Breddos Tacos started as a taco shack in a Hackney car park over 10 years ago – and it’s since become a firm fixture on the London food scene. The menu, conceived by best mates Nud Dudhia and Chris Whitney, is simple, bona-fide Mexican – ceviches, tostadas, quesadillas and, of course, tacos. No knives or forks required.
When he’s not cooking at LA’s Taqueando taco festival or hosting pop-ups at Macau’s Mandarin Oriental, Nud divides his time between Oslo and London, eating virtually every meal out.
“The eagerness of diners to sniff out new places, combined with the risk chefs are taking with niche and regional-focussed concepts makes London such an incredible place to cook and eat,” says Nud. “And it’s rapidly evolving with more and more independents on the rise.”
Here are just a few of his favourites – from his favourite places for classic British fare to must-go spots on a drunken night out. As for his favourite mealtime? “Lunch. Because with the right company, it can turn into dinner.”
Breakfast – Fabrique Bakery
I’m not really a breakfast kind of guy, but if pushed, I’d head to Fabrique Bakery and snaffle a cardamom bun and a couple of filter coffees or to Monty’s Deli for an egg, pastrami and cheese bagel. Just watch out for the explosive cheese sauce when you tuck in.
Lunch – Rochelle Canteen
My favourite meal of the day. I love Rochelle Canteen in Shoreditch. It’s an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of London, with the most beautiful garden to sit in. The food is British and the seasonal menu is in constant flux. The last time I was there, I loved the anchovy toast. And the wine list ticks all the boxes – it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon hiding away from real life that exists beyond its walls.
Snack – Various
So many to choose from! Jen Cafe in Chinatown for the best and cheapest steamed dumplings; Good Friend Chicken for spicy, HUGE chicken cutlets with all the umami seasonings; Breddos for a quick taco in Clerkenwell; Dumpling Shack for lamb cumin belt noodles; and Fin and Flounder for oysters shucked to order.
Dinner – Brawn
I’ve been to Brawn on Columbia Road a few times recently and have been reminded of just how good it is. The food is Italian-inspired with freshly made pasta, incredible seafood and the best starters – always get the anchovies and burrata. The wine list is sensational with some of the best natural wine producers and very knowledgeable staff that are helpful rather than intimidating.
Late Night – Laughing Heart & Smoking Goat
Just down the road from Brawn, Laughing Heart is open until very late and serves amazing Chinese food after hours. Get the Sichuan chicken wings – it’s just what you need to soak up the day’s excesses. Go in the other direction and you’ll get to Smoking Goat where you can gorge on ice-cold beer and spicy AF Thai food such as lardo fried rice. I’ve done both in one night and lived to tell the tale.
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