London, the capital city of England, is a hub for food lovers from all over the world. With its diverse culinary scene, London offers a wide range of dining options to suit every budget. However, eating out in London can be expensive, especially for those on a tight budget. In this article, we will explore the best places to eat cheap in London, from traditional pubs to street food markets and affordable restaurants.
The cost of living in London is notoriously high, and eating out can be a significant expense. According to a report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average cost of a meal in a restaurant in London is around £15-20 per person. However, with some research and planning, it is possible to enjoy delicious and affordable meals in London.
From traditional British cuisine to international flavors, London has a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. In this article, we will explore some of the best places to eat cheap in London, including street food markets, affordable restaurants, and traditional pubs.
Street Food Markets
Street food markets are a great place to find affordable and delicious food in London. These markets offer a wide range of cuisines, from traditional British to international flavors, and are often priced lower than restaurants.
Some of the best street food markets in London include:
- Brick Lane Market: This market in East London offers a wide range of street food, including traditional British, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Camden Market: This market in North London is known for its eclectic mix of street food, including vegan, gluten-free, and traditional British options.
- Borough Market: This market in South London offers a wide range of artisanal food, including cheese, bread, and pastries.
- Street Feast: This market in Dalston offers a wide range of street food, including traditional British, Asian, and Latin American cuisine.
Some popular street food options at these markets include:
- Traditional British food: Fish and chips, burgers, and sandwiches are all popular options at street food markets.
- Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine: Markets like Brick Lane and Camden offer a wide range of Indian and Middle Eastern street food, including curries, kebabs, and falafel.
- Asian cuisine: Markets like Street Feast and Camden offer a wide range of Asian street food, including sushi, noodles, and dumplings.
How to Eat Cheap at Street Food Markets
Eating cheap at street food markets is easy. Here are some tips: (See Also: Where to Eat in Fort Worth Texas? Foodie Guide)
- Look for stalls with a “£5 or less” sign. These stalls offer affordable options that are perfect for budget-conscious diners.
- Try a “small plate” option. These options are often smaller and cheaper than a full meal.
- Share a meal with a friend. Street food markets often offer sharing plates that are perfect for two or more people.
- Avoid eating at peak hours. Prices tend to be higher during peak hours, so try to eat during off-peak hours for a better deal.
Traditional Pubs
Traditional pubs are a great place to find affordable and delicious food in London. These pubs often offer a wide range of options, including traditional British cuisine, sandwiches, and snacks.
Some of the best traditional pubs in London include:
- The Spaniards Inn: This pub in Hampstead offers a wide range of traditional British cuisine, including fish and chips and burgers.
- The Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem: This pub in Covent Garden offers a wide range of traditional British cuisine, including sandwiches and snacks.
- The Lamb & Flag: This pub in Covent Garden offers a wide range of traditional British cuisine, including fish and chips and burgers.
- The Spaniards Inn: This pub in Hampstead offers a wide range of traditional British cuisine, including fish and chips and burgers.
Some popular traditional pub options include:
- Fish and chips: This classic British dish is a staple of traditional pubs.
- Burgers: Many traditional pubs offer burgers, including classic beef burgers and veggie options.
- Sandwiches: Traditional pubs often offer a wide range of sandwiches, including classic combinations like ham and cheese and chicken and bacon.
How to Eat Cheap at Traditional Pubs
Eating cheap at traditional pubs is easy. Here are some tips:
- Look for a “pub lunch” menu. These menus often offer affordable options that are perfect for budget-conscious diners.
- Try a “snack” option. These options are often smaller and cheaper than a full meal.
- Share a meal with a friend. Traditional pubs often offer sharing plates that are perfect for two or more people.
- Avoid eating at peak hours. Prices tend to be higher during peak hours, so try to eat during off-peak hours for a better deal.
Affordable Restaurants
Affordable restaurants are a great place to find delicious and affordable food in London. These restaurants often offer a wide range of options, including traditional British cuisine, international flavors, and vegetarian and vegan options.
Some of the best affordable restaurants in London include: (See Also: Where to Eat in Aventura? Top Dining Spots)
- Busaba Eathai: This Thai restaurant in Soho offers a wide range of affordable options, including curries, noodles, and dumplings.
- Wahaca: This Mexican restaurant in Covent Garden offers a wide range of affordable options, including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
- Ed’s Easy Diner: This American diner in Covent Garden offers a wide range of affordable options, including burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes.
- Byron: This burger restaurant in Covent Garden offers a wide range of affordable options, including classic beef burgers and veggie options.
Some popular affordable restaurant options include:
- Curries: Many affordable restaurants offer a wide range of curries, including traditional British and international options.
- Noodles: Affordable restaurants often offer a wide range of noodle dishes, including Asian and international options.
- Vegetarian and vegan options: Many affordable restaurants offer a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options, including salads, sandwiches, and snacks.
How to Eat Cheap at Affordable Restaurants
Eating cheap at affordable restaurants is easy. Here are some tips:
- Look for a “set menu” option. These menus often offer affordable options that are perfect for budget-conscious diners.
- Try a “small plate” option. These options are often smaller and cheaper than a full meal.
- Share a meal with a friend. Affordable restaurants often offer sharing plates that are perfect for two or more people.
- Avoid eating at peak hours. Prices tend to be higher during peak hours, so try to eat during off-peak hours for a better deal.
Recap
In this article, we have explored some of the best places to eat cheap in London, including street food markets, traditional pubs, and affordable restaurants. We have also provided some tips on how to eat cheap at these places, including looking for affordable options, sharing meals, and avoiding peak hours.
Whether you are a student on a tight budget or a tourist looking for affordable options, London has plenty of delicious and affordable food to offer. With some research and planning, you can enjoy a wide range of cuisines and flavors without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find affordable food in London?
You can find affordable food in London at street food markets, traditional pubs, and affordable restaurants. Some popular options include Brick Lane Market, Camden Market, and Borough Market for street food, and The Spaniards Inn, The Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, and Ed’s Easy Diner for traditional pubs and affordable restaurants.
How can I eat cheap at street food markets?
To eat cheap at street food markets, look for stalls with a “£5 or less” sign, try a “small plate” option, share a meal with a friend, and avoid eating at peak hours. (See Also: Where to Eat in Vigan Near Calle Crisologo? Best Kept Secrets)
How can I eat cheap at traditional pubs?
To eat cheap at traditional pubs, look for a “pub lunch” menu, try a “snack” option, share a meal with a friend, and avoid eating at peak hours.
How can I eat cheap at affordable restaurants?
To eat cheap at affordable restaurants, look for a “set menu” option, try a “small plate” option, share a meal with a friend, and avoid eating at peak hours.
What are some popular affordable restaurant options in London?
Some popular affordable restaurant options in London include Busaba Eathai, Wahaca, Ed’s Easy Diner, and Byron. These restaurants offer a wide range of affordable options, including curries, noodles, and vegetarian and vegan options.