Kua 'Aina, the hawaiian barbecue in London

Exterior, Carnaby Street

A few weeks ago we found this gem. We were on our way somewhere else, but we have walked so much in Hyde Park and Oxford Street that I could not feel my feet, so I wanted to sit as soon as possible.

Basement

My boyfriend wanted a burger and I was not really hungry, but I could not resist to trying something new , so I ordered one for me as well. 

Burger with a full avocado

So I decided for an avocado burger. To be honest, I was not really sure what I was ordering, last time I went to Nando's (which I hate) I ordered one mushroom wrap and there was no chicken in it, only a big mushroom and a sad cheese! 

Eating in London for less than 10£

Some people might say London is a really expensive city, that the lifestyle is too expensive. And I say: it depends. Don't you believe me? Read this entry.

We can't deny that the British Pound worths much more than other currencies like the Euro or Dollar. So, with the exchange rate, yes, it could look much more expensive. But happens to be that we spend a lot of money in eating while on holidays. London is the city of the take away. A few of us bring food to work, most live on sandwiches and the take away for most of the  month. And that is the reason why eating out is really cheap. Sometimes it even turns out to be cheaper buying out than cooking at home. So I give you a list of restaurants that appear all around England and that are a good option is you are travelling on a tight budget or you just do not want to wast any time and enjoy the city to the full.

I give you all the restaurants were you can eat (main dish and soft drink) for under 10£ per person without having to stand. And I want to make really clear that I am only talking about chains, but all along UK there are thousands of similar independent companies that offer the same, you just need to look a bit around.

Ping Pong: This is a Chinese food chain serving mainly dim sums. The little steamed bites are a healthy and tasty alternative. They always have offers at lunch time and even at diner. They also have other traditional Chinese food, but that would go out of our budget. They are proper restaurants, not for fast food.

Itsu: This is a Japanese, also really healthy, but the shops are more to eat fast than enjoying a quiet night. They mainly have sushi, salads and noodles or rices.

Wasabi: another Japanese, really similar to Itsu, but I always think they have more to choose from.  

Pizza Express: many Italians would tell you this is not the authentic Italian pizza. To be honest, I have seen so many types of pizza, that I do not know what is authentic and what is not. The pizzas, salads and pastas are quite well and they are around 7-9£, although the restaurants look quite more expensive than that! They have been awarded with the best pizza award in 2012. 

Strada: quite similar to Pizza Express, it is a bit more expensive and I personally do not like it as much, but it is also a really good option. 

Wagamama: I am not a fan of this one, but I include it here because it is quite popular in the country. Japanese food without sushi. The tables are to share, but they have waiter service.
Wetherspoon: This one is about pubs. Because pubs have generally good food, mainly English dishes and the prices are really popular. Wetherspoon has really cheap prices and all their pubs look independent from one another. Be careful going with children as some of them do not allow them in depending on their emergency exits.
Nando's: I am not a fan at all, but everybody else seem to love it. They mainly do chicken. Yes, only chicken and some vegetarian dishes.

I will keep adding as soon as I remember more, but I can assure you will find most of them in any city across UK.

Food in Spain: the definitive guide to not get lost ordering

People has some clear ideas about Spain. We cook everything with chorizo and tapas are the same you can find outside Spain, are the more common topics. Both of them are not true. We like chorizo, but not that much and tapas are not the typical tapas you know. Confused? I want to help you choosing your lunch. Take a look :)

• TAPAS: is usually a small portion of food. But the quantity is not the same (as well as the price) in all parts of Spain. In the North and South we like everything big, that is why our tapas are cheaper and in comparison just as big as the ones in the rest of Spain.

Tapa in the North

Tapas as you know them

Can you spot the difference? Yeah, I know all of them are in the same plate, but do no look at that. Tapas, as Spaniards know them, are small and for one. Whereas the ones on the bottom are for sharing. These last ones are the ones you know. Not clear? Take a look to the price. Tapas for one range from 80 cents (yes, they DO exist!) to 2€; tapas to share are over 3€. In Catalonia you can find these type of tapas.

• PINCHOS (or pintxos): they are smaller than the tapas and are supposed to last one or two bites. Definitive hint: they come on bread or with a toothpick.

• RACION: This is how we like to share. Ración are a big portion of food for two or more. We usually order several raciones when we go out with friends. I recommend you do the same to try several delicacies. 

There are places where the raciones are so big that we order half ración. But I think you can get an idea.

With these tips you should be the master of Spanish food and do not have any problems ordering. And I am sure you willl get the best taste of Spain.

Photos: Google, I promise to get original ones.

