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Every day, millions of us do it: pressed for time or deprived of a table, or just from force of habit, we hungrily commit to a takeaway lunch. Something close by, something fast and filling. We set our expectations accordingly for the usual lunch snack of stale sandwich, wilting salad or ice-cold sausage roll…
But it can be so much better; and in London, you don’t even have to look very hard or far for eateries that take a healthier, fresher, more creative approach to the takeaway. Some of these options may even have takeaway meals nearby you right now, just waiting for a chance to reawaken your tastebuds and put some positive flavour into your afternoon.
Vegan
123V
Those looking for plant-based fare will be bowled over by 123V’s menu, created by acclaimed chef Alexis Gauthier. From light salads to substantial burgers to a range of sushi boxes available for pickup or delivery, the food is scrumptious, colourful and absolutely of the highest quality. 63 New Bond St, London W1S 1RQ.
Indian
Dishoom
Their motto is ‘From Bombay with Love’, but it’s their locations in Kensington, Shoreditch, King’s Cross, Carnaby and Covent Garden that make Dishoom an ideal ‘go-to’ for takeaway. The food is eye-opening – fresh meals of beautifully balanced grills, slow-cooked biryani, vegetarian choices and much more. Make lunch a real occasion by topping off your meal with their chilli-laced chocolate pudding. Various locations.
Japanese
Bone Daddies
Wherever you are in London, there’s probably a Bone Daddies within reach – and if your lunchtime tastes run to ramen, you definitely will want to make the effort. Especially appealing for the takeaway/delivery crowd is their dedicated menu of ‘enjoy at home’ dishes, including irresistible classics such as Korean Fried Chicken Wings and ramen topped with soy-marinated eggs. Various locations.
International
Simply Fresh To Go
Simple, fresh, light and nutritious is the order of the day at this casual café-eatery located at The Tower Suites in central London. Choices range from expertly made coffees and teas to satisfying smoothies, desserts of varying degrees of indulgence, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and even hot options like pizza by the slice and pasta. 100 Minories, London EC3N 1JY. Orders: hello@simplyfreshtogo.com
British
40 Maltby St
It’s on the pricey side, and takeaway is available only from Wednesday to Saturday, but sometimes nothing hits the lunchtime spot like classic British cuisine from this Camberwell institution. The menu is ever-changing, but always underpinned with fresh, honest ingredients and flawless preparation. Even the sandwiches have a flavour of nobility about them. 40 Maltby St, London SE1 3PA
FLADDA
Your arteries may twitch, but your tummy will thank you for a serving of straightforward fish and chips from FLADDA. There’s nothing fancy or pretentious here – just the satisfying, timeless pleasures of steak and ale pies, chip shop sausages, saveloys, and of course, great battered slabs of tender, flaky fish, accompanied with chips with just the right touch of crispness. 55 Camberwell Church St, London SE5 8TR
Mexican
Casa Calavera
Much Mexican food seems tailor-made for takeaway – portable, consumable without utensils, and packing a real flavour punch. Indeed, this Central London kitchen offers nothing but takeaway and delivery, though that hasn’t imposed the slightest limitation on its vibrant menu. If you are looking for mouth-watering vegan meal delivery, make sure to try corn taquitos with sweet potato, and vegan cheese with fire roasted salsa.
American
Bad Egg
It’s your way, all day at this American-style City eatery – black pudding omelette with a side of pancakes for lunch? You got it. Double-patty cheeseburger thick enough to dislocate your jaw? No problem! Wash it all down with lashings of milkshake. Takeaway and delivery available. 1 Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9AW
Contact us at
hello@centrallondonalliance.com