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Time Out
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
London's best cheap eats, according to TikTok foodie Sama Ansari Pour
From Iranian street food in Finchley to Bolivian empanadas on the Old Kent Road Every year, Time Out surveys thousands of people around the world to come up with an annual ranking of the world's greatest cities. This year, for the first time, Time Out discovered which locations were best for Gen Z by asking people under 30 what they thought about their city's nightlife, food, culture, access to green spaces, and walkability. It turns out that the UK's best city for Gen Z is Edinburgh, with London coming in a not-too-bad second place. To celebrate London's high ranking placement, we asked Sama Ansari Pour, a Gen Z journalist and content creator who has been eating her way through a host of global cuisines on her TikTok, to recommend her five favourite meals for under £10 in the city. 1. Caspian Lounge, Finchley What is it? One of the few places in London to score authentic Iranian street food. Why Sama loves it: Western eats (think burgers and hot dogs) meet Iranian flavours. saffron-marinated chicken burgers, thick beef Iranian sausage hot dogs topped with a healthy amount of yogurt and dill sauce. Traditional Iranian dishes like kotlet (potato and meat patties) and olivieh (potato salad) are stuffed into sandwiches that'll keep you full all day, but the best thing to order is their special hotdog – tender beef sausage stuffed in a freshly baked baguette with layers of cheese and crunchy vegetables. Thank me later. Sama's tip: Skip the sides (fries and salad) and spend that money on fresh pomegranate juice instead. Address: 427 High Road, Finchley, N12 0AP. Opening hours: 11am-11pm, open every day. Expect to pay: Between £7.99 to £9.99 depending on the sandwich. 2. Enfes Ocakbasi, Haringey What is it? The best lahmacun in London. Why Sama loves it: Because you can order a £4.50 lahmacun and get four to five free starters, as well as free tea, and often free rice pudding as well. It's typical for Turkish restaurants to provide starters for free, but a lot of Turkish restaurants in the city are phasing this out. Not Enfes Ocakbasi. In my experience, no matter what you order, you'll be served hot bread, hummus, cacik, grilled onions and two types of salad. The lahmacun is made fresh and loaded with flavourful meat. It's hard to get a better deal. Sama's tip: Put the salad in the lahmacun, squeeze lemon on it and make it into a big wrap – that's the authentic Turkish way to eat it. Address: 485-487 Green Lanes, Harringay Ladder, N4 1AJ. Opening hours: 11am-12am, Monday to Friday, 11am-1am on the weekends. Expect to pay: Lahmacun costs £4.50. Sama Ansari Pour 3. Salteńas Martin, Old Kent Road What is it? A Bolivian cafe serving excellent empanadas. Why Sama loves it: At Salteńas Martin you can buy multiple baked goods and a drink, and still have change left over from a tenner. Everything is made fresh and you have to try a salteña – a Bolivian-style empanada stuffed with chicken, potatoes, olives and vegetables. Compared to other Latin American empanadas, it kind of reminds me of a xiao long bao because it's so juicy – the flaky pastry is hiding a little soup inside. Sama's tip: Take a bite of the salteña and eat the fillings with a spoon, the traditional Bolivian way. Address: 214 Old Kent Road, SE1 5TY. Opening hours: Mon closed, Tue and Thu 8.30am–5pm, Wed 8:30am–6pm, Fri-Sat 8am–10pm, Sun 8am–9pm. Expect to pay: A salteña costs £2.80, other baked goods start from £1 and the most expensive is £5. 4. Suya Hut, Barking What is it? Perfectly spiced Nigerian barbeque. Why Sama loves it: You can get a huge portion of jollof rice, barbequed meat and salad for £9-10, depending on if you want chicken or beef. It may be one of the best barbeques you'll ever try in your life: it's smoky, spicy, nutty and moreish. The meat is served on a bed of jollof rice, which is possibly one of my favourite rice dishes out there. Spicy, tomatoey, umami – it's hard to stop eating it. The portions are incredibly generous, you'll likely have leftovers for tomorrow's lunch. Sama's tip: Order a Nigerian Fanta for the ultimate authentic experience. Address: 14A London Road, Barking, IG11 8AJ. Opening hours: Thu-Sat, 12–8pm. Expect to pay: £9–10, depending on your choice of meat. Sama Ansari Pour 5. Kulcha Express, Southall What is it? Punjabi comfort food. Why Sama loves it: The best chicken curry I have ever had is served here, and it was only £9.50. It was rich, well-spiced and the chicken was so tender it almost melted – I didn't need a knife at all. You can also grab a freshly made paratha stuffed with onions or cheese. It's a small eatery and filled with locals – it's not fancy, but you won't forget the food. Sama's tip: Skip the rice and get a freshly made roti instead – it's cheaper and mops up the flavours perfectly. Address: 80 South Road, Southall, UB1 1RD. Opening hours: Sun-Thu 10am–10pm, Fri-Sat 10am–10.30pm. Expect to pay: Parathas from £2.50, curries are £9 to £10 depending on the meat. Check out Time Out's full list of the city's best cheap eats right here. Not fussed about price? Here are the 50 best restaurants the city has to offer
Metro
08-08-2025
- Metro
The 5 best lesser-known Spanish destinations tourists often miss
