Affordable dining just got an upgrade—here’s where to eat well without breaking the bank.
London isn’t exactly known for being kind to your wallet, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for sad meal deals. Whether you’re after a quick work lunch, a bao and beer fix, or a steaming bowl of ramen that won’t cost a fortune, these spots are serving up high-quality eats at surprisingly low prices. From Shoreditch to Camden, here’s where to score some of the best cheap eats in London right now.
Roti King: The OG of London’s Malaysian Food Scene
Roti King doesn’t play when it comes to flavour or price. With recipes straight from the kitchen of founder Sugen Gopal’s mum, this is comfort food at its best.
The Chicken Roti Canai (£9.95) is a steal—two fluffy roti served with a rich, fragrant chicken curry. Need more? Add another roti for £2.95 or an extra helping of curry for just £4.95. The Mee Goreng Seafood (£10.50) is another solid pick, featuring stir-fried noodles, prawns, squid, and a spicy, umami-packed sauce that tastes like a trip to Malaysia’s street food scene.
📍 Euston & Battersea
Light Bar’s Express Lunch: Cheap Eats Worthy of a Rom-Com Moment
A good lunch deal in Shoreditch? Practically unheard of. But Light Bar has cracked the code with its new weekday express menu, available from 12–3 PM for just £12–£15.
Credit: The Light Bar
Expect hearty yet elegant dishes like Braised Lamb Pappardelle, slow-cooked lamb paired with pecorino, or a Bavette Steak with red wine jus and fries. It’s the kind of meal that makes the workday slightly more bearable. Even Bridget Jones herself would approve—The Light Bar famously made an appearance in The Edge of Reason, proving that this is the place to dissect relationship drama over several glasses of wine.
📍 Shoreditch
£6 Beer & Bao at Yauatcha City: Because You Deserve It
After-work drinks just got an upgrade. Yauatcha City, part of the globally renowned Tao Group Hospitality, has teamed up with Asahi Super Dry to serve a beer and bao combo for just £6.
Available Monday to Friday from 4-6 PM, this deal lets you choose between a Char Siu Bao or a Pan-Fried Vegetarian Bao, paired with an ice-cold Asahi Super Dry (or the non-alcoholic version). No booking required—just roll in, grab a seat, and enjoy a bite of luxury without the usual City price tag.
📍 Liverpool Street
Dhakaah: Camden’s Newest Bangladeshi Gem
New to Camden’s Hawley Wharf, Dhakaah is bringing bold Bangladeshi flavours at unbeatable prices. They’ve just launched a Meal Deal Offer for £10, which includes a Kathi Roll, a Kulfi Ice Cream, and a drink.
It’s a quick, flavour-packed meal perfect for when you need something fast but don’t want to settle for another supermarket sandwich.
📍 Camden
Shoryu Ramen: Japanese Comfort Food That Won’t Break the Bank
Ramen cravings don’t have to cost you £20. Shoryu’s budget-friendly deals make it possible to indulge in authentic Hakata tonkotsu ramen without the hefty price tag.
- Bun Monday: 2 Shoryu buns for £8 when you order any ramen or curry. Options include Char Siu Pork, Spicy Chicken Karaage, or Pumpkin Croquette.
- Early Bird Ramen: £10.99 bowls of Shoryu Ganso Tonkotsu or White Natural (ve) ramen, available Monday to Thursday, 3-5 PM.
- Takoyaki Tuesday: Add crispy, gooey takoyaki for £5.95 when you order any ramen or curry.
If you’re on a budget but refuse to compromise on quality, this is your go-to.
📍 Soho, Liverpool Street, & Covent Garden
Where to Find London’s Best Cheap Eats? Right Here.
From budget-friendly baos to legendary Malaysian roti, these restaurants prove that great food doesn’t have to come with a painful bill. Whether you’re planning an after-work catch-up, a solo ramen session, or a laid-back Camden feast, there’s something on this list that fits the budget.
Which one are you trying first?
