Borough Market, Southbank

This place is what I would describe as the mecca for the foodies in London.
The Borough Market is the oldest food market in London and is located in close vicinity to the London Bridge. Open on Thursdays: 11 am to 5 pm, Fridays: 12 pm-6 pm and Saturdays: 9 am- 4 p.m. The market is the melting pot of all the essential ingredients required to make your life a feast.
Walk around before you begin purchasing, try out all the free samples, whatever your needs are, be it fresh produce or ostrich meat, I am pretty sure that the Market has the answer for you. For those who are looking for their daily dose of caffeine Monmouth Coffee Company has a stall here, there are also a number of wine sellers, and for health lovers there is stall just for Totally Fresh Organic juices.
Beyond the essential, bread, cheese and wine, the market also has stalls that specializes in various national specialties such as Turkish delights, French caramel creme or the Spanish food stall.
If any of you crave a good, healthy and chemical free burger head towards Northfield farm and try their burgers and sausages for approximately 4 pounds. Its fresh, juicy and just the way a burger should be.
Finally, like every great meal, your experience at the market can end with any variety of deserts. Pick handmade truffles, or fudge or head to the Cinnamon bakery for their acclaimed brownies.
The Borough Market is a gift to all the senses, thus making it an essential component to any London experience.

Jen Cafe, China Town

There are two distinguishing facts about Jen cafe, first it's all green exteriors and the sight of a woman making dumplings. When you enter you will find that the restaurant is small and guests are often expected to share tables with one another. The menu is limited, there is a greater of variety bubble tea, than there is of main dishes. This place is essentially known for "home-made" dumplings and one of the few places in central London where you can enjoy bubble tea in such variety. I did order a dish of roast duck and rice. Though I would not call this dish authentic, it was worth its value.
The main problem with Jen's Cafe is it's limited seating space. The service is so quick that it borders haste. My bill was handed to my hand and instead of counting my change I had to scoop it up and leave. So, if you want to enjoy a relaxing, cheap, mainstream Chinese food head a little further and step into Gerrard's corner or any one of the dozen Chinese eateries in China Town.
Though Jen's Cafe, is not what I will call the most pleasant eating experience, I would take away a glass of mango bubble tea, with a descent and cheap portion of dumplings.

Food For Thought, Neal Street, Covent Garden

There are only few cases where I can enjoy a good meal while having to share a table with complete strangers. This little vegetarian joint at the center of Covent Garden is one of those few cases. Food for Thought, has a one page menu filled with creative vegetarian dishes, that leaves a proud non-veg asking for more. It is a perfect place during the credit crunch, you can easily order a main dish and side salad for lower than 10 quids. I ordered the Moroccan Tagine, which was a stew with chickpeas, aubergines, carrots and all those great things, your mother keeps nagging you about. Sounds boring doesn't it, the dish was mixed well with spices that left a strong but not overwhelming taste behind. The stew was poured over a handful of complimentary unpolished rice ( you get more for additional charges). It was nice and hot, the perfect food temperature cannot be mastered at the franchises of similarly priced restaurants such as Pret a Manger, or Eat. It can only be found in independent restaurants such as this one. The food was wholesome, healthy and most importantly delicious.
Food for Thought has a laid back ambiance with an extremely efficient labor force. If you are planning to eat in, be prepared to queue up on the stairs. The line goes really fast and the bulletin boards always has something interesting to read.
Food For Thought is a must have for any vegetarian visiting the capital, and to those meat lovers give this place a shot. It is a great experiment for a great price.