Best Eats for PCO Drivers

January 23, 2025

Imagine this, you’ve had a long day of zooming around London. You’re feeling peckish, but you need to remain in the hotspots to make sure you don’t miss out on all those potential rides. Have no fear, your friends at Ayan are here. After all, fuel for the soul is just as important as fuel for your car. That’s why we’ve curated the perfect list that combines price, location and ease of pickup when deciding where you should spend your hard-earned money on some grub.

Koh-I-Noor Palace

When navigating London's bustling streets, finding a spot that offers both convenience and quality is essential. Koh-I-Noor Palace, with a branch located in Heathrow Terminal 3 AVA, stands out as a prime location to eat authentic Pakistani cuisine in between your airport transfers.

The menu is a celebration of traditional Pakistani culinary artistry, where you can find succulent kebabs, aromatic biryanis, creamy curries, and freshly baked naan, all crafted with passion and authenticity. 

For those on tight schedules, Koh-I-Noor Palace offers an efficient takeaway service, ensuring you can enjoy a hearty meal without long waits. The restaurant's strategic location makes it a convenient stop for drivers seeking a quick yet satisfying dining experience.

The only disadvantage we can think of is that you’re more than likely to bump into your entire extended family that your mum won’t stop comparing you to.

Whether you're familiar with Pakistani cuisine or eager to explore new culinary delights, Koh-I-Noor Palace promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more. 

Price: 8/10

Location: 9/10

Ease of Pickup: 8/10

Ayan Appetite: 8.3/10

Location: Heathrow Terminal 3 AVA waiting area, TW62EQ

Chai Wala Holborn

Looking for a quick yet satisfying meal in London? Well look no further, Chaiiwala is a game-changer. Specializing in Indian street food, this fast-growing chain offers a unique mix of traditional South Asian flavors in a casual, modern setting. Whether you're after a satisfying breakfast, a light snack, or a rich cup of karak chai, Chaiiwala delivers affordable, high-quality options perfect for those constantly on the move.

Their ‘Desi Breakfast’ is a standout, featuring omelettes, masala beans, and buttery parathas—a filling start to your busy shift. If you're after a quick bite, options like samosas, butter chicken rolls, and Bombay sandwiches are flavorful, fast, and budget-friendly. But the real star? Their famous Karak Chai—a strong, hefty portion of spiced tea served piping hot.

With multiple locations across London, including Holborn—a great hotspot for Ubers, Chaiiwala is a go-to spot for PCO drivers needing a reliable, affordable, and delicious meal without long waits. Whether you’re looking for a morning caffeine boost or a late-night snack, it’s one of the best places to fuel up between rides.

Price: 8/10

Location: 6/10

Ease of Pickup: 10/10

Ayan Appetite: 8/10

Location: 72 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AR

The Mantl

For PCO drivers craving authentic Turkish cuisine in London, The Mantl is a top-tier choice. Known for its elevated take on traditional Anatolian flavors, this modern Turkish grill serves up expertly cooked meats, rich mezze, and freshly baked bread, making it a great place for a proper sit-down meal between rides.

Their signature dishes, like the Adana kebab, lamb chops, and iskender, are cooked over an open charcoal grill, ensuring that perfect smoky flavor. Mezze lovers can enjoy classics like hummus, baba ganoush, and borek, while those in a bit of a hurry can grab a wrap or lahmacun (Turkish flatbread pizza) for a quick but satisfying meal. Prices are slightly higher than the other typical takeaways in this list, but the quality and flavors make it well worth it. If that’s a little outside your budget, don’t fret my friend, you can always just refer a friend to get a car financed by Ayan and get £100 pounds to spend on a gargantuan amount of shish taouk 👀 Ayan Referral Campaign.

Located in Knightsbridge, The Mantl offers a cozy, stylish setting, perfectly located to pick up Ali on the way home from buying his new rolex at Harrods—another well known Uber hotspot. If you have time for a break, it’s one of the best spots in London for a high-quality, protein-packed meal that keeps you going throughout your shift.

Price: 4/10

Location: 8/10

Ease of Pickup: 6/10

Ayan Appetite: 6/10
Location: 142 Brompton Rd, London SW3 1HY

Cleopatra 

If you’ve been driving around London all day and your stomach is making more noise than your engine, Cleopatra, located right next to Paddington station, is the perfect pit stop. Conveniently, just a 5 minute walk from your favourite financing partners—meaning you can get a nutritious meal AND make a car finance application in under 30 minutes ;), just in time to pick up your next passenger. This place serves up the best Middle Eastern comfort food, guaranteed to refuel you faster than bhai saab at Shell. 

Their grilled meats are the real deal—juicy lamb chops, smoky kofta kebabs, and chicken shawarma so good you’ll forget all about that last terrible passenger. Each plate comes loaded with fluffy rice, warm flatbread, and a fresh salad that’ll make you feel slightly healthier.

In a rush? Their shawarma wraps and falafel sandwiches are quick, delicious, and won’t break the bank—perfect for munching between rides. You can also make it into a meal at a fair price for food that tastes like it was made with actual love (not just microwaves and sadness).

So, if you need a proper meal that won’t leave you hungry in an hour, swing by Cleopatra, Ayan’s favourite lunch spot. It’s fast, tasty, and way better than eating another soggy petrol station sandwich. 

Price: 8/10

Location: 8/10

Ease of Pickup: 10/10

Ayan Appetite: 8.7/10

Location: 157 Praed St, Tyburnia, London W2 1RL

Just Falafels

If you’re tearing around London in your Ayan-financed PCO eligible car and need a quick, delicious, budget-friendly bite, Just Falafels on Euston Road has got you covered. This no-frills spot serves up crispy, golden falafels wrapped in soft flatbread and loaded with fresh salad, pickles, and a choice of sauces. It’s cheap, filling, and guaranteed to keep you going through the next few rides.

Their falafel wraps are one of the best-value meals in central London. If you're feeling extra hungry, you can upgrade to a large wrap or grab a side of hummus and pita. Everything is freshly made, vegetarian-friendly, and packed with flavor—no sad, dry falafels here.

Service is fast and friendly, evident from their 4.9 rating on google reviews. And as we all know, google reviews are the most accurate representation of service out there … Ayan Capital. Whether you're grabbing a wrap to eat on the go or stopping for a quick refuel, Just Falafels delivers tasty, no-nonsense food that won’t break the bank.

Price: 10/10

Location: 8/10

Ease of Pickup: 10/10

Ayan Appetite: 9.3/10

Location: St Pancras church, Euston Rd., London NW1 2BA

Final Thoughts

Being a PCO driver in London is basically a sport—long hours, tactical parking, and the occasional dodging of questionable passengers. And just like any athlete, you need proper fuel to keep going (no, a half-eaten bag of bombay mix from under your seat doesn’t count).

From the rich, authentic flavors of Koh-I-Noor Palace to the unbeatable value at Just Falafels, we’ve covered some of the best eats that balance price, convenience, and location. So, next time hunger strikes between rides, make it rain on one of the spots mentioned in this blog—you’ve earned it!

Got a go-to spot we missed? Drop us a message—we're always on the hunt for the best bites in London! And of course, if you’re looking for a sweet ride to pick up some of these mouthwatering suggestions, stop by Ayan and get your car financed now!

Stay safe, stay fueled, and keep them wheels rolling baby!