The 10 best London lunches under £10 (almost)

You don’t believe it, do you? It’s OK, I didn’t used to either, and when I moved here 5 years ago I don’t think I’d ever heard the words ‘London’ and ‘good value’ uttered in the same sentence. And not only that, everyone I spoke to seemed to say the same thing – that London food is quite simply, crap. This stereotype is still very much alive and kicking today, but many a Londoner knows that that just isn’t the case. You’d actually be surprised at the bargains that can be found in the UK capital’s culinary scene if you only know where to look. And it’s not just affordable run of the mill cuisine – London food is amongst some of the most imaginative, original and tasty tucker that I’ve ever eaten.

As I’ve always been one to drive a hard bargain, a love of all things good value coupled with a severe food-fetish has lead me to some of the best-valued and much adored lunches in London for under £10. And even I have standards too, so no greasy kebab shops, dingy pubs or chain’s included. Just great cooking at a no-frills price. If you are ever in London I definitely recommend you steer clear of the tourist trail chain restaurants and check one, or all of these out – your tastebuds (and your wallet!) won’t be disappointed.

1. The Pepper Tree – Clapham Common

I live just down the road from this place and it’s always packed – It’s easy to see why though when you can get a kick arse curry, rice and beer for under £10 at any time of the day. The restaurant is set out diner-style and waiters hurry around transferring the delicious communal Thai condiment trays from bench to bench. My all time favourite here is the Thai chicken curry laksa – a very generous portion of chicken, veggies and flat noodles swimming in a huge bowl of deliciously spicy broth. Just make sure you get there early to bag yourself one of the popular condiment trays as brawls have been known to be initiated by the unlucky!

2.  The Rock and Sole Plaice – Covent Garden

The list has to include some traditional British grub, and what’s more British than fish and chips? This place claims it’s been around since 1871, and you can tell – they’ve definitely mastered the art of the perfect chip, and the decor may actually date back to their opening day. It might be the most expensive serve of fish and chips you ever buy, but for £9 you get a huge portion, so it’s money well spent. Choose your fish from their large variety, your condiments (salt and vinegar is a staple) and you’re good to go. Then all you have to worry about is finding somewhere to nap in Covent Garden afterwards to sleep off your full belly.

3.  Wong Kei – Leicester Square

This is something of an institution in London, and has been likened by a food critic to a concentration camp for its brown on brown colour scheme, non-existent service and plastic covered everything. Despite this, it’s still one of the most popular restaurants in China Town and the food is extremely tasty and the beer cheap. Try the wonton noodle soup washed down with a large bottle of Tsing Tau and you’ll almost forget you’re in London, and not a communist canteen somewhere in China.

4.  Koya – Soho

As you may guess from the name, this simple canteen style restaurant dedicates itself to the Japanese udon noodle of the same name. It was recently awarded ‘best cheap eat’ in London by Time Out, so you know it’s good, and it is. The menu splits into ‘hot udon in hot broth’, ‘cold udon in hot broth’ and you guessed it, ‘cold udon with cold broth’. If I had to pick one to try it would be the pork miso paste cold noodles in hot broth – perfectly presented and very healthy. Just the perfect antidote to the London lifestyle!

5.  Brick Lane Beigel Bake – Aldgate East

Anyone who’s ever been drunk in Shoreditch will have tried one of these, but they’re not just for the intoxicated, they also make great on-the-go lunch while sightseeing around the east end. You simply can’t leave here without one of the salt beef bagels in your hand (carved from a giant slab of meat and smothered in a sauce of your choosing), but they also do salmon varieties and sweet and savoury pastries. I’ve been known to inhale at least 2 of these after a night out, and when they are that good, why stop at one?

6.  Benitos Hat – Fitzrovia

This Mexican kitchen was the result of one Londoner’s ‘screw it, let’s do it’ moment a few years ago after meeting his Mexican wife, travelling extensively through the country and falling in love with their street food. And it shows – you’d never know he’s not a true Mexican, and I’d go as far to say, even though I’ve never been to Mexico, this could be the best Mexican in the whole of London. It kind of works like a fast food joint – choose your meal (burritos/tacos/soups), choose a filling (chicken/pork/steak/veg), then your sides. Then you just need to ‘napkin up’ and attempt to not drip the delicious Mexican-y goodness down your shirt. Good luck with that.

7. Bea’s of Bloomsbury – Holborn

Ok, so this one is slightly over the brief at £12, and I’m not strictly including this one for its lunch (but I could, their baguettes are amazing), but I had to include this little-known gem more because it’s hands down the best value afternoon tea in the city. For £12 you get a scone, clotted cream and jam, a Bea’s signature cupcake, a brownie, a ‘Belgian Blondie’ and a mini meringue plus a pot of their very own Jing tea. £35 for afternoon tea at a London Hotel? Tell them they’re dreaming!

8.  Sagar – Hammersmith

Located in Hammersmith, a 15 minute tube ride from central London, this little gem of a South Indian restaurant does daily lunch 2 course specials for as little as £5.75. And it’s definitely worth heading west for – they also now have branches based in the West End, but I would recommend the trip. Everything is served in little stainless steel trays and they encourage you to use your hands, so what’s not to like?! Starter is popadoms and a selection of chutneys, followed by a very generous serve of their curry du jour which comes with sambar, raitha, coconut chutney, rice and masala dosa. If you don’t leave here full there’s something seriously wrong!

9.  Kopapa – Covent Garden

A relatively new addition to the restaurant scene in London, Kopapa has already firmly established itself as one of the best restaurants in London. Known for its inventive fusion menu, Kopapa was opened in late 2010 by ‘celebrity chef’ Peter Gordon who is involved in several restaurants worldwide, including the popular ‘Gourmet Burger Kitchen’ chain. Kopapa take it to another level though – it boasts a large and detailed menu with more ingredients than you could poke a fork at, so it will have your creative wannabe chef juices flowing in no time. The standouts here are the chickpea battered lambs brains with tomato masala and the smoked coconut tamarind laksa. And don’t forget to wash it all down with one of New Zealand’s finest beers – perfect!

10.  Ottolenghi – Islington

Gorgeously tasty salads tempt you as you come through this door in this deli-cum-bakery-cum-café. The focus here is fresh, natural food, and dishes such as the sweet potato with maple and pecan salad will make you forget you’re a carnivore. In fact, I’m a huge meat eater, but when I came here I ordered 3 of the vegetarian salads in-lieu of a meat option as they just looked too good to resist. And you want to know the best thing? They have a cookbook, so you can take their tasty food philosophy with you wherever you go.

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