Where to eat out in London for less than a tenner

If you’re planning a budget break to London, you don’t necessarily have to scrimp in the food department. With a bit of insider knowledge, it’s perfectly possible to eat out in style during your trip without it costing a fortune. Here’s our guide to the best cheap places to eat in the capital. Head to one of these for a meal and you can leave with change from £10.

Borough Market, Southwark

Two words: free samples. Take a lap of Southwark’s Borough Market before committing to one of the food stalls, and nibble on the go. There’s a smorgasbord of tastes to choose from, whether you’re in the market for hearty baguettes, Spanish tapas, falafel wraps or smelly cheese. And it’s all for relatively wallet-friendly prices. It can get pretty crowded at lunchtimes, so head here in the morning or afternoon and you’ll have more space to peruse the produce. London Bridge is the nearest Tube station.

Honest Burger, various locations

Sometimes, only a burger will do. Steer clear of the usual junk food joints and make a beeline for Honest Burger for their bargain hunks of meat. The chunky 35-day dry aged beef burgers are packed with flavour and served with rosemary-salted chips. What’s more, this budget eatery has outposts scattered all over London, including Portobello Road and Camden Lock. Check their website for locations.

Melt Room, Soho

Craving something comforting? A cheese toastie will hit the spot. For the best grilled cheese in town, Melt Room in Soho won’t disappoint. From breakfast specials stuffed with bacon and eggs, to limited edition toasties like El Mexican, their menu will make your mouth water. Grab some fries and a cold drink with your gourmet sarnie, and you’ll still be quids in. It’s also a stone’s throw from the shops on Oxford Street, so it’s perfect for a lunchtime pit stop.

Herman ze German, Charing Cross, Soho and Fitzrovia

When a restaurant’s slogan is ‘Our wurst is ze best’, you know it’s worth a visit. Puns aside, this German hangout has proven to be a firm favourite with sausage lovers. And we’re talking real German wieners that’ll have you coming back for seconds. Order a wurst in a crusty roll, sauerkraut on the side, fries and a soda, and you’ll still have change from £10. The Soho branch on Old Compton Street is ideal when you need a quick bite before catching a West End show.

Hoppers, Soho

For anyone not familiar with Sri Lankan cuisine, a hopper is a cross between a crêpe and a crumpet. And they’re delicious. This pocket-sized restaurant on Frith Street serves up great value Sri Lankan staples – like hot butter devilled shrimps and fish curry – for single-digit prices. Don’t leave without trying one of the traditional hoppers with a spicy relish. And make sure you arrive at midday or 17:30, because they don’t take reservations and it’s always packed.

Don't forget London has so much to offer aside from it's food, so check out our city guide for more info.

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