Some basic survival tips whilst in the capital (London) – and how not to spend all your dosh (money) on food……………………………….

London as you can well imagine is an expensive place to eat. Not only is the dollar taking a bit of a beating from the pound – well London is just expensive in general. Still there are healthy and relatively inexpensive options for eating whilst visiting the capital. Please no jokes about the quality of food in London. The capital is now one of the favorite haunts of foodies worldwide. Lastly please note that my suggestions are based on my particular eating habits. Still I will give you a wealth of choices that will satisfy a myriad of tastes buds. Here goes:

1. Purchase your food from the deli section of the local supermarket. Tesco (www.tesco.com/storelocator/) and Sainisbury (www.sainsburys.co.uk/storelocator) are the best and most affordable options. They offer salads, sandwiches and entrees already prepared and ready for consumption. Also all prepared foods in major UK grocery stores list not only the nutritional data, but also include such information as Halal, Kosher, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Low Sugar and Salt-Free.

Also a “step up” and a tad posh, but still relatively inexpensive food can be found at Waitrose (www.waitrose.com/branches/index.aspx).

2. Now if you don’t fancy crossing the pond only to get your sustenance from the local supermarket no fear there are still some affordable options awaiting you in ethnic dining………………….Try some of the Middle Eastern Restaurants in Marble Arch (W1). Also whilst in this fabulous part of London pick up a newspaper or two indicative to this community, and get a non-western view of world news. You may not agree with the paper’s view, but it will make provocative reading. You will need to be persistent and dig through the papers to find one in English………………………………………………………..Unless of course you are Arabic literate.
Bayswater (W2) has fantastic Turkey and Indian places to dine. Or you can head to East to London’s Brick Lane (E1) community for some of the best Indian and Bengali eateries on the planet. And all are dosh friendly. Check out this website for some suggestions:

http://www.bricklanerestaurants.com/.

3. If Harrods (Harrods.com) has resolved their issues with fur trading, considering poking your head into their food hall. Brace yourself for the crowds, and you can really put together a lovely already prepared meal to graze on for less than £15.00 ($30.00 ) per person.

Please note I am a vegan and non-drinker so all meals are priced without meat, cheese (from cows) or booze.