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Best Places to Eat in London on a Budget | A Foodie’s Guide

Last updated on July 21, 2013

Exploring London’s epic attractions would be a lot easier if it wasn’t for the limitless supply of delicious distractions. The zingy jalfrezis and peppery steaks, the bubbling bolognese and Buxton Blue cheese; all washed down with zesty zinfandels and local golden ales. It may be one of the world’s most expensive cities, but follow this lavish foodie guide and you’ll discover the very best places to eat in London, even if you are traveling on a shoestring budget.

Rise and Shine at The Breakfast Club

breakfast at The Breakfast Club in Shoreditch London

Spitalfields-the-breakfast-club-interior
Sex, Drugs and Bacon Rolls at The Breakfast Club, Spitalfields

Set in the East London hipster haven of Shoreditch, The Breakfast Club is the place to experience England’s infamous hearty breakfast. Fill up on the meat-heavy Full Monty, complete with black pudding (you might want to look this up) and fried potatoes. Or, if you fancy something significantly lighter, go for the apple and cinnamon French toast or avocado and poached eggs. Don’t worry if you’re not much of an early riser, The Breakfast Club serves breakfast all day!

Average Price Per Person: £5-10
Top Tip: Keep the coffee flowing if you want to avoid an early morning food coma.
Address:
12-16 Artillery Lane, Shoreditch, E1 7LS
Nearest Tube Stop: Shoreditch Highstreet

Sample a Taste of Heaven at Borough Market

Sampling breads at London's famous Borough Market

People hanging out outside of Borough Market's famous facade

Easily London’s worst-kept secret, Borough Market offers even the most discerning foodie a taste of artisanal joy. Most stall holders offer taste samples of their products. Try the baked cheesecake  and freshly baked breads at Backhaus Bakery, visit the French cheese stall for samples of Comte and Mont D’Or, and don’t leave without trying a slither of Parma ham from The Parma Ham and Mozzarella Stall.

Average Price Per Person: Potentially FREE, but that depends on how much produce you want to take  home for your kitchen!
Top Tip: Save money and don’t be shy – make the most of the free samples!
Address: Borough Market, Southwark St SE1 1TL
Nearest Tube Stop: London Bridge

Taste the World at The Boiler House Food Hall

Traditional Indian food being served up at a street food stall in The Boiler House on Brick Lane, London

The secret beer garden at the truman building Boiler House Food Hall

The Truman Chimney, Brick Lane London
Follow the famous Truman chimney and you’ll end up in foodie paradise!

Mexican food being served from a street stall in The Boiler House, Truman Building Brick Lane London

Brick Lane is better known for its hundreds of Indian curry houses, but The Boiler House and its 30 stalls of international cuisine have confidently stolen the lime light in recent years. Set against industrial bare-brick walls and rusty old rafters, you’ll discover excited stall owners stirring the national dishes of Mexico, Poland, Morocco, Korea, Ethiopia, Japan and the more familiar delights of Asia and the Mediterranean. And at around only £5 per portion, you’ll have a hard time knowing when to stop your world food tour.

Average Price Per Person: £5
Top Tip:
Seating is limited but feel free to join other groups and tables – The Boiler House attracts a friendly bunch!
Address:
The Boiler House, 152 Brick Lane, E1 6RU London
Nearest Tube Stop: Shoreditch Highstreet

Indulge in the Culinary Capital of Brixton Village

Men with beards sitting at tables outside of a restaurant in Brixton Village, London

Mama Lan (Brixton Village) guests sitting at tables waiting for their food to arrive

Honest Burgers, Brixton Village Food Hall, London

Another of London’s global gastronomic adventures, Brixton Village has become a sort of culinary and cultural capital in recent years. Located in the heart of Brixton’s multi-ethnic community, this is a down-to-earth foodie hub with an emphasis on authenticity and value for money. From Argentinian to Thai, French to Japanese, Brixton Village is a true melting pot of world flavours. My personal favourite is the Caribbean jerk chicken with home-made spicy tamarind BBQ sauce at Fish, Wings and Tings, best enjoyed with a bottle of ice-cold Carib lager. Yowsers!

Average Price Per Person: £7-10
Top Tip:
The market is open late on Thursdays and Fridays and diners are treated to live music and a warm community atmosphere.
Address: Brixton Village Market, Cold Harbour Lane, Brixton, London SW9 8PR
Nearest Tube Stop: Brixton

BE WARNED: This is merely a small taste of the phenomenal and delicious eats in and around London; your wallet is anything but safe. Do you have any favourite London budget eats? Leave your recommendations below and I’ll go check them out!

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One Comment

  1. Sohaib Sohaib

    Great post Ben! Being a student, I can confirm that Borough market is a go-to destination for the long weeks you’re broke. But I take the journey to London Bridge into account, so it’s still a luxury visit for me.

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