padella’s succinct menu showcases eight varieties of handmade, fresh pasta, inspired by the acclaimed dishes that have made its sister restaurant, Trullo, a staple in Highbury. With a relaxed vibe and wallet-friendly prices, Padella offers a welcome escape from the tourist throng at Borough Market.

The menu highlights classic Italian techniques, focusing on slow-cooked sauces and ragùs crafted from the owners' extensive travels across Italy. The traditional pici cacio e pepe—parmesan, lemon, and black pepper—exemplifies the team’s mastery, with its simple yet brilliant execution. Made without egg for a slightly doughier texture, the pasta perfectly absorbs the sauce.

Padella’s standout dish is the pappardelle with eight-hour Dexter shin beef ragù. The rich, succulent beef, slow-cooked to fall-apart perfection, combined with juicy tomatoes and a touch of garlic, makes this sauce a true highlight.

Mains from £9.50

15. Vinegar yard

From the team behind London Bridge's beloved Flat Iron Square, this vibrant blend of drinking terraces, bars, and street food trucks offers a superb al fresco retreat. Relax with a gin and tonic or a botanical spritz under the lush, greenery-clad pergola of the Tanqueray terrace. Alternatively, explore the bar area, where you can sip on an Atlantic IPA while admiring artist Joe Rush’s unique scrap metal installations scattered around the space. For a touch of glamour, grab a glass of prosecco from the charming pastel-pink van.

Once you’ve selected your drink, head to the grassy seating area and indulge in a feast from a variety of street food vendors. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes from Baba G’s, including chicken tikka burgers, loaded masala fries, and poppadom nachos topped with Indian salsa and fresh mint raita. Up in My Grill serves up perfectly pink, flame-grilled bavette or picanha steak on beef dripping fries with chimichurri. And for those craving classic comfort, Nanny Bill’s offers an array of delectable burgers and croquettes.

Small plates from £2

Fitzrovia

16. Al dente

With its glass-fronted façade, this neighbourhood gem offers a relaxed dining experience defined by simple black-and-white décor, a lively reggaeton soundtrack, and a fridge brimming with vibrant San Pellegrino cans. The open kitchen, which serves as the heart of this casual spot, showcases an array of pasta creations from their on-site lab, available to take away. From twirly fusilli and ribbed maccheroni to filled tortelli, the variety is impressive.

Begin your meal with a starter of fresh tomato cubes on toasted focaccia, generously drizzled with Sicilian olive oil. For the main event, delve into their handmade pasta dishes. The spaghettoni is enveloped in a silky, yolk-yellow sauce, enriched with salty guanciale and pecorino cheese, creating a superb carbonara. Alternatively, the paccheri, large tubes soaked in a sweet tomato sauce with finely minced beef and vegetables, is equally satisfying. Vegetarians will appreciate the cacio e pepe, featuring peppery tonnarelli (thicker spaghetti), and the pumpkin and ricotta ravioli, garnished with crispy sage.

Mains from £9.50

Battersea

17. Arcade

Having made its debut on Tottenham Court Road, Arcade's second food hall at Battersea Power Station is a fantastic new destination for gatherings. With its inviting atmosphere and diverse selection, it's perfect for groups where deciding on a cuisine is tricky.

Arcade offers a global culinary tour under one roof. The beef suadero tacos from Mexa are a standout, featuring confit short rib paired with onion, coriander, and a tangy salsa. Shatta & Toum’s fries, topped with chicken shawarma, fresh salad, and spicy shatta, are ideal for sharing, as is Flat Bread by Thomas Straker’s menu, which includes a standout option with burnt chilli mussel butter. Other tempting choices include Hero Indian Fast Food, Bao, Manna, Tipan Tapan, Siu Siu, Bebek! Bebek!, and Phed Power, with the neua nam tok ‘waterfall’ beef steak salad being a particular highlight.

With new vendors joining regularly, it’s worth checking the website before your visit to explore the latest additions.

Starters from £3

18. Noci

Modern pasta spot Noci has recently expanded with a second location within Battersea Power Station, joining its original Islington venue. Despite the industrial surroundings, Noci’s interior offers a warm and cosy atmosphere, perfect for celebratory dinners and casual lunches during shopping trips.

Start your meal with a selection of appetising snacks. Choose from the salty house focaccia topped with red onions or the triangular parcels of mortadella, ricotta, and fior di latte torte fritter, which are delightfully cheesy. The crisp, buttery nduja arancini, paired with a rich pecorino and parmesan mousse, are a standout.

The pasta menu blends Noci’s classic offerings with seasonal variations. The signature veal and pork Genovese ragu remains a highlight, featuring deep caramelised onion flavour, tender meat, and melting Monk’s Head cheese. The brown butter cacio e pepe is indulgent and chewy, while the crab and ricotta raviolo, generously filled and complemented by toasted pine nuts, provides a rich yet balanced flavour.

Starters from £4

19. Pear tree cafe

This charming café, run by Annabel Partridge and Will Burrett (formerly of Petersham Nurseries), offers stunning views of Battersea Park’s boating lake. Open daily from dawn until dusk, it features a diverse brunch menu that includes everything from fluffy buttermilk pancakes to soft scrambled eggs on sourdough, paired with maple and paprika bacon.

At lunchtime, the café serves up indulgent burgers topped with chipotle jam, Lincolnshire Poacher cheese, and roasted garlic aioli, perfectly complemented by refreshing mango lassis.