Spain's battle against overtourism has been making headlines for years, with its popular cities and towns struggling to manage the influx of visitors overwhelming local communities. Last year, Barcelona locals resorted to using water guns to deter rowdy tourists, while in Madrid locals protested over rising rent prices, which many attributed to overtourism. Serious' tourism rules have been introduced to reduce the strain on residents, including restrictions on public drinking, partying, and the use of short-term rental services like Airbnb. Most recently, Mallorca residents have written an open letter to tourists, urging them not to come to the island, as they 'face the worst summer in the history of Mallorca'. But despite the deluge of visitors in popular areas, some regions of Spain remain relatively untouched. If you want to avoid the crowds and glares from locals this summer, Metro has rounded up some lesser-known destinations to visit instead. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Often overlooked in favour of Seville, Cadiz is a 3,000-year-old coastal gem and one of the oldest cities in Western Europe. Its quaint streets are steeped in history, lined with sun-drenched plazas, centuries-old churches and whitewashed buildings from its maritime past. Beyond its history, Cadiz boasts golden beaches, a coastal promenade and some of Spain's best seafood. Visitors can soak up the sun at La Caleta Beach, take in panoramic views from Tavira Tower, or explore the old town's winding alleyways. Despite everything it has to offer, it remains far less crowded than Spain's more famous cities. Metro's Sama Ansari Pour visited last year and described Cadiz as 'a walk through time', with every corner offering a glimpse into its past. 'If you're not a fan of big crowds, this lesser-known gem could be perfect for you,' she writes. Cadiz makes for a tempting twin-city break with nearby Jerez de la Frontera, in the heart of Andalusia. Often described as Malaga with fewer crowds, Jerez is the epicentre of flamenco and the birthplace of sherry, the 'remarkable' sweet Spanish wine that's suddenly back in fashion. Jet2 has just launched new flight routes to Jerez from major UK airports including London Stansted, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. Nestled in the charming region of Extremadura, Merida might not boast beaches or a coastline, but it more than makes up for it with its rich history. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC, it's one of Spain's most important archaeological sites. As the capital of Roman Spain, the city is home to some of the most impressive ruins in Europe, including the Roman Amphitheatre and the Temple of Diana. Visitors can also discover the Roman Bridge, which is one of the longest bridges built by the Romans and stretches over the Guadiana River. Located in one of the least visited and underpopulated regions of Spain, it's perfect for those who want to escape the crowds. Plus, Extremadura offers up to £12.6k per year to digital nomads who want to make it their base. Located in the heart of Spain's La Rioja region, Logrono is frequently hailed as one of Spain's hidden gems. While it might not attract the same crowds as some more famous cities, it's considered a must-visit for food and wine lovers. Known for its tapas scene, visitors can hop from bar to bar sampling pintox and local delicacies. It's also the gateway to Spain's iconic wine region, La Rioja, where visitors can tour vineyards and taste world-class wines. The city also boasts medieval streets and historic landmarks like the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Redonda, which features twin baroque towers and intricate interior artwork. Located in central Spain, just two hours away from Madrid, Cuenca is known for its hanging houses that hang over a gorge. The medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is often overshadowed by larger cities in the region, with most visitors being day-trippers from Madrid. One of the town's most iconic features, the hanging houses (Casas Colgadas), are built into the rockface and perch dramatically above the Huécar River gorge. Dating back to the 15th century, some of these houses have since been converted into museums that visitors can explore. Travellers can admire the view of the houses and the unique architecture from the San Pablo Bridge. Beyond the houses, visitors can explore Cuenca's winding medieval streets, walk the hiking trails along the gorge, or visit the nearby Serrania de Cuenca Natural Park. This charming coastal town, tucked away on the edge of Costa del Sol remains a hidden gem despite its location in one of Spain's most visited regions. Metro's Sophie-May Williams visited the 'humble town' last year. She noted that while 12 million international tourists flocked to the Andalusian region in 2023, only 253,376 (2%) stopped in Estepona. Visitors can wander through its picturesque streets, where whitewashed houses are adorned with colourful flowers, like the vibrant bougainvillea that blankets the town. More Trending The heart of Estepona is the Plaza de las Flores, a lively square surrounded by cafes where tourists flock for lunch. There are four main tapas bars in the square, and as Sophie says 'it doesn't matter which one you go to'. For beach lovers, Estepona's coastline offers miles of sandy shores, including the popular Playa de la Rada. Here, you can relax by the crystal clear waters or enjoy a drink at one of the many beach bars. If you're seeking something more adventurous, Estepona also has excellent hiking trails, including the scenic path to the nearby Sierra Bermeja mountains. Metro's Alice Murphy is a big fan of Ronda, a historic cliffside city near Malaga (another underrated spot, according to Alice). Towering 1,063 metres above sea level, Ronda is a writers' paradise: Ernest Hemingway spent many summers there, and it's where the ashes of the great filmmaker Orson Welles were scattered. Framed by mountains and cavernous gorges, this is no 'fly and flop' spot. There are no beaches, but what it lacks in coast it makes up for in architecture (a fascinating blend of Arabic and Moorish), culture and cuisine. While it's getting busier, you still have time to see it at its best if you time your trip carefully. This article was originally published on 21 March 2025 and has been updated. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Portugal airport strike set to impact holidays for 10,000 UK travellers a week MORE: The 'Venice of the Algarve' is an 'understated' gem that's 23C in October with £28 flights MORE: Ibiza 'final boss' launches crypto and rides private jet to claim throne of party island
