Fast Food in London: Quick Bites with a Twist

Fancy a snack that’s fast but not boring? London’s fast food scene is buzzing with creativity. Forget just burgers and fries—here you’ll find Japanese sandos, loaded bao buns, and chicken shops that do everything but play it safe. If you’re visiting or working in London, there’s no need to settle for greasy reheated pies from the corner shop when there are quirky local joints on every block.

The best part? Most of these spots are lightning fast—many serve your order before your text loads. Big chains are everywhere, sure, but locals often rave about smaller, unique places hidden near tube stations, parks, and nightlife hubs.

Whether you’re after a 3am kebab in Soho, a picnic parcel for Hyde Park, or a work lunch near Liverpool Street, you’ll find a surprising mix of world flavours and clever twists. Lots of spots now do vegan or gluten-free takes, too—so whatever your diet or craving, London’s got you covered. Ready to swap the usual chips for something next-level?

• Top Picks for Fast Food in London
• What Makes London’s Fast Food Different?
• Where to Find the Best Quick Bites
• How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
• Tasty Fast Food Hacks and Tips
• FAQ: Fast Food in London

Top Picks for Fast Food in London

If you’re aiming for the best fast food in London, you’ll want to skip the international chains and try what makes this city’s quick bites so unique. London’s got something for every craving and price range. Here’s a bite-sized guide to crowd-pleasers and local secrets you won’t want to miss.

• Dishoom – Their bacon naan roll is a cult favourite for breakfast, and while it’s not exactly a drive-thru, you can get it to-go at their Covent Garden location. Expect Indian classics with a street-food spin.
• Honest Burgers – Known for thick patties, rosemary fries, and rotating special burgers using local produce. The Soho branch is extra speedy at lunch.
• Wing Wing – Fried chicken, but with a Korean twist. Their soy garlic wings and kimchi slaw box are go-to fast eats after a night out, especially around Charing Cross Road.
• Beigel Bake – Londoners swear by this 24-hour Brick Lane bakery for salt beef bagels, smoked salmon, and a queue that moves fast even at 2am.
• EatTokyo – For an express sushi fix, EatTokyo’s bento boxes in Holborn and Notting Hill serve up fresh, filling Japanese meals in under 10 minutes.
• Mother Clucker – Fried chicken strips served from a shipping container, often spotted at street food markets like Shoreditch’s Dinerama. The queues might look scary, but you’re usually munching hot chicken within 5 minutes.

Trendy food halls are exploding in popularity too. Check out Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle or Seven Dials Market in Covent Garden. These are goldmines if you want to try multiple London eats in one place—think bao buns at one stall, vegan tacos at another.

Don’t forget London’s legendary kebab shops and chippy counters either. The Golden Union near Oxford Circus churns out proper fish and chips all day, perfect if you’re sightseeing. And if you’re after vegan fast food, Temple of Seitan in Camden turns out surprisingly good plant-based burgers and "chicken".

Prices in this London street food scene tend to beat most sit-down restaurants and move way faster. Plus, you get to skip tipping and table waits. Just grab, go, and tuck in. That’s how London stays fed and on the move.

What Makes London’s Fast Food Different?

You know those fast food in London spots that never feel like just another chain? That’s because London is a mash-up of cultures, and nowhere is that clearer than in its quick eats. You’ll spot Venezuelan arepas, Indian kati rolls, Korean fried chicken, and even Polish pierogi just steps from each other. There’s always something bold or new around the corner—a big part of what keeps Londoners and travelers hooked on local fast food options.

Another twist: London’s obsession with quality ingredients. Loads of street food stalls use sourdough, locally grown veggies, or British farm meat. Quick doesn’t mean second-rate here—you’ll actually get fresh, honest food at ridiculous speed. Vegan fast food exploded in the last couple years too, so now you’ll find 100% plant-based burger bars plastered all over areas like Shoreditch and Camden.

Want numbers? According to Zagat’s 2024 London street food survey, 64% of locals prefer grabbing quick bites at small, independent stalls rather than big global chains. Plus, about one in five Londoners tries a new fast food place at least once a month. People in London are picky—and proud—about their fast food.

Even traditional fast food is flipped on its head. Fish and chips lands on posh brioche, nuggets come dusted with truffle, and kebabs are drizzled with hand-made sauces instead of neon-orange chili ooze. This city has a habit of taking the world’s best quick London meals and playing with the recipes—no two bites ever feel quite the same.

Bottom line? London’s fast food scene is refreshingly unpredictable. Whether you’re a meat-lover, a vegan, or just plain curious, there’s always a line-up of grab-and-go eats you won’t get anywhere else.

Where to Find the Best Quick Bites

As far as fast food in London goes, you’re spoiled for choice, but the real magic happens off the beaten path. Chain giants like McDonald’s and KFC are everywhere, sure, but what about those local gems you’ll remember long after your trip?

Let’s break down where to look:

• Soho and Chinatown: For quick Asian fusion, bao buns at Bao Soho or street-food style noodles at Wok to Walk. Golden Union dishes up old-school fish and chips fast—no fuss, just flavour.
• Carnaby Street: Kingly Court hides some indie street food stalls and pizza counters. Try Pizza Pilgrims for slices in minutes or Pastaio for fresh pasta to go.
• Shoreditch: You’ll want to hit up food markets like Boxpark or Dinerama for everything from Korean fried chicken at Coqfighter to gourmet vegan burgers at Eat Chay. Shoreditch is king for next-level London street food.
• Camden Market: Forget boring sandwiches. Here it’s all about loaded halloumi fries, Sri Lankan kothu, or Argentine steak wraps. Most stands will have your food ready before you finish scrolling Instagram.
• Brick Lane: Where bagels go 24/7—Beigel Bake is the late-night hero. Also look for Delhi Grill (fast Indian street eats) and Mooshies, if vegan comfort food is your thing.

