Cheapest Places to Eat Under £10
Introduction
London may be one of the world’s most expensive cities, but finding delicious meals for £10 or less is surprisingly easy when you know where to look. Whether you’re craving Asian street food, classic British café eats, bagels, burgers, or fresh pasta, the city is filled with budget-friendly gems hidden in plain sight. This guide highlights London’s tastiest and most reliable meals under a tenner — perfect for travelers, foodies, and anyone looking to stretch their pound further.
A Short History of London’s Cheap Eats
London’s affordable food culture is rooted in immigration, street markets, and working‑class cafés. From Brick Lane’s Jewish bagel shops (open 24/7 since the 1970s) to Chinatown diners serving steaming bowls of wonton soup for decades, the city’s global communities have shaped its budget‑friendly dining landscape. Modern street‑food markets and small independent eateries continue this tradition, offering high-quality dishes at low prices across the capital.
Best Places to Eat in London for Under £10
1. Wong Kei – Chinatown
A legendary Chinatown institution serving steaming bowls of wonton soup and Cantonese dishes, many under £10. Famous for fast service and unbeatable value.
2. Beigel Bake – Brick Lane
London’s iconic 24‑hour bagel shop offering bagels from £1 to £4.50, including the famous salt beef bagel — one of the best-value meals in the city.
3. Marie’s Thai Café – Waterloo
A true London classic: British fry‑up by day, Thai food by night. Thai dishes start at £5.50–£6.50, making it one of the best-value meals in central London.
4. Sonora Taquería – Stoke Newington
Home of London’s most affordable tacos. Options start at £1–£3.50, including the cult-favorite bean taco.
5. Roti King – Euston & other locations
Malaysian comfort food at incredible prices. Their iconic roti canai with curry typically comes in under £10 and is widely considered one of London’s best cheap eats.
6. Paul Rothe & Son – Marylebone
A beloved family-run delicatessen offering handmade sandwiches and snacks, many priced under £10, in a traditional setting.
7. Silk Road – Camberwell
Northern Chinese dishes including dumplings, noodles, and stews at affordable prices, with several filling dishes available for under a tenner.
8. Toconoco – East London
A cozy Japanese café serving home-style dishes, including several small plates and simple meals under £10 — perfect for a quiet stop along Regent’s Canal.
9. Indian YMCA Restaurant – Fitzrovia
A long-standing cafeteria-style dining hall offering hearty Indian meals with mains often around £6–£8, making it one of central London’s best food bargains.
10. Lower Marsh Market – Waterloo
A historic street-food market offering global lunch plates — from Italian to sushi sandwiches — many at £7–£10. Affordable, fresh, and always lively.
Where to Eat (Extra Budget-Friendly Picks Under £10)
These top‑rated cheap eats also consistently deliver meals below a tenner:
- Falafel & Shawarma (Camberwell) – Among London’s best-value falafel stops.
- Baban’s Naan (Finsbury Park) – Kurdish bread wraps at amazing value.
- M Manze (Tower Bridge) – Classic London pie & mash at old-school prices.
NX London Hostel Highlight
Nothing complements budget-friendly eating like budget-friendly accommodation. NX London Hostel offers cozy, clean rooms that keep your travel costs low — freeing you up to explore London’s best cheap eats without guilt. With easy access to public transport and food markets, staying here makes eating under £10 effortless and delicious.
Directions
London’s cheap eats are spread across the city — but they’re all easily reachable:
- From NX London Hostel: Nearby buses and Tube lines take you directly to Waterloo (Lower Marsh Market, Marie’s Thai Café), Euston (Roti King), Brick Lane (Beigel Bake), and Chinatown (Wong Kei).
- Using the Tube: A single Oyster/Contactless fare can get you anywhere you need; many eateries sit near major stations like Leicester Square, Euston, Waterloo, and Shoreditch High Street.
- Walking: Neighborhoods like Soho, Chinatown, and Brick Lane are best explored on foot — and the cheap eats are everywhere.
Tickets
No tickets needed — but expect queues at popular spots like Roti King, Sonora Taquería, and Marie’s Thai Café, especially during lunch and dinner.
Key Takeaways
- London offers outstanding meals for £10 or less across many cuisines.
- Chinatown, Brick Lane, Waterloo, and Euston are top hubs for cheap eats.
- Street markets and long-standing local institutions provide unbeatable value.
- Staying at NX London Hostel keeps your food budget going even further.
Final Thought
London might challenge your wallet, but its cheap eats prove you can dine like a king on the budget of a backpacker — and with this list, you’ll never settle for bland or overpriced again.
