London native , successful hotelier and founder of the popular budget hotel chain, umi Hotels– Steve Lowy shares his top 5 tips for cheap eats in London, complete with a reference to the nearest located tube station.
1) Eat Street near Kings Cross Station.
There’s been a recent surge in street food popping up all around London.
So much so that when developing the new Kings Cross and St Pancras stations it was felt that a street should be created just for this purpose.
From burgers to burritos, ribs to mussels, there’s a different type of food for every taste.
Check out the website in advance to see which stands will be there during your visit.
Don’t forget to bring a bib as it can get messy !
Nearest tube station: King’s Cross St Pancras tube station
2) Japan Centre, London
If you like Japanese why not try out the Japan Centre bang in the centre of London. The food is all takeaway but it’s great value and you can pick up anything from sushi and gyoza to delicious ramen soup with Pork. Great if you need to grab something quickly when shopping on Regents Street.
Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus Tube Station
Awesome cheap eats to be found in Borough Market: Like this roll with chorizo, roquito peppers and rocket at Brindisa (£3.75) Perfection
3) Borough Market- Cheap eats heaven
If you like food markets, then you have to head south of the river to Borough Market.
Now quite a trendy destination and situated close to London Bridge station, there are plenty of little restaurants and cafes scattered in and around the market itself.
For the real bargains, head in and grab some food from one of the many traders.
Like Brindisa Chorizo Grill– grab a chorizo and pepper roll for just £3.75
Great on a sunny day when you can pick out some lovely bread and meats or cheese before heading down to enjoy your food by the Thames and watch the world go by.
Nearest tube station: London Bridge
4) Queensway- Magic Wok
Queensway is a little street just next to Hyde Park and a few minutes’ walk from Notting Hill. There you’ll find a mini Chinatown. One of my favourites on Queensway is the Magic Wok, famous for their BBQ Chinese meats. You will be served quickly and it won’t break the bank, with a plate of Char Sui BBQ Roast Pork or Roast Duck with steamed rice for £6… (remember to grab some chilli oil too) .
Very yummy.
100 Queensway, London, W2.
Nearest tube station: Bayswater ( 2 minute walk) or Queensway ( 5 minute walk)
5) Best budget Mexican eatery in town? Try La Taqueria
Like Mexican but not up for stodgy Fajitas?
Head down to Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill, and grab some gorgeous tacos or tostadas at La Taqueria.
Offering lots of different mini dishes – like a Mexican Tapas experience – it is a great place to grab a few plates and share between friends.
With dishes starting at around £4 you can have a great little meal without spending a fortune. I warn you, the food is SERIOUSLY tasty so it may be hard to resist having more than 1 dish each 😉
Nearest tube station: Notting Hill Gate station
Further London reading
50 free things to do in London
10 Budget Places to stay in London
Great list, Steve! I’ve been wanting to try Eat Street for a long time. I will have to go soon now that you’ve reminded me of it.
I’ll pass on word to Steve 🙂
Definitely have to check Eat Street on my next visit…
I haven’t been able to check out Eat St either due to it only being during lunch hours… but apparently they’ll be open until 8pm during the Olympics!
Thanks for the post.
I’m looking forward to checking out Eat St when I am in London in September…what I love about the city, always so many great places to go out and eat.
Guidebook to cheap eats in London-I need to work on this soon 🙂
Ta. Thanks for dropping by and Eat St is awesome.
Had a wee peek at your guide -Roti Chai looks great.
You can never have enough cheap eats tips for London. Bookmarked for next trip.
PS: If you like to contribute, drop me a line europebudgetguide AT gmail.com
To take a break with a snack by the Thames sounds like a dream right now