Food Budget London: How to Eat Well Without Breaking the Bank

When you're trying to keep a food budget London, a realistic plan for spending on meals that avoids overspending while still eating well. Also known as eating affordably in London, it's not about skipping meals—it's about knowing where to find real value in a city that often feels expensive. You don’t need to eat takeaway every night or survive on instant noodles. Real people in London feed themselves well for under £10 a day, and they’re not living in the suburbs—they’re working, studying, and exploring the city like you are.

One big secret? vegan food London, plant-based meals that are often cheaper than meat dishes because they rely on beans, grains, and seasonal veggies. Also known as budget-friendly plant-based eating, it’s not just trendy—it’s practical. Markets like Broadway Market and Brixton Village serve up massive bowls of lentil stew, spicy tofu wraps, and hearty grain salads for under £5. Supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi have their own vegan lines that cost less than branded stuff. And don’t overlook the humble jacket potato with beans and salsa—locals know it’s one of the most filling, cheapest meals in the city. Then there’s London street food, quick, tasty meals sold from carts and stalls, often cheaper than sit-down restaurants. Also known as mobile food culture, it’s where you’ll find the best bang for your buck. Try a Vietnamese banh mi in Peckham, a Jamaican patty in Brixton, or a falafel wrap near Camden Lock. These aren’t tourist traps—they’re where workers grab lunch, and they’re priced to move. You’ll also find that affordable dining London, restaurants and cafes that serve quality food at low prices, often with no-frills settings. Also known as hidden gem eateries, these spots don’t advertise on Instagram, but locals know them by heart. Think family-run Turkish bakeries with £1.50 börek, Polish delis with £3.50 pierogi, or Ethiopian cafes with giant platters of injera and stews for under £7.

It’s not about cutting out good food—it’s about shifting where you look. The cheapest meals aren’t always the ones with the fanciest packaging. Sometimes they’re the ones with no sign at all, tucked into a side street or behind a laundromat. You’ll save more by skipping the £15 salad bar and grabbing a £3 bowl of noodles from a Thai kitchen that’s been open since 1998. You’ll eat better by choosing a £4 vegan donut from a bakery that makes everything fresh daily over a £6 packaged treat from a chain. And you’ll stretch your budget by learning when to shop—like buying day-old bread at 6pm or visiting markets on Sunday when vendors slash prices to clear stock.

Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve cracked the code. They’ll show you where to find vegan meals under £5, how to turn supermarket basics into three meals a day, and which hidden spots locals swear by—no tourist markup, no gimmicks, just food that tastes good and doesn’t drain your wallet.