Cubana Restaurant- London (UK)

There are a few Cuban places in London, but relating to proper Cuban food, this is the first time I find it freshly made. In previous ocassions I have been really disappointed with supposed "Cubans" that offer nachos and even Padron peppers. Yes, you can't fool me with Cuban Padrón peppers, they are from where I was born in Spain. But this restaurant is different. Only looking at the facade, you realise you can expect some Cuban atmosphere.

Once inside, everything remembers to Cuba: the flags, the communist propaganda, Ché, the mojitos, the loud music and that spark that only Cubans have. Because here, most of the staff is Cuban. Let's say this is a proper Cuban.

I have been twice already and the place was completely full. It's not easy as there are loads of space and the tables are spread in several rooms, allowing you the perfect intimacy a birthday celebration among your friends require.

ropa vieja

Having eaten both times I must recommend you ropa vieja, that was extraordinary. Also the vegetarian platter, croquettes and prawns were pretty good.
I am not discovering anything new saying the menu is not really choiceful, there's not a lot either to choose from in paladares and restaurants in Cuba, but I am sure you can find something you like.

vegetarian platter

Cons? They will need an extra hand serving. They are too busy for the staff they have and a bit of organization.

coated prawns

Plus, this place is perfect to have a few drinks! They have a good choice of cocktails that are freshly made while you wait. There is alittle problem: there is not enough space for this during diner and lunch times. Although as I said, the place is quite big, the tables are all reserved for people that are actually eating, so only the bar remains for the rest. And it is also at the entrance, where people is passing by all the time. Did I say already that this place is always F-U-L-L?

They also offer the posibility of reserving one of their areas for birthdays, parties, etc...

Tip: book in advance, it's always full.

Category: Cuban
Waitress: 7
Toilets: 8
Decoration: 9
Price: 7
Location: 8
Comodity: 6
Variety of the menu: 6
Valuation of the food: 8

Valuation of the service: 5
Visited: January 2013

GENERAL VALUATION: 7

8 Lower Marsh

Londres SE1 7RG

Tel: 00 44 (0) 20 7928 8778

reservations@cubana.co.uk 

Web

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La Siesta Tapas-London (UK)

Probably the best and most typical Spanish Tapas bar in London, La Siesta Tapas is allocated close to the Broadway in Ealing.

I have been a couple of times before to Spanish restaurants were the food is average but the price is high. This one unites quality and reasonable price.
We will not talk about my concept of tapas, as the people from the North of Spain are used to smaller plates around 1-1.50€, while the people from the rest of Spain pay around 3.50-4€ for a slightly bigger amount of food. That is also what you are expecting from a tapa outside Spain. 

paella

We were a group of 10 and ordered food from the 13£ menu. We though the 9£ one is too little if you are hungry. But actually, when we saw the amount of food in each plate, we thought it was good compared with other places. Also, some people ordered apart from the menu ie: paella and us the Padrón peppers. If you have never tried them, you should. They come from my region, Galicia and we say: uns pican e outros non. Translating: Some of them are spicy and the rest are not. The trick? You never know what you are getting until the pepper is in your mouth. They are delicious, believe me :)

Padrón peppers

The jamón serrano and the manchego cheese were really tasty, also the prawns, the meatballs and the fish. The squid was really good, but the tortilla was a bit disappointing: dry and with a brown onion that made it look like it was surprise omelette, but it wasn´t. 

Waiters could be a bit more friendly instead of so serious. It wasn´t a busy night and they look to be in a rush all the time! Although the food arrive soon, there is no reason not to smile.

Overall, a good place to eat!

Category: Spanish/tapas
Waiters: 6
Toilets: 6
Decoration: 7
Price: 8.5
Location: 6
Variety on the menu: 9
Evaluation of the food: 8
Disalbed adapted: no
Went on: September 2011

Overal: 7.5

La Siesta Bar De Tapas
11 Bond Street,
Ealing, London,
W5 5AP London

Web

Phone: 0208 810 0505

Restaurant deals on-line

If you like going out for dinner, you will love these websites where you can get great discounts or even dine for free! What do you need to do? As easy as booking on-line:

• Toptable.com: 

1. Book, enjoy, rate, comment and you will get points. 
2. When booking 7 restaurants, the 8th is free. 
3. Plus, they have discounts and offers where you can still get points.
4. Confirmation of booking will come in a few minutes.
5. Bookings available in several countries.

• Bookatable.com: 

1. Book any of their offers and later rate and comment. 
2. You will not get points or anything for free, not that I am aware of.
3. Confirmation online straight away.
4. Bookings available in several countries.

• Opentable.com

1. Is also Toptable.com, but mainly in the US.
2. Instant confirmation.
3. Gives you points redeemable for dining cheques.

• vouchercloud.com

1. All kind of voucher, not only for restaurants.
2. Booking a table is not an option but you can get 2 for 1 meals, % discounts and more.
3. Print and go.

All of them, have apps for smartphones. See this post about restaurant apps.