London might be one of the world’s most expensive cities, but eating well doesn’t require a royal treasury. The best budget food spots are often found in bustling markets, tucked away cafes, or in the reliable aisles of a supermarket.
Forget tourist trap restaurants! Here is your definitive guide to securing delicious, filling meals in London for under £10, proving you can enjoy the city’s incredible culinary scene on a tight budget.
1. The Undisputed Champion: The Meal Deal (£4–£6)
This is the single greatest budget food hack in the UK, used daily by millions of Londoners.
-
What it Is: A package that includes a main (sandwich, wrap, salad, or sushi), a snack (crisps/chips, fruit, yogurt), and a drink (bottle of water, soft drink, or juice) for one fixed, low price.
-
The Price: Typically between £4.00 and £6.00, depending on the store.
-
Where to Find It: Available at almost every major supermarket and chain pharmacy:
-
Tesco
-
Sainsbury’s
-
Boots (Pharmacy)
-
Waitrose (Slightly more premium, but still under £8)
-
Pro Tip: Meal Deals are perfect for lunch. Grab one and head to a park (Hyde Park, St. James’s Park) or a free museum courtyard for a scenic picnic.
2. High-Quality Chains (Quick & Reliable)
These national chains offer quality, ready-to-eat options that are consistently under the £10 mark.
-
Pret A Manger: (Known simply as “Pret”) Offers fresh, seasonal sandwiches, soups, and baguettes. Their rotating soups of the day are filling, healthy, and usually cost around £4–£6. They also offer a £1 coffee/tea discount if you bring your own cup.
-
Greggs: The UK’s most popular bakery chain. Famous for its savory baked goods like the sausage roll (often under £1.50) and filling pasties. Great for a quick breakfast or a cheap, hot snack.
-
Wasabi/Itsu: Excellent for sushi, noodle boxes, and hot rice dishes. If you visit late in the afternoon (after 4 PM), many of these spots heavily discount their remaining fresh sushi and salad items, offering great value for under £8.
-
Leon: Offers healthy fast food like grilled wraps, warm salads, and baked fries. Their wraps and rice boxes are usually around £6–£9.
3. Market Bites (The Authentic Feast)
Markets offer the best value for cooked, hot food, especially for global cuisine.
-
Borough Market: While expensive for gourmet goods, you can find brilliant, filling street food for £7–£10. Look for the huge paella pans or a slice of the famous Bread Ahead doughnut (£4.50).
-
Camden Market: One of the best places for affordable, quality global street food. You can easily find satisfying, large portions of Thai, Caribbean, or Greek food for £8–£10 from the endless rows of stalls near the locks.
-
Old Spitalfields Market: Offers a wide range of independent vendors where a full plate of curry, noodles, or a gourmet burger can be secured for around £9–£10. The covered market is great for an all-weather lunch.
4. The Pub Lunch & Historic Staples
For a hot, traditional meal in a historic setting, these options keep the cost down.
-
Wetherspoon Pubs: This massive chain offers very affordable food and drink prices nationwide. Their Burger and Pint or Fish and Chips deals can often be found for under £12, making it one of the cheapest places for a traditional hot pub lunch.
-
The Classic Pie & Mash: A traditional East End favorite. You can find a savory pie and a scoop of mash (with “liquor” sauce) for around £8–£10 at dedicated, historic Pie & Mash shops (like M Manze).
-
Local Cafes (“Greasy Spoons”): Head outside the main tourist zones (Westminster, Covent Garden) to smaller, local cafes (often called “greasy spoons”). They serve massive, cheap, and simple Full English Breakfasts or hearty jacket potatoes for under £8.
5. Budget Dinner Hacks
Dinner can be the most expensive meal, but these two cuisines offer exceptional budget value:
-
Curry Houses (Brick Lane): The East End’s Brick Lane is famous for its concentration of Indian and Bangladeshi curry houses. Many restaurants compete fiercely and offer excellent set menu deals (starter + curry + rice/naan) or substantial discounts, especially early in the evening, sometimes allowing you to dine for under £15 including a drink.
-
Pizza Express / Zizzi: These casual dining chains frequently offer 2-for-1 or 30% off main meal voucher codes online. Always check before you walk in! With a discount, you can often get a quality pizza for under £10–£12.