London is a city known for its food scene, where you can find every kind of cuisine imaginable; but even beyond the high-end restaurants and trendy pop-ups, there’s a world of hidden gems serving incredible food at prices that won’t break the bank.

For this month’s pick of cheap eats, we have a tiny ramen bar, a New York-style bagel spot, an authentic Vietnamese banh mi heaven and a vibrant Caribbean kitchen. These independent eateries are where quality meets affordability. Whether you’re a local on the hunt for your next go-to spot or a visitor looking to eat like one, here are four of the best hole-in-the-wall places in London that offer great food, warm service, and unbeatable prices.

Koi Ramen – Brixton

If you’re a ramen lover searching for high-quality, affordable eats in London, look no further than Koi Ramen. With cosy locations tucked away in Brixton, Elephant and Castle, and Tooting, Koi Ramen is a hidden gem that delivers big flavours without the hefty price tag. These small, welcoming ramen bars are all about fresh, made-to-order dishes that are perfect for either a quick bite or a satisfying meal.

For just £10, you can dive into their best-seller: the Pure White Tonkotsu. This creamy pork soup is the epitome of comfort food, with rich, velvety broth with tender noodles and melt-in-the-mouth slices of pork. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, try their Naked Ramen — a soup-less noodle dish where you get to choose from succulent pork, juicy chicken, or flavorful tofu for just £9.50.

For a taste of tradition, Koi Ramen also offers the Shoyu Ramen, an old-school original at £10. This soy-based broth is a nod to the classic ramen styles of Japan, delivering a light yet savoury experience that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.

Whether you’re a die-hard ramen fan or just in the mood for a budget-friendly bite, Koi Ramen serves up some of the best bowls in town — proof that great food doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Caribbean Kitchen – Hackney

Nestled in the vibrant streets of Hackney, Caribbean Kitchen is a beloved family-owned restaurant that serves up the freshest, most authentic Caribbean cuisine with a twist of classic British favourites. This spot is where locals come to eat, and it’s also been known to attract its fair share of celebrities such as Idris Elba and Dizzy Rascal!

At Caribbean Kitchen, every meal comes in generous portions, filled with rich, comforting flavours that transport you straight to the islands. For £8 for a small and £9/£10.50 for a large, you can choose from a tempting array of dishes like Jerk Chicken, Jerk Pork, Fried Fish, Stew Chicken, Curry Chicken, Fish Stew, or a delicious Vegan Curry. All meals are served with rice and a fresh salad, making each plate a satisfying and complete experience.

Beyond just serving food, Caribbean Kitchen also offers cooking classes where you can learn the secrets behind their beloved dishes. These classes are a great way to dive deep into Caribbean cuisine, guided by a team passionate about sharing their heritage and cooking techniques.

Caribbean Kitchen isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a community staple. Whether you’re a regular or first-time visitor, you’ll be greeted with a warm attitude that makes you feel right at home, and some cheap eats that won’t harm your wallet.

The Bagel Guys – London Fields

If you haven’t yet made a visit to Netil Market, you are missing out! And in here, you can find a little slice of New York which has been lovingly recreated by a husband-and-wife team with a passion for bagels. Paul and Jordan are the dynamic duo behind this bagel joint that has quickly become a favourite for locals and foodies alike. Inspired by the bagel shops, delis, bodegas, and pizza slice joints of New York, this spot is all about bringing those 100% sourdough bagels to our capital.

At their Netil Market shop, you can taste the love and dedication in every bite. For £8, their Lox Bagel features high-quality smoked salmon paired with a perfectly balanced shmear, pickled red onion and cucumber. Or, for £7.50, grab their New York Style Bacon, Egg, and Cheese, or go for the Tuna Salad Bagel with gherkins, available for a mere £5.50. For a real NYC bodega feel, try their Egg and Cheese Bagel for just £5.50, or go for the Veggie Bagel with schmear, tomatoes, and pickled cucumber at £4.50 – a simple yet delicious option.

With bagels hand-rolled and baked fresh, this small bakery is a true hidden gem in London. If you’re after an authentic bagel experience without the airfare, Paul and Jordan’s place in Netil Market should be your next stop.

Viet Vibe (Pho Pham) – Soho

Amongst the bustling streets of Soho, where you wouldn’t expect to find a hidden gem like this, lies a tiny, unassuming spot serving up some of the best Banh Mi in London. In a neighbourhood known more for its high-end eateries, chains and tourist hot spots, this hole-in-the-wall is a delightful surprise, offering a taste of authentic Vietnamese flavours at prices that are a steal.

For just £8, you can grab one of their mouth-watering banh mi sandwiches, each made to order with a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and bold flavours. Opt for grilled pork, crispy roasted pork, or tender chicken, in a baguette stuffed with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a kick of chilli.

The service here is as charming as the food, with a friendly team that treats you like a regular from the moment you walk in. It’s the kind of spot that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a cheap eats secret — a place where quality and affordability go hand in hand, right in the heart of Soho. If you’re looking to escape the typical Soho dining scene and indulge in something a bit more special (and much more wallet-friendly), this hidden banh mi heaven should be at the top of your list.

These four hidden gems prove that some of the best food experiences in London don’t come with a hefty price tag. So, next time you’re wandering through London, skip the crowded chains and head straight to these independent eateries for a truly memorable meal that’s big on flavour and easy on the wallet.

Know some delicious, affordable restaurants and other cheap eats that you want to share? Make a Hawkker List of your favourite spots and help others find great food on the cheap!

You can also find the above spots, and many more, on our own regularly-updated list of cheap eats in London.