Every Wednesday we ask top chefs to pick their favourite Cheap Eats where they live and when they cook at home. This week we speak to TV chef Judy Joo, who co-owns the popular Seoul Bird in London.
Hi Judy, can you tell us your favourite places in London where you can get a meal for two for less than £40?
Since 1900, Paul Rothe & Son in Marylebone has been crafting some of the best sandwiches in London. Lucky for me, I live just around the corner from this charming, historic deli.
My go-to is their famous pastrami and cheese, piled high with pickle, mayo, and mustard. Occasionally, I’ll switch things up with their epic coronation chicken, or if I’m feeling adventurous, a jacket potato with tuna and sweetcorn. It’s quintessentially British, and I love it.
Trejo’s Tacos has crossed the pond, opening its first international outpost in Notting Hill. Founded by actor Danny Trejo, this canteen boasts a cult following in Los Angeles (myself included) and has quickly become my favourite spot for tacos in London.
My usual order includes a plate of Baja fish and spicy shrimp tacos, dosed in their house hot sauce and perfectly complemented by one of their stellar OG margaritas or homemade horchata. I also love their house-made guacamole and salsa served with their truly addictive freshly fried corn tortilla chips. I just munch away while thinking of the southern California sun.
I live near Edgware Road, an area renowned for its vibrant Middle Eastern community and fantastic cuisine. Maroush, a London institution with multiple venues across the city, remains a favourite, especially the original one on Edgware Road.
The chicken or lamb shawarma is the star dish, slow-cooked on vertical rotisseries, infused with aromatic spices, and expertly sliced off with sabers. It’s the perfect late-night snack after a few too many pints. I love their tomato okra stew with rice – so comforting and warming.
Tucked away in the basement of an unassuming British pub down a quaint mews street in Marylebone is Liu Xiaomian.
I usually order the minced pork xiaomian – toothsome wheat noodles swimming in a red chilli broth, then dressed with seasoned pork and fragrant spring onions. The numbing pork wontons are another standout, delivering what their name promises in true mala style. Don’t miss the cucumber side salad which offers a refreshing respite for your palate.
What is your go-to cheap eat to cook at home when you have a night in?
My go-to budget-friendly meal for cooking at home is pimped-out instant ramen noodles.
If I am feeling spicy, I’ll grab a pack of Shin Ramen and add fresh veggies and leftover proteins from the fridge.
Spinach, mushrooms, corn, spring onions, leftover roasted chicken, and some frozen dumplings usually make their way into the pot. Absolutely anything goes!
And, to finish, I’ll crack an egg in and let it cook on top of the noodles just until the yolk is set, but still gooey. It’s a quick, delicious meal that hits the spot every time.
We’ve spoken to lots of top chefs – check out their cheap eats from around the country here…