Looking for known names that aren’t just standard chains? Honest Burgers (branches citywide) flips fresh British beef or vegan patties in minutes. Leon focuses on healthy fast food with salmon salads and jerk chicken wraps. You’ll also find Shake Shack at Covent Garden for classic speedy burgers and fries.

If you’re around train stations, Paddington and King’s Cross both have quick bite hotspots in their concourses. But for real character, food halls like Market Halls Victoria pull together tons of fast options under one roof.

Most of these spots also run on apps like Deliveroo or Uber Eats if you need quick London meals to-go. If you’re nearby, don’t hesitate to just walk up—London’s fast food is built for busy people, so queues move quick and portions don’t mess around.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

Worried about prices? Don’t be. Fast food in London covers all budgets, and you don’t need deep pockets to eat well. Street-level kebab shops and classic chicken takeaways often start at £3–£5 for a meal deal. For something a bit trendier, like a bao bun or a Korean fried chicken burger, expect to pay around £6–£9. Big brand burger joints and premium fast-casual places—think Shake Shack or Honest Burgers—run closer to £12–£15 for a combo with fries and a drink.

Some local spots do lunch specials or early evening deals. For example, many Vietnamese banh mi shops in Shoreditch offer a sandwich plus a drink for £7 before 2pm. Gravitate towards lunch hours if you want more bang for your buck.

Here's a quick price guide for common London street food options:

If you’re eating in Central London or near big tourist spots, prices almost always creep up. Head a few stops out on the tube and you’ll find cheaper bites without any drop in quality. Also, stick to independent takeouts and food markets for the best deals and some really fun surprises.

Cash is pretty much history; nearly everywhere takes contactless or card. Keep an eye out for portions, too—some of these fast food hits bring serious value, especially at lunch time.

Tasty Fast Food Hacks and Tips

Navigating the fast food in London scene is way simpler—and more fun—when you know a few inside tricks. Let’s get you fed faster, for less, and with a lot more flavour.

• Skip Peak Times: Lunch hour (12–2pm) gets crazy, especially around Oxford Street and work hubs like Canary Wharf. If you can eat a little earlier or later, you’ll dodge the queues and sometimes even snag fresh-out-of-the-fryer meals.
• Street Food Apps: Download apps like KERB and StreetDots. They show you which food trucks or pop-ups are open near you. You’ll find limited-time dishes and exclusive discounts you won’t get by just wandering around.
• Meal Deals Are Gold: Local favourites like Leon, POD, or Wasabi often bundle a main, drink, and snack for far less than buying separate items. Even Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Boots offer simple meal deals you can grab in a pinch.
• Go Off the High Street: Touristy zones have higher prices. Go a street or two away from big attractions for cheaper and way tastier options—think Brixton Market or Camden for indie gems.
• Custom Orders: Most spots (even fast chains) let you swap sauces or toppings. Want peri-peri sauce on your chicken wrap? Just ask. Spots like Dishoom and Honest Burgers are known for customizing orders.
• Save with Loyalty Schemes: Download loyalty apps from spots like Greggs, Pret, or Itsu. Scan in store and score freebies after just a few visits.

Curious about how costs stack up for London fast food? Here’s a quick look at a few classic items and their rough average prices as of this year:

One last tip: London’s fast food tends to close early in residential areas—usually by 9 or 10pm. For late-night cravings, stick close to Soho, Shoreditch, or the bigger train stations where you’ll find 24-hour eats. Don’t forget, some takeaway joints only accept card payments now. Pack your debit card or phone wallet, just in case.

FAQ: Fast Food in London

Fast food in London is a curious mix of old favorites and new trends. Here’s a rundown of the questions people actually want answered when they’re hungry and on the go.

1. Where can I find quick but good quality fast food in London?

The city’s packed with chains like Greggs, Pret, and Leon, but if you’re after something unique, try a street food market like Borough Market, Boxpark Shoreditch, or Camden Market. For a reliable local sandwich, the corner shops near train and tube stations do surprisingly fresh deals around lunchtime.

2. Are there any famous British fast food chains to try?

• Greggs (iconic for sausage rolls and vegan bakes)
• Pret A Manger (quick salads, wraps, and organic coffee)
• LEON (healthier take on fast food, including vegan and gluten-free)
• Chicken Cottage (classic fried chicken, thriving late at night)

3. Is it easy to get vegetarian or vegan fast food in London?

Absolutely. Vegan and vegetarian options are just about everywhere now—look for chains like LEON, Pret, and even McDonald’s for a McPlant. At street markets, vendors are used to catering for all diets, so you won’t go hungry if you don’t eat meat.

4. How much should I expect to pay for a fast food meal?

5. What are the opening hours for fast food places in London?

Most city centre branches and chains (like McDonald’s or KFC) open from 6 or 7 am and stay open until midnight. In busy areas like Soho, chicken shops and kebab places often go until 3–4 am. Markets and pop-ups usually run lunch and early evening only.

6. Can I order London fast food for delivery?

Yep—apps like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat cover fast food in London pretty much anywhere. Some street food spots even partner with these apps, though you’ll get a smaller menu than in person.

7. Are there any iconic local fast foods I should try?

• Fish and chips (many chippies offer takeout for under a tenner)
• Chicken shop meal deals (wings, fries, and a drink for £3–£5)
• Bao buns (steamed buns filled with all sorts—Camden is a top spot for these!)
• East London bagels (Brick Lane Beigel Bake is open 24/7)

This might not answer every single question you could have, but it covers the big ones. As trends change, so does the scene—so don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it’s just a late-night kebab from a place you’ve never heard of.