The best affordable restaurants in Hackney

Get a taste of Vietnamese food with a twist from the Xi'an region of China at Green Papaya Xi'Viet on Mare Street. Everything at this affordable Hackney restaurant is prepared with the freshest ingredients, with a menu filled with meat and fish dishes, noodles, and hearty pho, served in-house or available to order for takeaway.

Step into Greece at this little Hackney eatery on Homerton High Street. Flavour-packed Greek food comes plentiful and cheap here, with a classic menu of gyros and souvlaki wraps stuffed with traditional fillings such as halloumi and vegetables or Greek sausages. It's very laid-back, with one or two tables for those who can't wait until they get home to chow down.

The Lord Napier Star was a derelict building for many years before relaunching as a graffitied Hackney Wick landmark. Enjoy a stunning sunset over Victoria Park from the rooftop alongside a bite to eat from the downstairs bar. They host a regularly changing line-up of kitchen residencies serving up all sorts of tasty street food on the cheap.

Although the food on this 125-year-old Dutch barge might set you back a little more than you want to spend, if you dine in their garden, you can chow down on their more affordable street-food menu instead, with a selection of burgers and sides to choose from. This affordable restaurant in Hackney is extra vibey in summer, but be sure to check when exactly the garden is open, as it varies throughout the year.

My Neighbours the Dumplings is a popular communal dining spot specialising in different kinds of dim sum and a changing menu of Chinese-style dishes. The budget-friendly Hackney restaurants are stylish, with hanging lanterns, neon lights, and long tables. The menu is designed to be shared, meaning you can try a bit of everything and still keep costs low.

You'll find Yard Sale branches all over the city, including Hackney. Their affordable pizzas are available in 12 and 18 inches, perfect for sharing and saving a little cash. They do everything from the classic margherita to roasted mushroom, aubergine and pepperoni. This casual pizzeria chain is great for when you and your mates want to fill up without emptying your bank account.

Pockets is a plant-based pitta bar in Mentmore Terrace, specialising in falafel-stuffed pittas loaded with pickled veggies and tahini. Grab a pocket and perch on a bench in the neighbouring London Fields to enjoy what might be one of the best affordable meals in Hackney.

You'll find Banh Mi Hoi An right next to Hackney Central Station, serving a selection of traditional Vietnamese sandwiches for takeaway. Enjoy traditional flavours like the char siu or chunky pork belly, or opt for a salad or pho if you don't feel like overloading on carbs. This Vietnamese takeaway spot in Hackney is cheap and cheerful, and the banh mi sandwich will easily keep you out of the red.

Bun & Sum brings LA-style smash burgers to the table, ranging from straightforward classics to fiery chilli cheeseburgers, a playful spin on the Big Mac, and more. A limited-edition burger changes each month, keeping things fresh for repeat visitors. You can round out your order with loaded sides, house-made sauces, and rewards through their loyalty programme. Even without the latter, this is one of the most affordable restaurants Hackney has to offer.

For almost two decades, this family-owned chippy has been dishing up top-tier fish and chips at affordable prices, with house-made pickles adding a tasty twist to each meal. They also offer banana blossom infused with seaweed and samphire, coated in a signature batter, and fried to golden perfection as a vegan alternative.

Hackney is home to Temple of Seitan, a takeaway spot that puts a fully plant-based spin on classic fried chicken. Specialising in seitan-based alternatives, this vegan fast-food joint serves everything from crispy chicken-style pieces to imitation quarter-pounder burgers. You can even order a whole bucket for the full-on chicken shop experience.

Discover the rich flavours of African cuisine at Tomi's Kitchen, a beloved Hackney staple known for its lively vibe and home-style cooking. This well-established spot serves up freshly made, authentic dishes such as spicy pepper soup, jollof rice, and sweet fried plantain. Whether dining in or grabbing a takeaway, guests can expect generous portions and warm, welcoming service at this affordable Hackney restaurant.