Dining in London
For Noodle Slurping
With around 30 branches in London, it won't be hard to find a Wagamama. Slurp your way through a healthy range of noodle dishes, soups and rice-based meals that won't break the bank. This noisy, bustling canteen is perfect for all occasions from a Friday night out to a weekend lunch with the kids.
Ping Pong is an affordable but classy group of dim sum restaurants. Expect stylish modern interiors, a classic dim sum menu, tasty cocktails, and a selection of beautiful Chinese flower teas.
Kingsland Road in Shoreditch is home to a string of authentic and inexpensive Vietnamese cafés. Song Que is renowned for its pho (noodle soup) and Viet Hoa is a tasty all-rounder and always busy. Try the delicious bun hue – vermicelli rice noodles with a choice of meat, topped with mint, coriander, cucumber, peanuts and sweet chilli dressing.
Middle Eastern Delights
The Afghan Kitchen is an intimate eatery with a focus on great-tasting food. Dishes sound basic – pumpkin or chicken in yoghurt, dhal, breads – yet are anything but. The potato and chickpea dish is a must. Book ahead as this place is very popular.
Some of the oldest Turkish restaurants are in Dalston. Chargrilled meats and rice accompany beautifully fresh salads and vegetables. The Mangal 2 is particularly good.
You'll find branches of Tas dotted across London, each serving up an affordable array of Turkish Anatolian Cuisine. Think meze, sizzling grills, warming casseroles and fresh fish. Look out for special deals such as the two-course meal for £8.95 or share dishes from the group set menu.
Italian Greats
La Porchetta pizzeria serves huge and delicious pizzas at jaw-droppingly cheap prices. The waiters are lively and attentive and you can be as raucous as you like and get away with it. The perfect restaurant to take a large party.
Other Italian favorites include Stingray Cafe in Highbury, where you can get lunch (including a soft drink) for £5.95. Meanwhile, its sister branch in Tufnell Park does a three course meal (plus a glass of champagne) for a very reasonable £12.
Burger Time
The great American hamburger has acquired some cool of late. Posh hamburger joints are popping up all over town.
At Hamburger Union you order on entry from a cheap and cheerful menu of beef, chicken, chorizo and veggie burgers. Prices for burgers start at £3.95 (not including sides). Other options on the menu include thick chips, shakes, sides and alcohol.
The Gourmet Burger Kitchen is a similar concept, with small burgers starting at £3.95. As well as the usual beef, chicken and veggie options, there are more unusual varieties like the organic wild boar burger.
Indian Treasures
Brick Lane is a hub for delicious Indian restaurants where you can eat like a king for under £15. A few of the best are the Shampan, Aladdin, the Muhib, the Nazrul and Café Naz, although most regulars have their own favorites.
The Masala Zone chain serves delicious South Indian street food at affordable prices. The grand thali is the highlight here. Choose from a meat or vegetable curry. This comes served with dhal, rice, raita (yoghurt), two vegetable dishes, a poppadom, mango chutney, salad and a chapati, all for around £10. Phew!
Veggie Treats
Eat & Two Veg has been known to convert even the most avid carnivore with its simple but effective veggie food. Far from the stereotypical hippyish veggie joint, this place is stylish, airy and totally contemporary. It's just the ticket for chilled-out lunches or meat-free brunches.
If you don't mind sharing tables and elbow space, try cozy veggie hideaway Food For Thought. The friendly staff serve up a daily changing menu of veggie dishes for around £5. Add in a side salad and dessert and you're still looking at less than £10!
Caribbean Classics
Mr Jerk is a tropical oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. The menu is a mix of Caribbean favorites like Jerk Chicken, plus more unusual specialties (oxtail anyone?). Most dishes cost £8-9, which includes sides like rice and peas, plantain and sweet potato. Wash it all down with some refreshing punch (flavors include Guinness, pineapple and soursop).
Alternatively make your way eastwards to Caribbean Flavors, the in-house restaurant at Theatre Royal Stratford East. While there is a selection of burgers, jacket potatoes and sandwiches, most people come for the generous servings of Caribbean food (around £5-8 a plate). Best of all, there's free entertainment in the restaurant every night, including live music, spoken word and comedy.