The Ultimate Guide to the Best Budget Vegan Restaurants in London (And How to Save Even More!)
London. It’s a city of history, culture, and - let’s be honest-eye-watering prices.
For the plant-based traveler or local on a mission to save money, navigating the culinary scene can feel like a choice between ethical eating and an empty wallet.
But what if we told you that the U.K. capital, a city often hailed as the world’s most vegan-friendly, is also home to some of the most satisfying, delicious, and genuinely best budget vegan restaurants in London?
Forget the pricey, central fine-dining spots. This is your comprehensive, 1,500-word survival guide to eating incredible, authentic, and diverse vegan food without breaking the bank. We’ll show you where to find everything from massive Indian buffets for a tenner to life-changing Turkish kebabs for under £10, proving that budget travel and eating plant-based in London can go hand-in-hand.
Ready to unlock a world of affordable vegan eating?
Why London Demands a Budget-First Approach to Vegan Food
London is renowned for being an expensive city. While the vegan dining scene has exploded over the last decade, with everything from Michelin-starred menus to artisanal bakeries, the cost of living, and dining out, has surged. A standard, two-course meal in a mid-range central restaurant can easily set you back £30–£40 per person. When you’re traveling for an extended period, or simply trying to make your money stretch, these costs add up fast.
The key to success is shifting your perspective. Instead of seeking "cheap" food, we’re hunting for value - large portions, high-quality ingredients, and filling meals that last. This is where the truly best budget vegan restaurants in London shine. They aren’t just places with a single token vegan dish; they are institutions built on plant-based cooking where high-flavour, nutrient-dense food naturally comes at a lower price point than meat-centric competitors.
We’re covering establishments that offer incredible food, whether they operate on a simple street-food model, specialize in cuisines known for affordability, or offer incredible lunch deals.
The Ultimate List: Best Budget Vegan Restaurants in London
We’ve segmented this guide into three crucial categories: The Quick & Filling, The World Flavour Value, and The Institutions with a Great Deal.
What The Pitta
Category 1: The Quick & Filling – Street Food, Kebabs, and Junk Food
These are your go-to spots for a satisfying, delicious meal for under £10–£12. They are perfect for a fast lunch or a casual, comforting dinner.
1. What The Pitta (Multiple Locations: Camden, Brick Lane, Boxpark Croydon)
When people talk about the best budget vegan restaurants in London that scratch a junk food itch, What The Pitta is always at the top of the list.
The Vibe: Fast, casual, and focused entirely on the perfect vegan kebab.
The Food: Their signature Vegan Döner Kebab is a revelation. Made with spiced soya pieces, it’s packed into fresh, handmade bread with salad, hummus, and tzatziki. It's shockingly filling and tastes just like the real deal. They also offer Gyros and Döner Salad Boxes.
The Budget Strategy: A classic Döner or Gyros is generally under the £10 mark, making it one of the best value-for-money meals in central London. Look out for their lunch deals or combo boxes, which often include chips and a drink for a small premium. They have a massive presence in food markets and spots like Brick Lane, where the turnover is fast and the prices are kept keen.
Must-Try: The Vegan Döner Kebab.
2. Temple of Seitan (Hackney, Camden)
If vegan fried chicken is your definition of a budget feast, look no further. Temple of Seitan pioneered the vegan junk food scene in London.
The Vibe: Unpretentious, quick-service takeaway/dine-in that’s all about comfort food.
The Food: They specialize in seitan-based "chicken"—nuggets, fillets, and burgers. Everything is coated in a delicious, crispy, golden batter. It's the ultimate treat without the ethical guilt.
The Budget Strategy: Their main staple, like a classic Temple Burger or a portion of wings, provides a huge amount of protein and satisfaction for a modest price. Look for their "chick-n" pieces—a smaller portion that is perfect for a cheap, filling snack.
Must-Try: Popcorn Chicken or their famous Vegan Chicken Burger.
3. Pockets (London Fields / Netil Market)
Falafel is a universal budget staple, but Pockets elevates it to an art form.
The Vibe: Often a market stall that grew into a permanent spot; expect lines, but worth the wait.
The Food: Their steamed pita pockets are filled with crispy falafel, potato, and a variety of homemade salads and signature sauces. The freshness and layering of flavours are what sets them apart.
The Budget Strategy: Pita pockets are inherently cheap, and the massive amount of content means one pocket is often a complete, filling lunch. This is a brilliant strategy for saving money while exploring East London.
Must-Try: The Classic Falafel Pita.
Category 2: The World Flavour Value – Global Cuisine & Hearty Portions
These restaurants specialize in cuisines that are traditionally plant-heavy, offering incredible sharing options and substantial meals that naturally lend themselves to being budget-friendly.
4. Andu Ethiopian Vegan Café (Dalston)
Ethiopian cuisine is a dream for budget-conscious vegans, and Andu Café is an East London gem.
The Vibe: Authentic, small, and welcoming. Focuses purely on Ethiopian cooking.
The Food: Lentil stews (Wot), split peas, greens, and potatoes, all served atop huge sheets of sour, spongy injera bread. The entire menu is vegan.
The Budget Strategy: The beauty of Ethiopian food is the sharing platter. A meal for one, or splitting a platter between two people, provides a highly nutritious, incredibly filling meal for a fantastic price point—often £10–£12 per person for a large, varied serving. The use of staples like lentils and pulses keeps the ingredients cost-effective, which is reflected in their gentle pricing.
