London Faves

I'm sure this is will be an ever-evolving list and it's hard to just pick a few, but if I were hungry in London right now I would go for:


Magdalen - Modern British near London Bridge. EVERYTHING I've had here is delicious and considering the deliciousess and quality of the food, it's a great value to me. The menu constantly changes so always a great chance to try something new. The atmosphere is relaxed, and they always leave a few tables for walk-ins.


Leong's Legends - Chinatown. There are two of them, and this is usually the place I go to when I'm craving Chinese food. If you go the xiao long bao (soup dumplings) are a must-have (I prefer the traditional over the crab), and always get pork belly rice and the green beans with minced pork, too! One of my cheap eats favorites.


Dishoom - A Bombay style cafe in Covent Garden.  They also have a pop-on on the Southbank during the summer. Totally different from any Indian I've had in London, it was first recommended to me by an Indian friend who said it was his favorite. The black daal is unbelievable (I could eat bowls and bowls of it) and the chicken tikka is full of amazing flavor (and no, it's not a typical chicken tikka massala). The only thing I would avoid was the biryani which lacked punch. Nice decor with a movie theme, with staff that let you stay and graze for as long as you like. Oh, and don't forget to end your meal with the creamy kulfi on a stick!