Best Cheap Eats in London: A Foodie Guide

Staying close to London without the city price tag is smart for travellers wanting more flavour for their money. Thistle Express Hotel London Luton offers affordable rooms just minutes from Luton train station, making it easy to take quick day trips for a taste of London’s vibrant food scene. Guests can save on accommodation while exploring some of the best cheap eats in London, perfect for those who want a feast without the fare.

London continues to shine as a food capital with options spanning every price point and cuisine. The city’s multicultural nature means everything from gourmet street food to filling casual meals is within reach on a modest budget.

Popular areas for affordable bites include Soho’s bustling streets, Camden’s creative markets, Brick Lane’s curry houses, and Borough Market’s fresh offerings. These neighbourhoods combine great atmosphere with wallet-friendly menus, ideal for exploring new tastes without overspending.

What makes a great cheap eat in London?

A true cheap eat in London costs between £10 and £15, delivering generous portions packed with flavour. It’s about more than price — quality ingredients and authenticity make all the difference, whether that’s a cheeky breakfast naan or a hearty curry. Quick, casual dining fits perfectly with a busy itinerary, letting food lovers indulge without a lengthy sit-down. Value for money, sizeable servings, and an inviting vibe sum up the traits to seek when finding affordable places to eat in London. These picks represent the best cheap eats in London 2025, offering quality and flavour without the fuss.

Top 5 cheap eats to try in Central London

1. Dishoom Covent Garden
The Breakfast Naan Roll here is a must-try, blending spiced eggs and bacon in soft, freshly baked naan for under £10. Its comfy café setting channels Bombay’s Irani cafés and offers fast service to start the day right. Visit the Dishoom site.

2. Bao Soho
Famous for Taiwanese-style steamed buns under £10, Bao serves fluffy, flavourful bites filled with pork belly or savoury mushrooms. The minimalist décor keeps the focus on its quality treats. Visit Bao Soho.

3. Franco Manca
Sourdough pizza lovers appreciate Franco Manca for its affordable, sourdough bases topped with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Pizzas typically come in under £10, ideal for those craving a quick, tasty meal. Visit the Franco Manca website.

4. Roti King
This Malaysian spot near Euston treats diners to authentic roti and flavoursome curries for under £10. The bustling, no-frills setting adds to the street food charm and quick turnaround.

5. Tibits
For a fully vegetarian experience on a budget, Tibits offers a pay-by-weight buffet brimming with fresh salads, hot dishes, and vegan treats. It’s casual, green-friendly dining that won’t stretch your purse strings. Visit Tibits. 

These picks represent the best cheap eats in London 2025, offering quality and flavour without the fuss.

Lively street food markets where budgets stretch further

Markets in London pulse with energy and global flavours, perfect for gathering small plates from various stalls. A few favourites include:

Borough Market
Known for fresh artisan foods, this iconic market delivers everything from Ethiopian injera to gourmet vegan burgers. Try vendors like Brindisa for Spanish tapas on a budget.

Spitalfields Market
Offering diverse cuisine like Vietnamese pho or wood-fired pizzas, this market’s street food counters make it easy to build a meal for under £15.

Seven Dials Market
Compact and vibrant, the market features stalls with Korean fried chicken and Mexican tacos, great for tasting a variety of affordable bites.

Camden Market
Renowned for its eclectic mix, from Indonesian satay to Caribbean jerk chicken, Camden presents many budget-friendly options in a lively scene.

Maltby Street Market
This hidden gem offers freshly made wraps, gourmet pies, and coffee — all easy on the wallet and full of flavour.

Sampling street food markets is a top choice for those who want London street food on a budget, enjoying authentic dishes at reasonable prices.

Hidden gems near popular tourist spots to satisfy hunger and save pounds

Finding affordable meals near major sights makes sightseeing smoother and tastier without emptying your pockets:

Tortilla Southbank
Just a short stroll from the London Eye, this spot offers fresh burritos and tacos, good for a fast, filling meal below £10.

Bibimbap Café Soho
Near the theatres, this Korean café serves comforting bibimbap bowls and Korean fried chicken buns, all wallet friendly and flavourful.

Flat Iron Covent Garden
For affordable steak lovers, Flat Iron offers quality cuts at prices well below typical central London steakhouse rates.

These spots sit close to top attractions, making it easy to refuel without detours or overspending.

Planning your food-filled day trip from Luton to London

Getting from Thistle Express Hotel London Luton to central London is straightforward and fast. Trains to St Pancras International take about 40 minutes, departing frequently throughout the day. The hotel is a five-minute walk from Luton train station, making access convenient for all travellers.

For the best ticket prices, consider purchasing an Off-Peak Return ticket or using contactless payment or an Oyster card, which offer the most economical fares. Planning to explore one or two walkable neighbourhoods per visit helps keep transport costs low while soaking up local flavours. Budgeting £20 to £30 a day for food allows enjoyment across markets, cafés, and street vendors without worry.

Staying hydrated during your food adventure is essential — London cafés offer plenty of water and coffee stops to keep energy up while you snack your way through the city.

Why stay at Thistle Express Luton?

Thistle Express Hotel London Luton makes a great base for those after good value and easy access to London. It offers modern, bright rooms at affordable rates, alongside complimentary breakfast to fuel the day. The hotel’s proximity to Luton train station means you’re less than an hour from the heart of London’s food scene, so you can splash more on meals and experiences rather than expensive lodging. Whether travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, the hotel’s facilities and location save money and time — freeing you to savour London cheap eats to the fullest. London offers an abundance of flavours and affordable meals in 2025 for those who know where to look. Staying at Thistle Express Hotel London Luton means combining savings on hotels near London with quick travel to the city’s best budget food spots. From street markets to hidden gems near landmarks, there is plenty to satisfy appetites and wallets alike.

Ready to eat your way through London without splurging? Book your stay at Thistle Express Hotel, London Luton, and enjoy the best cheap eats London has to offer.