Must-Try: The mixed platter with a side of extra injera.
5. Govinda's (Soho / Temple)
Located near the heart of the West End, this is one of London’s secret weapons for incredibly cheap, authentic Indian food.
The Vibe: Simple, functional, and community-focused. Run by the Hare Krishna devotees.
The Food: Pure, sattvic (no onion/garlic) vegetarian and vegan Indian food, often served cafeteria style. Expect delicious dhal, curries, rice, and fresh-baked bread.
The Budget Strategy: This is a classic "cheap eats" venue. You can often get a substantial curry and rice bowl for a surprisingly low price (around £8 as of this writing, still a 'steal' in Soho). They offer set meals or the ability to build your own plate, ensuring you pay only for what you can eat. The focus here is on hearty, traditional meals that maximize satisfaction per pound spent.
Must-Try: A customized meal of dhal, rice, and vegetable curry.
6. Tofu Vegan (Islington, Golders Green, Spitalfields)
While Chinese food often has pricey main dishes, Tofu Vegan’s approach to traditional Sichuan cuisine allows for creative budget maneuvering.
The Vibe: Slightly more restaurant-style than street food, but still relaxed and casual.
The Food: Famous for their convincing mock meats and authentic, flavour-packed dishes like 'Smacked Cucumbers' and spicy 'fish' stew.
The Budget Strategy: The trick here is to use their extensive small plates and starter menu. Order a few appetizers like the spicy cucumbers or spring rolls, paired with a massive bowl of noodles or rice to share. This creates a varied, delicious, and surprisingly cheap feast. Furthermore, their multiple locations mean you can find incredible vegan Chinese food outside of the most expensive central zones.
Must-Try: The spicy 'Smacked Cucumbers' and sharing a portion of a noodle or rice dish.
Category 3: The Institutions with a Great Deal
These spots are famous London fixtures, but they offer specific menu hacks or deals that turn them into solid budget contenders, especially for lunch or early dinner.
7. Purezza (Camden Town, Brighton, Bristol)
London’s first fully plant-based pizzeria. While a single pizza isn't a dirt cheap meal, the quality and the experience make it excellent value.
The Vibe: Buzzing, modern, and friendly. A proper sit-down restaurant experience.
The Food: Award-winning Neapolitan sourdough pizzas, using in-house developed vegan cheeses (cashew, coconut, and brown rice mozzarella).
The Budget Strategy: Pizza is always a good budget option for sharing. For the best value, Purezza often runs special daytime/lunch deals. Always check their website for a lunchtime set menu, which can include a starter and a smaller pizza for a fixed, low price. Sharing a large pizza between two, paired with tap water, is a cheap and incredibly satisfying meal out.
Must-Try: The ‘Marinara’ (naturally cheap and delicious) or the ‘Parmigiana Party’.
8. Mildreds (Multiple Locations: Soho, Covent Garden, Camden, King's Cross)
Mildreds is a London vegan institution, serving plant-based food since 1988. While their dinner menu is mid-range, their weekday value is unbeatable.
The Vibe: Colourful, chic, and always busy—a great atmosphere.
The Food: Global, varied, and modern cuisine, from Sri Lankan curry to burgers and stir-fries.
The Budget Strategy: This is where the budget hack comes in. Mildreds often offers a fantastic set lunch menu or early-evening deals that drastically reduce the price of a main course or a two-course meal. Visiting during off-peak times (early afternoon on a weekday) guarantees a cheaper, high-quality meal. Always check their specific location pages for the latest offers.
Must-Try: Their classic burgers or the Sri Lankan Curry (when on the lunch set).
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More Budget-Friendly Vegan Strategies for London (Beyond Restaurants)
To truly master the art of eating cheap and vegan in London, you need to look beyond the four walls of a restaurant. These strategies will help you keep your spending low between meals:
Market Stalls (The True Budget Kings): Don't overlook London's amazing food markets like Borough Market, Covent Garden, and Broadway Market. While some vendors are pricey, many, especially those selling falafel, ethnic street food (like dumplings or wraps), or baked goods, offer incredibly cheap and filling lunch options, often in the £6–£8 range. Look for the lines—they usually indicate the best value.
Meal Deals: London supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Boots offer famous "meal deals" (a main, snack, and drink) for around £4. There are now abundant vegan options, including wraps, sandwiches, pasta salads, and vegan sushi. This is the ultimate budget lunch.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) Spots: As seen with some of the budget Indian and Ethiopian restaurants mentioned (like Jai Krishna or Bonnington Café), opting for a BYOB restaurant can save you £20–£40 on drinks alone, instantly making a mid-range meal affordable.
Embrace the Vanishing Dish: Many places, especially cafes, sell off their last remaining baked goods or prepared food at a massive discount (often half price) 30-60 minutes before closing. A quick check-in can often yield a cheap, sweet treat.
Conclusion: Eating The Best of London on a Dime
London is an exceptional city for vegan dining, and crucially, it can be an affordable one. By prioritizing hearty cuisines like Indian and Ethiopian, embracing the power of the high-value street food model (kebabs, fried ‘chicken,’ and falafel), and strategically hitting up London institutions during their value-packed lunch hours, you can access the best budget vegan restaurants in London every day.
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