The 7 Best Cheap Eats in London

If you're on a budget, dining out in London can be intimidating. The city is known worldwide for being expensive. Most Londers have had at least one experience where they were out to meet a friend for a quick drink and a couple of small plates, only to be faced with a hefty bill.

However, with a little planning and exploration, it is possible to find affordable and delicious food options throughout London. We're here to help and look after your pretty pennies so you'll have more to spend on fantastic experiences instead in this beautiful and historical city.

Best Cheap Eats in London

1. The Black Pig, Borough Market

A great place to start is the Borough Market. This famous food market has numerous stalls offering affordable street food options all under £10. Bear in mind that Borough Market is very popular! So, it would be best to organise your visit during quieter hours to avoid the heavy crowds. While most dishes tend to sit around the £10 (or just slightly over) mark, we particularly like the Black Pig. Their sturdy ciabatta sandwiches topped with a heap of parmesan cheese, filled with thick cuts of slow roasted pork, will set you back £9.50. Despite the big queues, the service is quick, so you’ll be tucking into a worth-the-hype sandwich in no time.

2. The Mac Factory, Camden Market

Camden Market is the place to be if you're looking to soak in a vibrant and buzzing vibe. This popular market is located within the Camden Town neighbourhood, renowned for its diverse range of stalls, shops, and food vendors. So, throw on a pair of comfy shoes as you'll be walking for a while – soak in the overall atmosphere from the buskers and entertainment. There are many affordable options at Camden Market, but the Mac Factory is a longstanding favourite. Many of their famous mac and cheese pots are £8.50 – a bargain for gourmet comfort food.

3. Dragon & Panda, Greenwich Market

Situated in the heart of Greenwich lies a very historic market dating back to the 18th century. Greenwich Market had initially started to sell fresh produce and livestock and has since evolved into a vibrant shopping and dining destination. You're spoilt for choice here with their 47 market stalls selling everything from Ethiopian and Chinese cuisines to Brazilian churros and German bakery. As you wander around the market, you'll find many options at affordable prices with multiple dishes under £10. However, Dragon & Panda is a head and shoulders above the rest. The affordable, authentic Chinese market stall is a Greenwich Market institution. They’ve been trading at the market for over 10 years, selling iconic favourites such as chicken chow mein, sweet & sour chicken, vegetable spring rolls, BBQ spare ribs, and much more.

4. Le Pepia, Maltby Street Market

Maltby Street Market is a vibrant food market situated under the railway arches near Bermondsey and Tower Bridge. This Street Market offers a fantastic opportunity to indulge in a wide array of culinary delights, discover unique flavours, and support local food businesses. It's a popular destination for food lovers and an excellent choice for a gastronomic adventure in London. There are so many options here, but visitors should make a beeline for Le Pepia. This Venezuelan market stall sells the iconic rainbow arepas – colourful, vibrant corn buns – there’s beet, classic, or spinach infused buns. They come with an array of fillings, from a blanket of grilled cheddar and green herb salsa to chunky sweet plantain and black beans. And they’re completely gluten-free!

5. Boazi Inn, Chinatown

Chinatown is a bustling neighbourhood and an exciting cultural hub for London's Chinese community. It's nestled in the heart of the West End, near Leicester Square and Soho, attracting residents, tourists as well as those interested in Chinese culture and cuisine. You'll be amazed at the diversity of cuisines, ranging from Cantonese to Hunan and so much more. Alongside the traditional dim sum, hot pots, noodles, and roasted meats, there are also bakeries, tea houses street food and desert shops offering you tasty Chinese treats. Boazi Inn is one of Chinatown’s best spot for cheap eats, with rice and noodles starting at just £4.50. If you’re in the area and fancy a snack, they can cost just £1.30. Everything is fresh and packed with flavour, with a Northern Chinese street food menu of authentic, lip-tingling Szechuan dishes.

6. Mystic Burek, Sydenham

This Balkan bakery is a south London institution, with the vibe of a local caff (not a café). Despite only opening in September 2023, it has the welcoming and generational vibe that usually only comes with years of service and loyal customers, complete with red and white tablecloths. Ran by Balkan chef Spasia Dinkovski, these are not your usual burek. They have all the components of a Balkan grandmother’s burek – filo, white cheese, spinach, but some are beautifully stuffed with ingredients to satiate a modern, south east London palate. Think apricot, confit spring onion, and pickled wild cucumber. The house special starts at just £7.50, which will get you a hearty slice of creamed spinach, potato, Turkish chilli, potato, and parmesan.

7. Sonora Taquería, Stoke Newington

This hyped market stall turned small permanent taco joint is undoubtedly one of the best cheap eats in London. Their packed tacos range from a reasonable £3.50 to £5, and we think three is enough. The fillings are ultra fresh and packed with flavour, and while pork and beef are the most popular options (the barbacoa beef taco is just £4), Sonora also offers faux chorizo for the veggies and vegans. And vegetarians will also be happy to know that a black bean quesadilla is just £2.