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Reviews

Eat Your Way Through London on a Budget

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Stanford chapter.

London is a city of culinary dreams—from street food to posh sweet treats—there’s a bit of everything at your fingertips. The catch? It also happens to be pricey. Here’s my guide to experiencing London like a foodie without breaking the bank.

Where to Brunch the Hangover Away: Sundays  

London
Alegria Ruseler-Smith

Where to Brunch the Hangover Away: Sundays  

Nearest underground station: Highbury and Islington, Victoria Line

Price Range $-$$

Where to go When You Can’t Decide What to Eat: Brixton Market 

Food-Related Clubs trio Mediterranean
Caroline Ingalls

Take the Victoria underground to the end of the line and you’re a few steps away from London’s liveliest outdoor market. A hub of multicultural cuisine Brixton Market has become a favorite of young trendy Londoners. During the day the market sells all every kind of fresh produce you can imagine. At night it becomes the scene of relaxed restaurants and bars crawling with people. Go for the Jamaican, Thai, Spanish Tapas, fantastic pizza, wholesome burgers and stay for the ambiance and good cocktails—Brixton is the place to be on a Friday night.

Want to save a buck? Buy Brixton pounds ahead of time and use them in Brixton. Restaurants and stores in the area will give you discounts for using this local currency. Also the bills are cool. 

Nearest underground station: Brixton, Victoria Line

Price Range $-$$ 

Where to Grab Food On The Run: Crussh Juice Bar 

London sushi
Alegria Ruseler-Smith

This healthy chain with locations all over central London serves up delicious quick bites to eat ideal for breakfast or lunch from curries to salads to sandwiches. They also have a selection of juices and smoothies prepared to satisfy the biggest health nut and they’re banana-and-strawberries-only friends. Try they’re vegan avocado black rice sushi (pictured bellow) and ginger shot or turmeric latte if you’re feeling adventurous. Ideal for vegans, vegetarians or anyone with food allergies.

Want to save a buck? Get the breakfast meal deal: any coffee and a warm breakfast of eggs or oats for 4.25 pounds. My go-to was a ginger shot almond milk latte and coconut milk oats with almond butter and banana.

Price Range $  

Where to Get Your Ice Cream Fix: La Gelateria

London wafer sundae
Maddie Omeltchenko

This Italian gelateria on the border of Soho and Covent Garden is a hidden gem. Serving up around 20 flavors of gelato made in house using traditional methods and hot chocolate made from your choice of Ecuadorian or Venezuelan chocolate, it’s well worth a visit. Got a vegan or lactose intolerant person traveling with you? They have water-based gelatos that are comparable to the real deal (a.k.a. not just sorbet). Think dark chocolate and chili vegan sorbet, pistachio vegan sorbet. For those not limited there’s honey rosemary and orange zest, peanut butter chocolate and caramel, and even a blue cheese and walnuts flavor, which indecently has won various best taste UK competitions. 

Nearest underground station: Leicester Square, Piccadilly and Northern Lines

Price Range $ 

Where to go For a Cheeky Curry: Memsaab 

London shrimp vegetable
Joanna Hu

Located in Islington a bit off the beaten track this neighborhood favorite serves up nearly every typical dish you can imagine. The food is delicious, the staff is friendly and the price doesn’t make you recoil and resign yourself to beans and toast for the rest of the week. Not in the mood to trek to Islington? Order delivery through the number on their website and skip the Deliveroo charge. 

Nearest underground station: Highbury and Islington, Victoria Line

Price Range $-$$  

Where to go When You Need That Insta Pic: 26 Grains

London egg
Alegria Ruseler-Smith

I have been going to this small rustic café since I was little with my Mom. It’s just the right amount British and cozy whilst also trendy and innovative. Located in Neal’s Yard just off the Seven Dials in Covent Garden, the location is an event in itself. 26 Grains offers 5-6 warm porridge bowls, an array of baked goods, a full espresso and tea bar, smoothies, juices, and savory dishes after 1 PM.

My recommendation? Go for one of their porridges (banana and cacao pictures below) and top it off with a buckwheat banana bread to go

Nearest underground station: Covent Garden, Piccadilly Line

Price Range $-$$ 

London wine
Alegria Ruseler-Smith

I am a foodie. I am celiac, lactose intolerant, soy intolerant and allergic to brown sugar. I am gregarious, sarcastic and Argentine. I have always had to pay attention to what I eat, but have come to love this facet of my life. From where I stand food is art—meringues being whipped into soft and stiff peaks, tomatoes being sliced lengthwise or julienne, or simply arranging fruit on a table and gawking at the panorama of colours and textures produced. Bonds are formed over meals, cultures mix and mingle and we are all nourished—literally (pun intended). I come from a country where meals are meant to be shared and food is meant to be savoured. My favourite foods are sushi, salad, sweet potatoes and chocolate cake. The shelves of my dorm are chock-a-block full of tea and my life would be incomplete without black coffee. I derive joy from cooking, baking, writing and photography. I hope to bring this love for food and its many facets to the Spoon team.