Brunch from £5

20. Roti King

The new Roti King continues the legacy of its North London predecessor, serving up beloved Malaysian classics with flair. Indulge in fragrant nasi lemak, featuring crispy fried chicken and a sambal brimming with chillies and shrimp paste. The menu also boasts rich laksas with slippery noodles, nasi goreng, and beef rendang, prepared with aromatic, expertly crafted curry pastes.

The rotis are as exceptional as ever—crispy and flaky, perfectly complemented by the fish kari. This dish, with deep-fried fish pieces in a light yet flavourful curry, is superbly paired with the crisp roti to soak up every drop.

Another standout is the char kuey teow, stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns and chicken, offering a savoury depth from kecap manis and a delightful smoky essence from the wok. Accompanying this is the kangkung belacan, or morning glory, cooked in shrimp paste and sambal. The vegetable’s crisp bite and savoury sauce make for a perfectly balanced side.

Mains from £8.95

Shoreditch

21. Genesis

In the vibrant heart of Shoreditch, enjoy organic, vegan fast food in a setting of bubble gum-pink banquettes, neon signs, and original graphic art. The menu has delightful meat-free options, from burgers and hot dogs to tacos. A highlight is the mac 'n' cheese, made with creamy kamut, an ancient grain that delivers a dairy-free richness with a hint of sweetness, alongside roasted turmeric cauliflower. For dessert, vegan ice cream sundaes take centre stage, while the cocktail list is full of fun, with the vividly purple ‘sacred spritz’—a refreshing mix of vodka, lemongrass, and blue matcha—being a must-try.

Peckham

22. En Root

Since starting out by selling hot sauce at markets in 2016, brothers Nish and Harsh have come a long way. Their journey has taken them to a brick-and-mortar spot in Clapham and, more recently, a vibrant, plant-filled restaurant in Peckham adorned with mandala tapestries and colourful cushions.

At En Root, refreshing drinks like watermelon juice with beetroot, apple, ginger, and mint make perfect summer sips. If you're in the mood for something stronger, their reasonably priced cocktail menu features fresh juices brightened with a splash of rum.

The menu centres on nourishing, plant-based dishes, drawing on the rich flavours of Gujarati spices. To start, tuck into sharable bites like puri stuffed with beetroot, onions, and chickpeas submerged in tangy date tamarind masala water. The plantain chaat—crispy plantain on a bed of beetroot, onions, chickpeas, ‘spice krispies’, and chutney—offers a delicious contrast of sweet and crunchy.

For mains, opt for the saag aloo dosa, served with lentil soup and coconut chutney. For something packed with goodness, try the Buddha bowl, filled with rainbow salad, baba ghanoush, sprouted lentils, curried chickpeas, plantain, and avocado.

Round off your meal with a mango lassi cheesecake, set on an oaty coconut base for a healthier twist on a classic, paired perfectly with a creamy chai.

23. Frank's Cafe

This spot takes hipster cool to new heights—literally. Perched atop a multi-storey car park in Peckham, it offers a succinct but stylish drinks menu, featuring favourites like negronis, margaritas, and cucumber gimlets. Try the jug cocktails, including a refreshing white port and tonic or a fruity rum punch for something to share.

The snack menu is just as enticing to accompany your drinks. Think brown sugar hot wings with a sticky-sweet glaze, deep-fried mackerel served in a bun, and lamb breast kebabs topped with a smoky burnt chilli yogurt. It’s the perfect mix of bold flavours and casual bites, ideal for laid-back evenings with a view.

Paddington

24. Satay House

For an authentic taste of Malaysia in a relaxed, no-fuss setting, make your way to this cosy, family-run spot on Sale Place, just off Praed Street. The menu stays true to its roots, offering classic dishes with bold, traditional flavours.

Start with the perfectly smoky chargrilled chicken satay served with a rich peanut sauce. For mains, favourites include the iconic nasi lemak, where fragrant steamed rice is paired with spicy prawn sambal, and kway teow goreng, a delicious stir-fried flat rice noodle dish hailing from Penang.

Meat lovers are well-catered for, too, with comforting options like the deeply spiced Malaysian lamb curry and tender Malay braised beef, slow-cooked in coconut milk and aromatic spices. It’s proper Malaysian fare, served with warmth and authenticity.

Clapham Junction

25. Thunderbird Fried Chicken

Matt Harris has been perfecting his fried chicken for years, experimenting with countless batches of wings before finding his winning formula. After running his American street food truck, BBQ Lab, in spots like Dinerama, Matt has settled into a permanent home in Brixton’s Market Row, with a new outpost at the O2. The industrial interiors—think exposed brick and pipework—are brightened with electric blue accents, bursts of orange, and the vibrant Thunderbird neon logo, cleverly disguising a chicken wing as a lightning bolt.

Matt’s Chipuffalo Wings, which earned the top prize at Wing Fest, remain a standout. Tender wings are pressure-fried to lock in juiciness and then flash-fried for that perfect crunch. They're generously coated in a mildly spicy chipotle sauce and served with a side of thick, tangy blue cheese sauce for dipping.

The Thunderbun chicken burger is another must-try. It combines crispy golden chicken with a soft, pillowy bun, topped with homemade smoky burger sauce and tangy gherkins. Sides include Cajun fries with a secret smoky "Awesome sauce," or go indulgent with jalapeño cheese fries smothered in charred pepper aïoli.

For drinks, funky Brixton Brewery beers complement Thunderbird’s bold flavours—try the hoppy Low Voltage session IPA or the crisp, citrusy Reliance pale ale. The milkshakes are an irresistible treat if you're after an authentic diner-style experience.

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