The Heat List · No. 1 · October 2026
Hot dishes for cold days.
The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October and the evenings get dark early. Here are fifteen bowls, pies and curries that warm you up, from independent kitchens. Every price we have checked is £10 or less.
London
- 01LaksaNormah's · QueenswaySpicy coconut noodle soup, the dish this family-run café is known for. Now in a new spot inside Queensway Market.Halal (reported)Source: Study InternationalPrice to confirm
- 02Pie and mashM Manze · BermondseyClassic London pie and mash in a historic tiled shop. Vegan option too.Source: Time Out London£6.55
- 03Chicken curryIndian YMCA · FitzroviaHearty canteen curry in central London. Dal from £3.20 if money is tight.Source: Time Out London£6.75
- 04Curried lamb rotiRoti Stop · Stamford HillTrinidadian roti wrapped round curried lamb. Doubles from £4 for a snack.Source: Time Out London£9.00
- 05Roti with lamb curryHawker's Kitchen · King's CrossFlaky roti with a rich lamb curry for dipping, mamak style. Ask for sambal on the side.Halal (reported)Source: Study International£8.99
Manchester
- 06Dal of the dayEighth Day · Oxford RoadLong-running plant-based café by the universities. A bowl of the day's dal for about six pounds.Source: Manchester's Finest, genuinely cheap eats (Jan 2026)About £6
- 07Classic pieV. Goode Pies · Oxford StreetProper pies near Oxford Road. Pie, side and drink meal deal is £9.Source: Manchester's Finest, genuinely cheap eats (Jan 2026)£6.00
- 08Veggie momosTibetan Kitchen · FirswoodSix handmade vegetable momos from a family-run Tibetan kitchen near Old Trafford.Source: Manchester's Finest, genuinely cheap eats (Jan 2026)£6.00
- 09Rice 'n' threeThis & That · Northern QuarterRice with three curries from the day's pots, a city-centre institution. Veggie option too.Source: Manchester's Finest, genuinely cheap eats (Jan 2026)From £6
- 10Mega chicken parathaParatha Hut · LevenshulmeFlaky parathas made to order. Plain ones from £1; the stuffed 'mega' ones are a meal. Aloo and cheese too.Source: Manchester's Finest, genuinely cheap eats (Jan 2026)Under £5
Brighton
- 11Tofu chilli donPompoko · Church StreetSome of the cheapest proper meals in Brighton. Cash only.Source: Student Beans, cheap eats in Brighton (Aug 2026)Price to confirm
- 12Loaded jacket potatoTato & Topping · Churchill SquareThe Classic tato, with cheese and beans, is the one to get. A plain jacket with butter and cheese is £7.50. Collection only.Source: Tato & Topping menu on Just Eat (Oct 2026)£9.50
- 13Pasta WednesdayThe Roundhill · Ditchling RoadEvery Wednesday: a pasta dish and a drink for £10 at this fully vegan pub. Thursday is pie, mash and liquor with a drink for £12.VeganSource: Restaurants Brighton, The Roundhill (2025)£10 with a drink
- 14Donna kebabBeelzebab · Queen's RoadVegan kebabs and loaded fries inside The Hope & Ruin.VeganSource: Restaurants Brighton, vegan guide (Oct 2026)Price to confirm
- 15Build-your-own plateIydea · North LaineVegetarian canteen with plenty of vegan dishes and clear allergen labels. Save room for the vegan brownie.Source: Student Beans, cheap eats in Brighton (Aug 2026)Price to confirm
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Join the Friday DropPrices are as last checked; please confirm with the place before you go. Dietary labels come from the source shown and can change, so always ask. Nobody paid to be on this list.