A Meal Deal in London
London is in the rear view mirror, and we’ll be heading to Rome in a few days. Right now, we’re in the middle of a little travel experiment. We basically picked our current destination by blindly pointing at a map.
We’ll be writing about this adventure soon, but first we have to share a London food find.
We got into a really nice work/explore groove while in London. We were on the go a lot – taking advantage of the fantastic weather – but we strived to carve out time to chill out long enough to have a unique food experience each day.
Although it was sunny and clear, the November air had a bit of a bite to it. So, when we took a break from our maniacal pace, we were often laser focused on rooting out hearty, warm meals that would send us back to the street well fueled. Because London hasn’t made a “cheapest cities” list lately, we were also committed to keeping our meals as low cost as possible.
A challenge? Yes. But not when you luck out with a place like Mandalay.
A lot of people and guides pointed us to Mandalay, so we were very happy to have the popular place to ourselves during our entire lunch the other day. A welcome reprieve from the madness of ever-bustling London. When we found out Mandalay is believed to offer London’s only Burmese food, we couldn’t resist. Plus the promise of Indian and Chinese fusion intrigued us.
And at about six pounds for a full lunch, we would have been stupid to resist.
First course… delicious tea jazzed up with milk and sugar. They wisely prepare you for what is to come by presenting robust sauces – ginger/tamarind, sweet/hot chili and soy – while you enjoy your tea.
We then decided on the vegetarian curry in addition to the standard spring roll, rice and cool cucumber salad. You can’t tell from the picture, but that plate of food packed some major heat and intense flavor. We appreciated that everything was straightforward and had a very homemade feel. Like eating dinner at your Burmese aunt’s house. Um, in London.
The meal was rounded out with banana fritters, topped with a not-too-sweet palm sugar syrup. Delicious.
Just what we needed before another few hours of sightseeing. And before this ultimate budget meal for dinner – champagne, a baguette and cheese.
Next time you’re in London, check out Mandalay. It’s located North of Hyde Park at 444 Edgware Road. In addition to the remarkable food, you’ll find warm service and some unusual things – such as unique tableware and decorations – that make this place anything but cookie cutter.
Or, just stay in your room with champagne and good bread. We won’t judge.
We want to take a moment to wish everyone an incredible holiday season. Please join us in – from time to time – taking a break from the fast pace of the season in order to to lend a hand to someone in need. There’s a lot of hardship around the globe, and we can all make a difference in building a better world. Wondering what you can do? Join us in spreading the word about Oxfam’s GROW campaign.
#1 Holy wowza these are some great photographs, you guys are really getting good (LOVE that)!
#2 YUMGASM – and I’m not even vegitarian, but that’s how good you’ve managed to make the food look.
#3 Safe travels to your next destination!!
You have turned our whole world upside down with the term “Yumgasm.” Kent now uses it for everything.
Looks so delicious–just like my Burmese aunt used to make…(not). And the dinner menu is about my favorite. Safe travels; I don’t have to tell you to enjoy Rome, ’cause you won’t be able to help it. Happy Thanksgiving.
I think this was better than the food my Burmese aunt makes, but don’t tell her. Kent’s Burmese aunt? She is the real cook.
Never tried Burmese food before but now I want to!
Hey, another place you have to try (and it’s cheap) is Franco Manca pizza in Brixton: http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/venue/2%3A1708/franco-manca
Delicioussssss
Just a little to late with that recommendation, darn it. Now we have to back to one of the most expensive cities in the world so that we can try this inexpensive pizza. Geez, thanks a lot Roy!
a banana fritter?? i’m totally sold.
by the way, love the champagne, baguette, & cheese dinner!! one of my favorites!
Let it be said that man (and woman) can – in fact – live on champagne, baguette and cheese alone.
Sounds like a great find!
That looks fantastic. Burmese curries are great – especially when they taste homemade! Mmmm, baguettes and cheese sounds pretty good too!
There is a whole world of curries to explore, and we have just recently started.
Yummmm, that food looks so good!! If you’re still in London (my days are all messed up, so maybe you’re already in Rome?) you should check out Brick Lane for yummy Indian food – it’s all about bargaining, and you can get some great deals there.
Thanks for the tip, although dickering when hungry sounds like a fight in the making.
“…one pound for the döner kebab and no one get’s hurt…”
YYUUMM I will remember to go there next time I am in London
Looks Yummy… I would love to have the curry…
The pics are wonderful, Thanks for sharing guys:)
I think restaurants are one of the easiest, and cheapest ways to discover London (transportation and accommodation are expensive enough as it is!). There are SO many options, from grocery shopping for breakfast to lunches at Pret-a-Manger or Eat, to dinners at the pub or cheap curry houses. And even though eating a baguette in your room is certainly inexpensive, I do think it misses out on the amazing restaurant experience London has to offer.
Good photos
No one is suggesting eating every meal in your room. That’s is why the post is about a great inexpensive restaurant!
Yum – that food looks amazing!
I just also wanted to share that you and others have inspired us to give more than we ever have before. We are donating to many charities and organizations this Christmas and all year long now and making it a part of what we do and who we are. My children are part of the decision making about how and where we donate and I am so proud of them for embracing it.
Happy Holidays!
Thank you Liane! You guys rock.
Your children are very fortunate to be learning the value of giving back. I’ve no doubt that they will make a profound impact on the world.
super curious about the next destination, I’ve always wanted to point on a map and just go there!
Love (and jealous) that you’re in London! This time of year always reminds me of Love Actually and Christmas in London- maybe my favorite Christmas of my life so far.
Fun and safe travels!
London – like NY – does seem like a pretty perfect place for the holidays. Christmas just kind of works there, doesn’t it?