7 of the Finest Fast Food Restaurants in London
Fast food fancy enough for the discerning fine diner...
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Fast food doesn’t have to be all greasy burgers and half-warmed chips. Though the genre of speedy and drive-thru dining has earned itself a moderately bad reputation, London’s plethora of fancy fast food hot spots are certainly changing the game. From a brand new Middle Eastern eatery to sophisticated dishes from one of London’s best hotels, here is our guide to the finest fast food restaurants in London…
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7 of the Finest Fast Food Restaurants in London
Pho & Bun, Shaftesbury Avenue
Renowned for its delectable signature steamed bao bun burgers, filled with the likes of confit pork belly, crispy lemongrass chicken and grilled aubergine with sweet potato and wasabi dill mayonnaise, this Vietnamese eatery serves up Southeast Asian fast food at its best. Bored of your stereotypical hamburger and fries? Opt in for a bao bun with sticky honey wings on the side and add a dollop of home-made chilli mayonnaise for good measure. If you’re not a burger fan at all, then dig into a bowl of pho noodle soup, a gloriously traditional Viet dish comprising of delicate rice noodles, warming broth and fresh herbs. 76 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1. vieteat.co.uk
The Goring Hotel, Westminster
Westminster’s The Goring Hotel offers fast food at its finest. Set within the luxury hotel’s opulent and decadent settings, indulge in The Goring Bar’s latest menu, curated by renowned chef and cookbook author Nathan Outlaw, which comprises of fast food-inspired dishes, but with a sophisticated high-class twist. Delight in lobster scampi with chilli and pepper jam, chorizo and chipolatas with homemade brown sauce, along with crab scones, crispy fish and baby baked potatoes with caviar. Pair with a cocktail infused with hand-picked herbs from the hotel garden or a fancy glass of bubbles. 15 Beeston Pl, Westminster, SW1. thegoring.com
Eggslut, Portobello Road
This fast food eatery has mastered the art of the gourmet egg. Think ground angus beef cheeseburgers topped with deliciously oozy eggs, or soft scrambled eggs and chives served in warm brioche buns; however you like your eggs in the morning (or any time of day for that matter), you’re guaranteed to find a sandwich to suit you. What’s more, all eggs are free range, supplied from Clarence Court (Burford Browns), while all fluffy buns are produced by Borough Market’s Bread Ahead Bakery. 185 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill, London W1. eggslut.com
CHIK’N, Soho
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Vegetarians, turn away; this is a fast food joint for the fried-chicken enthusiast. Think KFC but with a more sophisticated twist, CHIK’N dishes up fast but fresh food from the vibrant settings of its Marylebone and Soho stores. The restaurant’s tasty menu features the likes of ‘K-Town Double Trouble’, a double crispy chicken fillet sandwich topped with Korean glaze and all the trimmings, ‘Gunpowder Fries’ with masala curry shake, and a selection of wings and tenders (naked or hot, the choice is yours). 187 Wardour St, Soho, London W1. chikn.com
Fafa’s, Seven Dials
Having recently opened this September in Covent Garden’s Seven Dials, Fafa’s is bringing a taste of middle eastern flavour to the realms of the London fast food world. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, this Tel Aviv-inspired eatery has got your fast food fix covered, even serving up cocktails for late night diners. The Monmouth Street menu features an array of flavoursome Middle Eastern dishes, including mezze boxes with tabbouleh and matbucha, falafel pittas to be paired with the likes of halloumi, hummus, goat’s cheese and pesto, and moreish sweet potato fries with tzatziki on the side. 1 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden, WC2. fafas.co.uk
Pilau, Fitzrovia
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For delicious Indian street food on-the-go, Pilau is the ideal destination. Fusing quality Indian spices and ingredients with the concept of fast food culture, Pilau have created a space where Londoner’s can tuck into their favourite Eastern dishes within the cosy setting of their contemporary inner-city stores, or take away for a fresh Indian feast enjoyed at home or out and about. Menu highlights include Keralan coconut chicken, grilled paneer salad and an array of must-have sides including special house slaw, shoestring bhaji and pickled radishes. 34 Goodge St, Fitzrovia, London W1. pilaurestaurant.co.uk
Kerb, Seven Dials
Fancy fast food but just can’t decide what to choose? Head to KERB’s new Seven Dials Market for a diverse range of fast food eateries, spanning Mexican, Italian, Chinese cuisine and more. Located within the extensive 19th Century Thomas Neal’s Warehouse in London’s West End, the brand new street-food destination plays host to 25 independent food retailers, sectioned into two areas; Banana Warehouse features a colourful range of street food restaurants including Club Mexicana and Monty’s Deli, while Cucumber Alley comprises of specialist London producers such as Lithuanian-inspired bakery Karaway and Taiwanese pancake makers Wheelcake Island. From decadent pasta at Strozapretti (curated by the founders of Franco Manca), to Pick & Cheese delicacies enjoyed via the world’s first ever cheese conveyer belt, there is guaranteed to be something to satisfy any fast food connoisseur’s taste buds. 35 Earlham St, London WC2. sevendialsmarket.com
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