I'd say Mum, but then it must have been by osmosis. She's a great cook but refused to teach me how to cook, quoting her own mum 'If you like to eat, you'll learn to cook'. So I left home without knowing anything, met my husband years later who taught me quite a bit, and now I cook for both of them! My mum even calls me to get recipes! Full circle...
Chowki, the indian restaurant in Denman St, behind Piccadilly Circus http://www.chowki.com/
Or the Japanese restaurant on Hanover Sq (near Oxford St) which is on a corner and looks like a cafeteria (can never remember the name)
Or any of the lebanese Maroush restaurants on Edgware Rd
The Med Kitchen chain is also good value, there is one on St Martin's Lane
My mom taught me to read a recipe from start to finish before you begin. My dad taught me to improvise.
My dad. He is an amazing cook and loved to try new, different things. My mom hated cooking - probably because she was a stay at home mother of four. I also learned from waitressing and being around chefs. Now I learn from blogs and food tv and my very good friend who is into food.
My mom. She's a great cook and I wish I could cook like her... I'm just happy I've built up enough skill not to starve. ;)
My mom, but also PBS cooking shows and books, oh and a restaurant in Germany where I loved the dish so much the chef actually came out of the kitchen and talked me through how to make it when I got back to the states.
Glad to be of service. A couple more ideas: I just went to a fantastic restaurant in Spitalfields Market called Canteen. Very traditional English food (roasts, pies, sausages, potatoes, lemon curd, etc.) thoughtfully sourced and perfectly done. It's very reasonable, but even if it wasn't it would still be worth a visit. Right next door is a branch of Leon, which is basically posh fast food and has become a London obsession. Great organic meat, lovely fish, lots of veggie and vegan choices. Spitalfields market is generally worth a look anyway - SM Cafe is another good, cheap option.
If anyone wants any more suggestions for cheap eats in London, let me know. I have more ideas than it would be fitting to list.
Thanks for the tips, Caley. Doesn't matter how old the question is (and this one isn't that old), we're just happy you're sharing your intel with us. Cheers!
Oh, and one more suggestion. If you are in London on a Friday, go to Burrough Market for Lunch. They're open on Saturdays too, but it gets so crowded that it just isn't worth it. You can get an organic sausage roll or a falafel, or one of hundreds of other choices and, if it's not raining, sit in the shadow of Southwark Cathedral to eat.
I know this question is kind of old, but just thought I'd add my two cents. Rasa in Stoke Newington does amazing Kerelan cuisine. Try their beetroot curry - it's one of the most delicious things I've ever had in my mouth! Food for Thought is a vegetarian favourite in Neal Street, cheap and cheerful. It gets crowded quickly, so you need to get there early. The Green and Red in Brick Lane has unusually tasty Mexican food for London (lots of slow braised meats). It's not exactly cheap, but it's very reasonable. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, walk down Bethnal Green Road and go to a proper East End caff - E Pelicci is in a classic art deco space, and they serve great fried breakfast. Just down the street from them is a place that sells pies (I'm blanking on the name). I think they also do jellied eels if you're feeling brave. Finally, most of the curry places in Brick Lane are rubbish, but Sweet and Spicy is a Bengali workers' cafe, and it does great, very authentic, food for under a fiver. Make sure to get their chana dal, but avoid their naan breads, which are the one weak link.
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