London's reputation as a pricey city for dining has been challenged throughout 2025 by a dedicated search for outstanding meals that cost less than a tenner. Journalists from MyLondon embarked on a weekly mission to track down the most flavourful and filling options across the capital, dubbing each find a 'Tasty Tenner'. After sampling dozens of dishes from every corner of the city, five standout venues have been crowned the best cheap eats of the year.
The Viral Sensation: A Luxury Kebab for £2.49
In the heart of Tooting, Dawat Pakistani Restaurant has redefined the humble kebab. The establishment on Tooting High Street surprises with its opulent decor, featuring chandeliers and plush seating, but it's the incredibly priced food that has caused a social media storm.
The star is a kebab wrap priced at just £2.49. Served in naan bread baked fresh on the premises and packed with spiced lamb and salad, it represents astonishing value. For £5.99, diners can enjoy the wrap with salad and a soft drink while being charmed by a robot cat that delivers orders with cheerful meows around the restaurant.
Fine Dining Pasta on a Budget
Near Tottenham Court Road, Pastino proves that handmade pasta doesn't require a hefty bill. With pasta made daily on-site and a choice of three pasta types and thirteen sauces, dishes start from only £4. The ordering process is swift via counter or screen, yet the venue offers ample seating for a relaxed meal.
One standout dish is the porcini mushroom and truffle pesto casarecce for £8. The portion is famously generous, often enough for two meals, and adding extra Parmesan for a pound was hailed as the 'bargain of the year'. Even the most premium options remain under the £10 threshold.
A Slice of London History
For a taste of traditional London, Goddards at Greenwich is an institution. Operating since 1890, this pie and mash shop offers a comforting step back in time with its wooden tables and vintage atmosphere. It serves one of the city's classic dishes at a remarkable price.
A chicken and ham pie with mash and liquor costs £7.20. The pastry is flaky and buttery, the mash smooth, and the parsley liquor completes the plate. Regulars recommend a dash of chilli vinegar for an authentic, extra kick.
Rare Korean Street Food in East London
While Korean cuisine is widespread in London, the Hotteok—a filled Korean pancake—is a rarity. HoHo Hotteok, run by a Korean-British couple at Broadway Market and Chatsworth Road Market, is filling this gap deliciously.
The pancakes are crispy outside and chewy within. The savoury best-seller, the Bulgogi HoHo, is packed with marinated beef, glass noodles, and vegetables for £7.50. For those with a sweet tooth, the cinnamon and brown sugar version at £5.50 is a surprisingly addictive treat.
The Giant Italian Focaccia in Southfields
La Finestra, meaning 'the window', is a tiny hatch in Southfields producing some of London's most substantial sandwiches. The process is simple: ring a bell, order, and within minutes receive a focaccia 'the size of your face'.
The Ortolana Mistica, a vegetarian option stuffed with ricotta, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, and rocket, costs £6.75. The bread is sourced from a local artisan bakery, and staff are known to add extras like truffle cream at no additional cost, cementing its status as a top-value lunch spot.
This year-long hunt demonstrates that despite London's high costs, exceptional and affordable culinary experiences are waiting to be discovered in every borough, from historic pie shops to innovative street food stalls.
