10 Cheap Eats in London Students Swear By (Updated for 2026)

Let's be honest.

Living in London as a student isn't cheap.

Rent takes a huge chunk of your budget, travel adds up faster than you'd like, and somehow a quick lunch can turn into a £15 meal before you've even sat down.

But here's the good news.

London is still full of incredible places where you can eat well without emptying your bank account.

In fact, some of the city's most loved food spots have built their reputations on serving generous portions and great flavours at prices students can actually afford.

So whether you're trying to stretch your student loan, looking for somewhere between lectures or simply craving a meal that won't leave you hungry an hour later, these are ten places worth knowing.

Prices and menus were checked in June 2026. Most meals listed can still be enjoyed for around £10 or less, although prices may change over time.

1. Roti King, Euston

Ask almost any London student where to find a satisfying meal without spending a fortune and chances are Roti King will come up.

The Malaysian restaurant has built a loyal following thanks to its flaky roti canai, rich curries and comforting noodle dishes.

Yes, there are often queues.

But they move quickly, and the food makes the wait worthwhile.

Even after years of popularity, Roti King remains one of the best-value meals in central London.

2. Beigel Bake, Brick Lane

Open 24 hours a day, Beigel Bake is practically a London institution.

Their famous salt beef bagel has become legendary, but there are plenty of other fillings available too.

Whether you're grabbing breakfast, a late-night snack or something after a night out, few places offer this much value.

Sometimes the classics become classics for a reason.

3. Marugame Udon

Fresh noodles made in front of you.

Big portions.

Comforting food.

Reasonable prices.

It's easy to understand why Marugame Udon has become so popular among students and office workers alike.

Their basic udon bowls offer excellent value, and you can customise your meal depending on how hungry you are.

With locations across London, it's one of the easiest places to recommend.

4. Banh Mi Bay, Fitzrovia

Good sandwiches are underrated.

And Banh Mi Bay serves some of the best in central London.

Their Vietnamese baguettes combine fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables and flavourful fillings that somehow feel far more expensive than they are.

It's one of those places where you leave feeling satisfied without feeling like you've spent too much.

Especially if you're around Tottenham Court Road or UCL.

5. Hiba Street Food, Fitzrovia

Hiba has quietly built a reputation as one of Fitzrovia's best-value spots.

Their Palestinian wraps, shawarmas and mezze dishes are packed with flavour, and the portions are generous enough to keep you full for hours.

In an area where lunch prices can quickly climb, Hiba feels refreshingly affordable.

6. ICCO Pizza, Goodge Street

Students have been recommending ICCO for years.

And with good reason.

The pizzas are huge, freshly made and still among the best-value meals you'll find in central London.

The décor isn't fancy.

Nobody comes here for Instagram photos.

People come because they know they're getting great pizza without paying West End prices.

And honestly, that's enough.

7. Indian YMCA Restaurant, Fitzrovia

This is one of London's best-kept secrets.

Tucked away near Warren Street, the Indian YMCA restaurant has been quietly serving delicious South Indian food for decades.

The atmosphere is simple and unpretentious.

The portions are generous.

And the prices are the sort that make students very happy.

It's the kind of place you almost don't want to tell people about.

8. Mr Falafel, Shepherd's Bush

Simple food done well.

That's the secret behind Mr Falafel.

Their wraps are fresh, filling and consistently excellent.

Nothing complicated.

Nothing fancy.

Just good food at prices that still feel refreshingly reasonable.

West London students have known this for years.

9. Golden Gate Cake Shop, Chinatown

Not every meal needs to come from a restaurant.

Sometimes all you need is a couple of buns and something sweet.

Golden Gate Cake Shop in Chinatown is famous for its affordable pastries, pork buns and baked treats.

It's perfect for a quick lunch, a snack between classes or simply satisfying a craving without spending much.

And if you're wandering around Soho, it's hard to resist stopping by.

10. Silk Road, Camberwell

Few restaurants have achieved cult status quite like Silk Road.

Known for its Xinjiang cuisine, generous portions and incredible value, it has become a favourite among students and locals alike.

The handmade noodles, dumplings and spicy dishes make it feel far more expensive than it actually is.

If you're studying around Camberwell or King's College, this is one place you'll probably return to more than once.

Good Food Doesn't Have to Cost a Fortune

One of the biggest myths about London is that eating out always means spending a lot of money.

Of course, the city has no shortage of expensive restaurants.

But it also has incredible places that students have relied on for years.

And honestly, some of them are better than places charging three times as much.

So next time your bank balance starts looking slightly alarming, remember this:

Good food in London doesn't have to be expensive.

You just need to know where to look.

And sometimes, the places with plastic chairs, handwritten menus and queues out the door end up serving the meals you'll remember the most.

Updated June 2026. Prices and menus can change, so it's always worth checking directly before visiting.