Cheap Places to Eat in Leicester

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About the author: Hi! My name is Kayleigh Graves, and I am a Journalism and Creative Writing student at the University of Leicester. I spend most of my time out running, watching women’s football, trying to plan my next concert without breaking the bank and questioning how I will make it through my ever-growing tower of books.

On the hunt for cheap places to eat in Leicester? This city may be rightly legendary for its delicious curry houses, but the city’s food spots stretch much further than that. Hidden in different areas are independent gems, making Leicester a fantastic hotspot for good food.

Scoping out local favourites during your time in Leicester is essential and part of the student experience, but it is also important to keep this within the weekly budget.

So that’s exactly what this guide is here to do: to bring you deliciously approved spots that won’t blow your budget and leave you having beans on toast for the rest of the week.

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Top cheap places to eat in Leicester

Whether you know the city well or are just starting as a Fresher, you’ll love these budget places to eat in Leicester!

1. Makaron - Pasta Fresca Bar

Freshly made pasta, the option to choose all of your toppings, and a student discount? Three yeses from me!

Makaron is a delicious halal-friendly pasta bar situated right by New Walk, serving huge bowls of pasta cooked basically in front of you. They also serve the most delicious homemade tiramisu, which is the perfect sweet treat to share with a friend or take home with you for later. Just a quick heads up though.. This has quickly become a fan favourite in the city, so be sure to book online!

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2. Fingerprints Delicafe

This is your spot if you are in need of a classic, comfort fry-up after a night out or just want a nice, hearty meal!

Sitting proudly on Queens Road right by the University of Leicester, Fingerprints Delicafe is a perfect brunch spot with course mates or for when you fancy breakfast being something other than toast. Prices are certainly cheap and cheerful, and with the generous addition of a student discount, there really isn’t a reason not to try out this cheap place to eat in Leicester.

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3. Huns Vegan

Huns Vegan is a gem for those looking for a meat-free alternative takeaway. Although their menu is 100% vegan, you would not believe it when you see their burgers or taste how similar their “beef” burgers are to a meat patty.

Alongside a huge burger or some “chick’hun” tenders, you can make a meal with chips and a drink for just over £11, which is great value considering the portion size. And don’t forget to view the Saver Menu for even better deals! It’s definitely a must-visit if you fancy a takeaway, and they often have deals on UberEats and Deliveroo too. One of the best vegan budget places to eat in Leicester!

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4. Crafty

In the daytime, Crafty serves brunch, varying from delicious subs and waffles to lighter bites. However, from Thursday to Saturday evenings, it opens its burger menu to the public.

Crafty is a must-visit pop-up spot located in the famous St Martin’s Square, but it is definitely one of the best cheap places to eat in Leicester city centre. They also allow furry friends in, too, which is nice to see if you’re used to having a pet by your feet at dinner time at home!

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5. Spice Bazaar

It is hard to choose just one from the amazing selection of curry houses in Leicester, but when it comes to both quality and price, Spice Bazaar is definitely up there.

Offering delish authentic Indian cuisine in their restaurant on Welford Road (right by the popular student housing area Clarendon Park), they offer a variety of dishes that can be cooked to your taste for extremely affordable prices. The restaurant is always busy and delivers plenty of takeaways for a very good reason!

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6. Uncle J's

Uncle J's is a secret hidden steal in Leicester for cheap and tasty Chinese and Indian food, and it’s even better when you can snag a great deal.

You can create your own box (including a main, side, and drink) or grab a Bento Box, ideal for those seeking variety without the restaurant price tag. And if you don’t fancy something heavy, you can grab a delicious (and affordable!) bubble tea.

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7. Barceloneta

Rounding up our list of cheap eats in Leicester, this Spanish tapas bar is perhaps a little more pricey than the other options here, but with the 10% student discount, this is a great option for when you are fancying a meal out with friends to grab some picky bits.

These classic Spanish dishes are simply impossible to replicate at home and great to share over a catch-up with friends in a lively but sophisticated atmosphere, for when you fancy getting a little bit more dressed up. Barceloneta is also a certified Instagram-worthy spot!

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Ultimately, being a student is more than just attending lectures - it’s about discovering the character of your city itself. And while it’s easy to stick to the chains you know, there is a vibrant life to Leicester found in great food spots that offer tasty, high-quality food often without the hefty price tag.

So the next time you go to order from the chain you always go to, grab your student ID, rally your friends and flatmates and explore some of these ​cheap places to eat in Leicester instead. Your taste buds (and student loan) will thank you!

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Need somewhere to take your takeaway back to?

Now that you’ve explored our list of cheap places to eat in Leicester city centre, don’t forget to sort out your student accommodation. You’ll need somewhere to call home while you study in this East Midlands city, so don’t leave it until the last minute! With UniHomes, you can filter your search and find your perfect Leicester student home by number of bedrooms, price tag, and more.

Remember to check when to start looking for student accommodation, so you and your flatmates can get sorted without any stress.

Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.