A Foodie's Guide to London

They say London is a dreamland for food lovers, and rightly so – the city is a sprawling canvas of diverse cuisines and delectable options waiting to be explored whether you're a die-hard foodie ready to conquer the culinary scene or just eager to spice up your meals once an occasional guide is your ultimate ticket to flavorful adventures in London.

Let's dive into the must-try food spots you can't miss, neatly divided into three categories: the crowd-pleasers, classic English experiences, and recommendations from UCL students.

1. International Food Markets:

a)    Borough Market (Bloomsbury) - A historic gem over a millennium old, Borough Market is a food enthusiast's paradise. Indulge in an array of international street food, from paella to gourmet burgers and artisanal sweets. For students on a budget, fear not! There are plenty of pocket-friendly options amidst the variety.

Tip: Don't miss out on the gourmet burgers at 'Bread Ahead' or the paella from 'Portena.'

b)    Chinatown (Soho) - With everything from chicken feet to duck tongue, Chinatown in Soho is a treasure trove of affordable Chinese eateries. Explore dim sum, roast duck, and more budget options like 'New World' and 'Four Seasons.'

Tip: 'Four Seasons' serves up mouthwatering dim sum, a must-try for dark sum lovers.

c)    Camden Market (Camden) - This bustling hub for street food enthusiasts offers everything from vegan delights to international cuisine. Camden Market houses many wallet-friendly options, perfect for students looking for variety without breaking the bank.

Tip: Experience the diverse vegan options at 'Club Mexicana' or try some fantastic Indian flavours at 'Kolkati'. 

d)    Lebanese Delights (Edgware Road) - Take a culinary trip to the Middle East, righEdgware Road in London. Enjoy authentic shawarma, falafel, and mezze at spots like 'Al Arez' and 'Mandaloun' with student-friendly prices.

e)    South Asian Spices (Brick Lane) - Brick Lane is known for vibrant South Asian cuisine, especially Bangladeshi and Indian flavours. For a budget-friendly treat, head over to T'Bs for scrumpdeliciouses.

f)    Pizza Perfection at Franco Manca - CrPizza Pizza? Franco Manca is a pizza loverlover's-try with delicious and affordable sourdough pizzas. You can't be wrong with their classic Margherita or mouth-watering' Garlic and oregaOregano'a.
 

Tip: Don't forget to try their special homemade lemonade!

2. Classic London Experiences:

a)    Fish and Chips: Have you lived in London if you tried the British classics? In Bloomsbury, 'The 'ourtCourt'rs classic British food at student-friendly prices. 'The 'ueens Larder' serves traditional comfort food like bangers, mash, and cand chips. Alternatively, head to 'Popp'es' in 'Spitalfields or Camden for legendary fish and chips without burning a hole in your pocket.

b) Shepherd's pie: Head to 'The 'Hawley Arms' in 'Camden for a comforting and reasonably priced Shepherd's pie. This local pub offers a delicious and budget-friendly version of this classic dish. Another option for a budget-friendly ShephShepherd'seis 'De H'the ms Dutch Café Bar' in 'oho. While it's a bar, it offers a tasty ShephShepherd'seamong its diverse menu.

c)    Full English breakfast: 'Franco Manca' in 'Brixton Market serves fantastic pizzas and undetectable Full English Breakfast at student-friendly prices. 'The 'breakfast Club' in 'Shoreditch is also famous for its affordable and delicious Full English Breakfast, making it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.
 

3. Student Recommendations:
We asked fellow UCL students to give us food recommendations on Instagram, and here are the winners: 

a)    Dishoom (Various Locations) - Indulge in affordable Indian cuisine, whether flavorful biryanis or mouthwatering. Please don't leave Don'tout trying their Chicken Ruby or the famous House Black Daal.

b)    Honest Burgers (Various Locations) - Known for high-quality locally sourced ingredients, this joint offers some of the best burgers in town. The classic Honest Burger is a favourite, especially when they have special deals. Pair it with their famous Rosemary Salted Chips.

c)    Nihon Mura (Warren Street): For an authentic and pocket-friendly sushi experience, Nihon Mura at Warren Street is a great choice. With its variety of sushi options, it's ideal for students seeking delicious Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices.

d)    Vapiano: A go-to spot for Italian food, Vapiano provides a range of pasta and pizza options prepared freshly in front of you. Its casual dining atmosphere and student-friendly prices make it an excellent choice for a quick Italian meal between classes.
 

e)    Benihana: While slightly upscale, Benihana often offers lunch deals that make it more accessible for students. The teppanyaki-style cooking and the entertaining chef performances make it a memorable experience.

f)    Puttshack: Students looking for a fun activity can head to Putt Hack for mini-ga olf paired with delicious food. The menu offers a variety of dishes at student-friendly prices, making it an ideal hangout spot.

g)    Itsu: Known for its quick and healthy meals, perfect for students looking for a nutritious bite between classes. With various sushi, salads, and hot dishes, it's a convenient and budget-friendly option with many outlets around London. 
 

h)    Masala Zone (Soho): For a taste of authentic Indian cuisine, Masala Zone in Soho offers dishes like dal makhani and garlic naan, perfect for when you're looking for simple food with a burst of flavor.

i) Nando's: Famously known for its peri-peri chicken, Nando’s is a student favourite offering tasty and affordable Portuguese-inspired dishes.

j)     Leon: Focusing on healthy fast food, Leon is an excellent option for students seeking quick and nutritious meals at reasonable prices.

These recommendations are just the beginning of your food escapades in London. The city is a melting pot of flavours waiting to be discovered. 

Remember, prices and menu offerings can change, so it's a good idea to check the current menus or any student discounts these places might offer before visiting. 

And hey, don't forget the supermarket meal deals at Tesco or Sainsbury's. Grab discounted sandwiches, salads, and snacks for a bargain price. (My favourite is the sesame chicken sushi; it's it.)

Join the conversation in the comments below! Share: Please share your favourite student-friendly spots. Let's build a community of foodies to ensure our taste buds and wallets are happily satisfied throughout our UCL journey.