I love all kinds of food but I prefer dishes with character or flavor. And though I don’t like extremely flavored food (e.g., extremely hot/spicy/sweet/sour), I am definitely not a big fan of subtly flavored. I consider those occasions lost meal opportunities (we’re only allowed three big meals a day right?).

If I were to choose my favorite cuisine, it would be Thai food. Thai food generally has that just ample complexity in taste. It’s the kind of cuisine that can combine all taste flavors in one perfect dish. And isn’t that the kind of food that you can’t stop eating, the one whose taste is so intriguing yet you can’t put a finger on it? For instance, it’s only when I’m eating Thai fried rice (‘khao pad’ in Thai) that I can finish one big heaping plate of rice.

But then, I like other kinds of cuisine too. Variety is something that is very important to me as well. I can name at least one dish from each cuisine that I truly love.

The restaurant scene in London can be quite a challenge to navigate. For starters, restaurant prices can be highly variable. You can find a restaurant where a main dish for one person can cost GBP25 and let’s face it, if you’re a tourist, it's possible that you would think this to be really expensive. Unfortunately, for most Londoners, this kind of dining out expense isn't something that will make them flinch. This means you would really have to adjust your budget upwards if you want to experience some memorable dining out.

If you’re willing to do this one-time mental adjustment and you can relate to my taste preferences as described above, you would find the following list of restaurants a treasure trove. These are the restaurants where I have eaten at and consider my dining experience with them memorable and hence worth adjusting my budget for. Oh and don’t worry, you’ll just spend at most GBP25 (or even as low as GBP15) for two people at any of these restos.

Hare and Tortoise

This is for when you’re craving Japanese soup or ramen. I have eaten in three other ramen shops that are just as well-known (some even more well-known) but it is only at Hare and Tortoise where I find the taste of the soup authentic and correctly seasoned and the noodles just the right texture. Other wannabe Japanese restos tend to overly-season soups or overcook the noodles. Here are the prices for their ramen:

Tofu and Vegetable Ramen GBP 5.25

Miso Ramen GBP 5.75

Grilled Chicken Ramen GBP 6.00

Japanese Udon GBP 6.00

Char Siu Pork Ramen GBP 5.50

Seafood Ramen GBP 6.50

Yupa’s Thai Kitchen

By now, you know I would be looking for a good Thai restaurant here. And no doubt, you’ll find them everywhere here. The best though that I’ve tried is Yupa’s on Chiswick Highstreet. When I say best, I mean they do a really good job of capturing the essence of interestingly flavored Thai food. The other Thai restos I’ve tried are good too but most of them miss that certain taste that really brings you back to the street stalls and restaurants of Bangkok. Try their grilled pork (moo yang), pad thai, and stir-fry morning glory (pak boong). With rice, you’ll just spend GBP 15 for these 3 dishes and that would be good for two people.

Kam Tong Chinese Restaurant

Kam Tong serves the best crispy aromatic duck in London. A medium order would be sufficient for two people. With an order of two small bowls of soup and cokes, it would set you back about GBP 25. I can't say anything more. The duck in itself is worth the trip.

Gaby’s Deli

When you’re in Central London and you just can’t have another KFC meal, try out Gaby’s Deli. This is a very established delicatessen and has quite a selection. Meals can cost GBP6-8 per person which is cheap for central London. Try their chicken tikka masala, really quite good.

Wahaca Mexican Restaurant

For authentic Mexican food, visit Wahaca (they have a branch at Westfield Mall, UK’s biggest mall). Dishes on average cost GBP6.00, so a meal for two can just cost GBP15. Try their chicken burrito (GBP 5.75), slightly spicy, definitely yummy.

Pizza Express

This Italian resto makes good quality Italian food. Although they seem to be just like your typical pizza chains, Pizza Express is a reliable resto for good quality, freshly made Italian food. Pizzas good for two can cost about GBP 8.00. Try their bruschetta con funghi (GBP 4.35) for appetizers, a very good combination of mushrooms, greens and béchamel sauce.

Inamo Japanese Resto

The food here is good. Not the best Japanese I’ve ever had but worth your GBP10 (pre-theater dinner combo meal) especially if you consider that this is the most modern, automated restaurant in London. Their automated ordering and check-out system has many functionalities. For instance, by working with your table's mouse, you can change the design of your table, watch your food being prepared through remote camera access, and play games and look at the city map while waiting for your food. This is truly one of a kind in London.

Honestly, if you’re a tourist on a really tight budget, the groceries are your best bet for decent food (although their pre-packed and would need to be microwaved). Their dessert selection is even better both in taste and price (have you tried the cream custard eclairs at Tesco’s? They just cost GBP 1.00 for 4 pieces a box!).

But if you have made an effort to set aside money for food and willing to spend at least GBP 8.00 per meal, the above restos are sure ball which will have you remember London not just as a sightseeing place but as a food paradise too.