Cheap Eats in East London

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Lamb Shank with Bariis

Critics describe the lamb as having an 'ethereal, collapsing tenderness' that allows you to pull the bone free, served alongside 'utterly magnetic' and 'fragrant' turmeric-tinted basmati rice.

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Char Siu Pork Rice

Regarded as part of the 'holy trinity' of Cantonese roasting, this plate is 'profoundly flavoured' with a 'judiciously weighted sweetness' that justifies its popularity.

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Hong Kong Pork Chop Rice with Egg

Described as one of the most "diabolically effective" plates of food in London, this "ugly delicious mound" is highlighted by a "ginger-forward marvel of a black bean sauce."

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Udon Noodles

Critics praise the broth for its "chicken-y depth of flavour" and note that it "oozed character," while the noodles themselves retain a perfect "slight bite."

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Falafel in Pitta

The 'legendary' and 'Insta-famous' main event featuring a stone-baked pita that is 'incredibly fluffy' and 'stuffed full to bursting' with freshly fried falafel and house-made sauces.

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Full English Breakfast

Described as a "monumental" and "humongous" plate, it is considered one of the "best fry ups in town," featuring sausages, eggs, bacon, hash browns, black pudding, and fried bread.

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Cheese Naan

A 'delicious' order featuring a 'gooey centre' and 'high-quality cheddar’s tang' that perfectly complements the 'deep, smoky flavour' of the wood-fired bread.

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Salt Beef Bagel

The legendary staple featuring a colossal salt beef filling, an obscene amount of pickles, and strong mustard.

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Hamish Macbeth Toastie

The legendary signature toastie packed with bacon, haggis, cheddar, caramelised onions, and a kick of mustard.

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The Original

The ultimate benchmark buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, kept simple with garlic aioli and house pickles.

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Lamb Shoulder and Rice

The restaurant's viral centerpiece, described by critics as 'fall-off-the-bone' tender with meat that is 'easy to shred away with a fork' and 'melt in your mouth' soft.

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Handmade Spicy Beef Soup Noodles

Regarded as 'easily the best noodles' in London, this signature dish features a 'magical' glistening ruby broth and thick, soft noodles. The standout is the beef chunks, which are 'perfectly pink inside' and 'literally fell apart' at the touch of a chopstick.

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Bhortha

Critics suggest starting your meal with these 'preparations of aubergine, potatoes and other vegetables, rolled into balls' before moving to heartier dishes.

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Taiwanese Fried Chicken Nuggets

Repeatedly praised for being huge, juicy inside, and properly crisp outside, with several reviews calling them the standout order.

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Sausage, Egg & Cheese Burrito

Regarded as 'London’s best burrito,' this mainstay features a 'thick, fresh flour tortilla' seared to a crisp, containing a 'great, joyous mush' of house-made pork sausage, velvety omelette, and tater tots.

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BBQ Buffalo Wings

These award-winning wings boast a sweet, homemade BBQ sauce and took second place at Wing Fest UK.

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Marmite Cheesy

A gooey, craveable blend of Camembert, mozzarella, and pecorino elevated by a secret Marmite glaze.

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Hội-An Special

The consensus order featuring char siu, pork belly, pâté, and a wobbly omelette inside a perfectly crisp baguette.

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Ohn No Khao Swè

These 'coconut chicken noodles' are a menu highlight, served in what critics describe as a 'cheerful red oasis' near Old Street.

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Porky Pig

Regarded as an 'all-time favorite' order, it features Tuscan sausage and a truffle cacio e pepe cream so addictive that reviewers claim they 'could eat that cream by the bucket load.'

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Aubergine Sandwich

A core menu staple mentioned as a primary draw of the bistro alongside their signature kofta offerings.

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Bacon, Bubble and Cheese Sandwich

Praised as a 'good and proper basic buttie' that is 'simple, sure but beautiful,' it features 'really, really, really good' bread that is soft, doughy, and showered with poppy seeds.

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Everything Pepperoni Slice

The signature slice featuring pepperoni cups and a sesame seed 'Everything' crust that critics say is 'perfectly cooked' and pays 'homage to the classics' with its brick oven-fired crust.

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The Sampler Platter

It is essentially the only item on the menu—a six-dish feast of stews and greens served on sour, spongy injera.

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Pork Gyros Wrap

Universally praised as some of the best in the city; meat is charcoal-grilled and wrapped in fluffy grilled pita.

