London’s lunch scene isn’t a quick bite; it’s a smorgasbord of some of the world’s most vibrant food cultures. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, the restaurants across the city offer fresh, unexpected flavours that make the midday meal something to savour. Whilst the entire list could take years to read, the following three restaurants stand out from the crowd as absolute must-tries. From Sri Lankan dosas to Nepalese dumplings, each spot provides more than just great food—they deliver an experience. Here’s a closer look at why Hoppers, Jugad, and Eat MoMo should be on your lunch radar.
Hoppers: Sri Lankan Flavours, Big Portions
If you’ve lived in London for any amount of time, you’ve likely heard of Hoppers. Known for its bold Sri Lankan cuisine and buzzing atmosphere, this popular spot has outposts in Soho, King’s Cross, and Marylebone, making it easy to visit no matter where you are in the city. While Hoppers is no stranger to long lines, their new ‘Taste of Hoppers’ set lunch menu is worth the wait—especially when you consider the sheer amount of food that lands on your table for just £45 per person.
The meal kicks off with banana chips and spicy hot butter squid, the kind of starters that wake up your palate without overwhelming it. The star of the show is their iconic dosa, a perfectly crispy, rice-flour pancake served with a range of dipping sambols like dhal kari, tangy pol sambol, and sweet seeni sambol. You’ll also dig into rich curries like the spiced lamb kari and their legendary black pork curry—both packing enough depth of flavour to keep your lunch break going a little while longer.
Finish with Wattalapam, a Sri Lankan dessert that’s a delightful twist on bread and butter pudding, offering comfort and a hit of nostalgia, even if it’s a dish you’re trying for the first time. With generous portions and an unbeatable price, Hoppers is perfect for when you want something hearty, bold, and different.
Jugad: Camden’s Luxury Take on Indian Street Food
Jugad may have started as a humble lockdown delivery service, but its meteoric rise to a bricks-and-mortar location in Camden Market proves there’s more to this story. Set in the historic Camden stables, the restaurant’s quirky atmosphere makes it more than just another Camden food stop—think exposed brick, remnants of horse stalls, and plenty of character to match the menu.
Jugad’s menu reinterprets classic Indian street food with a modern twist. Take the quail Scotch egg—a bold interpretation of the British pub classic, but here it’s stuffed with curried crab and served with a sweet-spicy tomato chutney that makes you rethink the whole dish. Or try the sticky chicken wings with pomegranate sauce and wholegrain mustard, striking a balance between rich and tangy that leaves you reaching for another.
For mains, the Kashmiri lamb is melt-in-your-mouth tender, paired with fresh papaya chutney, while vegetarians will love the curried paneer served with a silky saag puree. Jugad’s masala chips and beetroot poriyal on the side offer a satisfying crunch and spice, rounding out a menu that’s inventive without losing its roots.
Jugad’s success as a street food pop-up has seamlessly translated into this intimate, stable-turned-restaurant, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the usual Camden fare and dive into something special.
Eat MoMo: Nepalese Dumplings With a Kick
For a taste of Nepalese street food in the heart of London, Eat MoMo is the place to be. Specialising in momos—Nepalese dumplings that are the perfect marriage of texture and flavour—this spot takes a simple concept and elevates it with fresh ingredients and a spicy punch.
Their pork momos are juicy and flavorful, wrapped in soft, handmade dough that melts in your mouth. But don’t stop at dumplings. The Aalu ko Achar salad, a mix of potato, cucumber, carrot, red onion, and a sprinkling of nigella seeds, provides a bright, tangy counterpoint to the dumplings’ rich flavour. And for something unexpected, the Dhungri ra Makai—a dish of chickpea flour chips and popcorn—offers a simple, satisfying, crunchy snack. Finish your meal with the Happy Endings Ice Cream Sandwich—a playful dessert in three flavours that bring a light-hearted close to a memorable lunch.
What makes Eat MoMo truly stand out, though, is how straight forward everything is. Each dish bursts with carefully balanced spices, offering a lunch that’s satisfying but never heavy, whilst all being available quickly and always as you want it.
A Lunch Beyond Expectations
London is full of dining options, but when it comes to lunch, it’s easy to fall into the same old routine. Hoppers, Jugad, and Eat MoMo offer a break from the predictable, giving you a chance to explore the city’s vibrant global food scene without venturing far. These aren’t just meals—they’re moments to indulge in inventive, flavour-packed dishes that surprise and satisfy. When lunch becomes the best part of your day, it’s clear you’ve found something special.
