Five of the best burritos in London

Calling this a burrito van or stall doesn’t do justice to the well-oiled machine that is the Leather Market DD assembly line. With six different fillings available, including tomatillo beef with lime salsa, and picodollo (ground beef cooked in paprika, cumin, oregano and chipotle) the self-proclaimed “kick-ass Mexican grill” has gained one hell of reputation. Expect reasonable prices, an unbeatable choice, and a sizable but fast-moving queue.

Leather Lane Market, EC1N 7TE (daddydonkey.co.uk)

Build your own wrap or tacos at this fresh, vibrant and very American brand – a spicy Chilango’s burrito is the perfect thing to blow those cobwebs away. A choice of salsa, from mild Pico to hot ‘Chilango’ (try the latter), perfectly tops off their overnight chili marinated steak – cooked medium and perfectly tender.

Upper Street, N1 OPN, Fleet Street, EC4A 2BP, Chancery Lane, WC2A 1AA (chilango.co.uk)

The Citroën ‘Mexivan’ is a permanent fixture on Whitecross Street, and occasional pop-up on the UK festival scene. Expect a queue at lunchtime, but with their emphasis on simple quality ingredients (try the slow-cooked pork carnitas with helping of ‘special’ guacamole and dollop of habanero hot sauce), these fresh, value-for-money burritos are well worth the effort.

Whitecross Street Market, EC1Y 8JL (luardos.co.uk)

Now selling their own branded chili sauce in Harvey Nichols, Poncho No.8’s humble Spitalfields beginnings (they also have a St Paul's branch) set the standard for a quick, quality burrito. Offering a healthier take on the calorific original, these guys present the ‘skinny box’, a lighter burrito served unwrapped on a bed of crunchy mix-leaf salad, and a fridge packed full of fresh juices and Jarritos.

Spitalfields, E1 6FQ (poncho8.com)

As with most hyped-up places these days, you might have to queue for this new venture by the Rebel Dining Society in Shoreditch. But it won't disappoint – tuck into a killer feast including the deliciously sticky beef rib number, the 'Baja fish and slaw' and plantain croquettes. Although a bit on the pricey side (£12 per burrito including a side of tortilla chips) for what is essentially street food with table service, these burritos are very generous with their meaty fillings. There are also serious tequila-based cocktails on hand to quench your thirst.

Catch, 22 Kingsland Road, E2 (deathbyburrito.com)