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Yellow Curry

Described as a "hug in a bowl," this "creamy" coconut-based curry is "overflowing with every vegetable imaginable" and finished with toasted pumpkin seeds and a "jam-like" chilli sauce that adds a "fantastic spicy sweetness."

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Jhol Momo

The signature serve featuring 'pillowy softness and delicate cases' drowned in a 'sweet, hot and spicy sauce' that reviewers call 'three-bite bursts of flavour'.

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Kebabs

Described as a dish diners 'could never get rid of the memory of,' these are a long-standing staple that even pilgrims traveling to Mecca would stop for.

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Chicken Shish

A 'clear winner' and longtime fan favorite that consistently cements this traditional kebab house's reputation.

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Lahmacun

Critics note it is rolled so thin that the topping is visible from underneath, and it is served with fresh onions, ripe tomato slices, crunchy parsley, and lemon.

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Chicken Fry

This is the restaurant’s bestselling signature dish; it is described as 'proper homestyle cooking' that is served fresh and piping hot.

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Nethali Kothu Roti

Highlighted by critics as the 'winner' over the chicken version, featuring crispy anchovies and a green chilli kick.

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Masala Dosa

Consistently praised for being crispy and authentic; the benchmark dish here.

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Grilled Chicken

Praised for its remarkable consistency and a flavor profile that remains reliable no matter the day you visit.

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Haddock & Chips

Described as perfect—crispy, fresh, and exactly what you want from a chippy.

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Moroccan Tea

Highly praised for its authentic sweetness and comforting warmth, comparable to tea in Marrakech.

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Dulce de Leche

An 'obvious' choice for anyone exploring Argentine gelato, representing the shop's commitment to 'Argentine passion' and ethically sourced ingredients.

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Meat Patty

An absolute rite of passage and the perfect quick bite.

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Chana Daal

The essential, editor-mandated must-order dish to start your meal.

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Falafel in Pitta

The signature item: crisp, herb-packed green falafels with generous tahini and chilli sauce.

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Jerk Chicken Sandwich

The undisputed star: deboned leg meat, crispy skin, and spiced gravy between thick wholemeal slices.

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Ham Sandwich

An East End icon for over a century, these 'famed thick deli-cut' sandwiches on white bread are the café's most legendary offering, noted for being devoured 'surreptitiously' even by those who shouldn't.

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Läghmän

The signature dish of the restaurant, these hand-pulled and hand-cut wheat noodles are boiled extra-long for a 'chewy consistency' and topped with 'ultra-tender' beef or lamb. Critics note this version is even more 'refined' than other top-rated competitors.

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Special Small Fish and Chips

An incredible value meal featuring two generous fillets that defies its 'small' label.

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Rupchanda Bhuna

This fried pomfret dish is 'genuinely good' and 'stands out,' with spices that are 'nicely balanced' and reminiscent of traditional Bangladeshi home cooking.

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Beef Skewer

Described as succulent beef on sticks, this is Brazil’s most popular street food and is served with rice and beans—a combination the owners say gives people a true taste of Brazil.

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Jerk Chicken

Rubbed dry and cooked fresh on the drum, it has a 'smokiness and a crisp char' that critics call the most legit jerk in East London.

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Minced Beef Pie & Mash

The cornerstone of the menu—crisp-bottomed pastry and well-seasoned beef filling, best served doused in their traditional bright green parsley liquor.

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Full English Breakfast

The standout dish drawing local acclaim for its wholesome satisfaction.

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Kachchi Biryani

The restaurant's signature dish: layered biryani with steamed baby lamb and aromatic rice.

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Stuffed Mussels (Midye Dolma)

The namesake dish; reviews consistently praise them as fresh, tasty, and 'just like the original' found in Turkey.

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Salt Beef Sandwich

A frequently mentioned favorite among locals and a classic deli staple.

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Vegan Combo Platter

The quintessential way to try the range of lentil stews and vegetable dishes served on injera.

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Pottalam Parotta

A frequently mentioned signature dish wrapping flaky parotta and curry in a banana leaf bundle.

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Jollof Rice with Plantain

The quintessential West African benchmark, consistently praised for flavor and authenticity.

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Traditional Pie & Mash

The benchmark order with creamy mash and savory mince; heavily season the parsley liquor with vinegar for the best experience.

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Kabuli Pulao

A legendary, expertly made fragrant rice dish that is an absolute staple of the cuisine.

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Vizhinjam Chicken Fry

A spicy, regional signature that perfectly captures the essence of Kerala cooking.

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Jhol Momo

The quintessential Nepalese dumpling experience, served with a traditional peanut and sesame jhol.