When it comes to food, I like to think of myself as a “Little-bit-of-Everything” connoisseur. Which basically means I don’t discriminate against any type of food because let’s face it, I just love food.
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It can be pretty pricey to eat at restaurants every day, so we’ve comprised a list of the best cheap eats in the 604 to help you stay on budget – and keep your tummy smiling!
Best Cheap Eats in Vancouver
Where else can you get 4 tacos for $10.50? Let’s “taco” bout the best bang for your buck when it comes to tasty tacos. La Taqueria offers all sorts of surprises, like Braised Beef Tongue Tacos. Veggie lovers are welcome, too. Located at 322 West Hastings Street and 2549 Cambie Street in Vancouver, and 1305 Welch Street in North Van.
This little gem is a popular spot with the locals. They specialize in Malaysian cuisine that won’t cost you an arm and a leg! In fact, their Spring Rolls will only set you back .85 cents. Most of their dishes average around $7 – my favourite is the Chicken Curry Rice. Located at 4127 Main Street.
This place is probably one of the most iconic delis in all of Vancouver. Though in a rougher area, Save On Meats boasts one of the cheapest eats around. With all day breakfast for just $4.99, and the Legendary S.O.M. Burger for less than $8, I can’t get enough of this place. Located at 43 West Hastings Street.
Pronounced “Sal E Leemon”, this fabulous Mexican joint has so much to offer, without breaking the bank. Tacos are only $2.25 each, and every dish on their menu is under $10. I personally adore the Pollo Pibil Burrito – it’s huge! Located at 701 Kingsway Street.
ZamZam Grill is an authentic Middle Eastern restaurant located in Vancouver. Their menu includes delicious rice plates, shawarma wraps, and vegetarian options. Many of their menu items are priced at under $10! Located at 2128 Kingsway.
Every single food item on their menu is only $4.95. If you’re looking for the best place to have some drinks before a night out on the town, this is it. We all get the munchies after a few too many pints, so why not take advantage of the cheap menu that offers everything from burgers to Shephard’s Pie. My favourite is the Antojitos. Located at 1017 Granville Street.
Just like its sister restaurant above, The Warehouse will keep your pockets filled with all food items priced at just $4.95. Why not try the Maple Bacon Potato Skins? Located at 989 Granville Street.
Hands down, the best Vietnamese sandwiches in the city – and for such an amazing deal, too! These bad boys will only set you back $3-$4.50. If you feel like living life on the edge, order up the Grilled Pork Sandwich. It’s marinated in lemon grass, sweet sauce and veggies. Each sandwich is topped with pickled radish and carrots, cilantro and jalapeno peppers. Located at 701 Kingsway.
More like dim sum heaven! This hot spot serves up some delicious Chinese cuisine – with almost all menu items under $10! I quite enjoy the classic Wonton Soup. Located at 148 East Pender Street in Vancouver and #4 – 6360 No. 3 Rd in Richmond.
This cute find is one of the best Fish & Chip joints in Vancouver. The atmosphere is perfect – pair that with great eats and cheap prices, and this is easily one of my favourite places to get some good ol’ battered fish. Try their take on tacos: Tacones – 2 for $10! Located at 1505 West 1st Avenue.
This quirky spot boasts a fantastic food menu with all items priced at just $5.95! They’ve got a bangin’ Beet and Goat Salad and heaps of handhelds, too (like the tasty Moose Burger with Roasted Red Pepper Relish and Peppered Bacon). Located at 724 Nelson Street.
Stepho’s Souvlaki Greek Taverna
If you’re looking for delicious Greek food at an affordable price, look no further! Stepho’s Souvlaki is the perfect place to pick you favourite meat on a stick and chow down! For a large Souvlakia (your choice of chicken, lamb, beef, pork or prawns), you’ll pay less than $12. And a side of Pita Bread is less than $1! Located at 1124 Davie Street.
Similar to The Warehouse and The Factory, The Capital is Davie Streets’ hidden gem. The food menu starts at just $3.95 with unique items to choose from. My favourite is the Szechuan Alfredo Penne with Chorizo and Basil – it’s Alfredo with a kick! Located at 1178 Davie Street.
Where else can you get a burger for just $3.50? Bon’s Off Broadway has a variety of treats to satisfy any of your foodie cravings – and your wallet won’t take a massive hit while doing so! Located at 2451 Nanaimo Street.
I absolutely love a big plate of saucy noodles. Legendary Noodle is as good as their name boasts! And with most menu items under $10, this is by far one of the best Asian restaurants in the neighbourhood that will get you a good bang for your buck. Be sure to order the Creamy Peanut Sauce Noodles – they’re legendary. Located at 1074 Denman Street.
What’s endless, vegetarian-friendly and is uber cheap? Sargam House’s lunch buffet! For just $11.95, feast on their delicious buffet which includes a spread of appetizers, rice dishes, curries and even dessert. My mouth is watering just thinking about the Pakora. Located at 955 West Broadway Street.
With burgers starting at just $3, we can see why this food cart always has a line. Wakwak flips up Japanese-style burgers that won’t hurt your piggy bank. Their featured burger, the Mentchi-katsu Burger, is absolutely perfect with Ground Beef Cutlet topped with fresh lettuce for only $4.95. Sorry McDonald’s, I’ve found a better burger. Located at 511 Granville Street.
This quirky little gem is the spot to be. The vibe of the restaurant itself is worth checking out, and with all vegetarian meals costing under $10, you’ll leave with a full belly and wallet, too. I’m a big fan of the Nooch Wich: Spicy sourdough bread, corn, beans, cheese and baked with tomatoes. Located at 2301 Main Street.
Okay, this diner isn’t the cheapest spot on the list, but it’s open 24 hours and has some pretty amazing quality dishes that are worth the extra couple bucks. You need to try The Eliseo Footlong Hooodog: it’s topped with homemade chili, a splash of hot sauce, avocado, monterey jack and crumbled tortilla chips. Did I mention they have Boozy shakes with actual alcohol in them? Located at 2708 Main Street.
This quaint little coffee house offers a variety of menu items, all for under $10! They serve up everything from breakfast, to homemade baguettes, and even divine cheese plates. My personal go-to item has to be the Brie and Rasberry Jam Baguette – it’s simple, yet packed full of flavour. Located at 353 West Pender Street.
If burritos are your thing, this place has to be on your food hit list. Though burritos are their specialty, they also whip up a mean quesadilla, tacos, and nachos, too. For under $10, you can get a 12” burrito fully loaded with tasty ingredients that will make you fall in love with burritos all over again. Try the Johnny O. It’s packed full of jalapenos, guacamole, chipotle sour cream (my favourite part), rice, beans, cheese, salsa and your choice of lettuce or cabbage. Located at 44 Kingsway Street.
If you get lost in Gastown, be sure to find your way to this cozy spot. Lost + Found is restaurant love at first sight. The food stole my heart, though. With freshly baked buns, soup from scratch every day, and scrumptious treats for anyone with a sweet tooth, they’ve got the key to my heart. Their take on the classic BLT Sandwich paired with a daily soup are my staple items. Located at 33 West Hastings Street.
These cheap eats are just some of my picks from around Vancouver. Did I miss one of your go-to spots? Be sure to leave a comment below, I’d love to check it out!