Nutritious lunch options near UCL
Photography by Zina Larbi
Lesley Wang gives us the lowdown on food locations near campus that won’t break the bank or your balanced eating habits.
Eating around UCL is always a tough choice, unless you’re one of those unicorns who bring in elaborate packed lunches (and actually wait until lunchtime to eat them). The cheaper options are often unappetising, as well as lacking in nutrition, so here’s a comprehensive guide to cheap spots to eat around uni that will hopefully leave you energised for your classes.
Fast Food
Photography by Zina Larbi
Wasabi
Next to the Maccies on Tottenham Court Road is this chain restaurant, which is actually more affordable than you might think. With your Unidays account, you can enjoy 10% off, and they also sell any leftover food at half price for the last 30 minutes before closing. I recommend the ‘veg tanmen’ – noodle soups are low in sodium and this particular meal tastes the best.
Iccos
Pizza secures you one of your five a day, so let’s include that. Of all the pizzerias around uni, Iccos is definitely the best, albeit slightly more expensive. Their pizzas have a thin crispy base (with enough oil on top to warrant a foreign invasion), and they’re very generous in portion. The busy industrial atmosphere of the restaurant also makes it a memorable experience, though if you prefer the sound of London streets to restaurant buzz, I would sit at one of their outdoor tables. Although there’s been a recent price increase, you can still grab a large 12 inch pizza for around £5-7. At £4.25, the Margherita is the most frugal option.
Cafes
Photography by Zina Larbi
Planet Organic
The lunchboxes are surprisingly reasonable after a student discount (don’t forget they give student discounts on other products as well). The choice of food is varied, always appetising, as well as being organic and nutritious. Go in for a surprise – the menu changes often!
Bloomsbury Cafe
The cutest – but sadly the most expensive – cafe near UCL. Bloomsbury Cafe’s menu is mainly classic brunch food: avocado, goats cheese and poached eggs for a small fortune. They also offer cold pastries that are as good as they are expensive. Bloomsbury Cafe is definitely not an everyday brunch location but if you need a pick me up after Loop, this place is perfect. Watch out for their odd opening times – I’ve only managed two successful trips.
Tottenham Court Road 114
This cafe is always packed so you’ll be lucky to find a spot. During lunch time they offer pastries, sandwiches and sometimes salad boxes, all of which are freshly made and very delicious. But the coffee is really what you should come here for. Aside from those sold by the nice Italian man on the corner of Euston Church, this is the best coffee you’ll find near UCL.
I’m Bougie and I like to eat At...
Photography by Zina Larbi
Bloomsbury Farmers’ Market (every Thursday)
If you’re a fan of local produce and good food, the Farmers’ Market is the place to be on Thursdays. Every stall offers an appetising selection, and because the vendors focus on local and organic produce, you’ll easily find some healthy options. My top picks: venison burgers, and spinach and onion pakoras.
Xi’An Impressions
The restaurant may not look very inviting from the outside, but this is honestly some of the best Xi’An food I’ve had outside Xi’an. The menu is simple (mainly noodles and clay pot soups) but the star of the show is definitely the Murger: slow stewed fatty pork between a slightly leavened bun. This is the best Murger I’ve had outside China, maybe even outside Xi’an, and it’ll only set you back £6.
Roti King
Hidden in the basement next to Euston, this place is a student classic. Lunchtime is nothing to shout about, but their dinner menu is what makes this place worth your while. The Roti Canai Special, the fish in particular, is truly special in both presentation and flavour. Although cheaper and with quicker service than places like Dishoom, be aware that you’ll still have to stand around for an hour, even on Mondays.