Who said cheap food can’t be delicious? Vancouver’s restaurant scene boasts some of the best cheap meals in Canada (just compare us to Calgary).
From sushi to fried chicken, here are some of our top picks for your next ‘waiting for my paycheck’ meal.
Hawker’s Delight
With literally one thing on the menu that’s over $10 (it’s the lamb curry), Hawker’s Delight holds the unofficial title for the best bang for your buck in the city. The laksa and mee goreng are delicious, but whatever you do, do not pass up on getting a few vegetable fritters.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12PM-9PM
Where: 4127 Main Street
Cost: Under $20 for two people
Sushi Mania
A sleeper hit, Sushi Mania on Main Street is a great choice in a city that has intense competition for sushi places. All sushi combos are under $10, and udon bowls are 6 bucks.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30 AM-9:30 PM, Sunday 12 PM-9:30 PM
Where: 3851 Main Street
Cost: Under $25 for two people
Rajio
Part of the Kingyo group, Rajio is a mainstay for those that know Japanese cuisine. Their specialty is kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), with all regular ones priced at under $2, and seasonal options also available. Don’t miss out on the house-made ginger ale, and make sure you try the kurobuta sausage.
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5: 30 PM-11: 30 PM and Friday/Saturday, 5:30PM-12AM
Where: 3763 W 10th Ave
Cost: Under $25 for two people
Gringo
A hole in the wall spot in Blood Alley (the most appealing street name in the city), Gringo serves up tasty Mexican treats and has some of the lowest drink prices in the city. Definitely get the Austin taco, which marries beef brisket and Mexican flare in a way that we used to dream about.
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11:30AM-1AM and Saturday/Sunday 11:30AM-2AM
Where: 27 Blood Alley Square
Cost: Under $30 for two people
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Bon’s Off Broadway
If you’re ready to wear the smallest beanie in your closest, or your dad’s leather jacket, then get down to Bon’s for breakfast. Last we checked, they had by far the cheapest deal in the city (under $3 for eggs, toast, sausages, and hashbrowns), and arguably the coolest interior, since all the graffiti writers and skaters who eat there really like to leave their marks on the walls.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7AM-8PM, and Saturday/Sunday 8AM-8PM
Where: 2451 Nanaimo St
Cost: Under $12 for breakfast for two people, and that’s with coffee
Mr. Red Cafe
Tied with Ba Le for best cheap Vietnamese cuisine, Mr. Red Cafe offers incredible value. Ba Le focuses solely on banh mi and is practically a deli, but Mr. Red Cafe has the full range (think pho and bun dishes as well). Either/or, you won’t regret it (sorry Kierkegaard).
Hours: Everyday, 11AM-9PM
Where: 2680 W Broadway and 2131 E Hastings St
Cost: Under $30 for two people, even less if one gets Ban Mi
Bestie
With probably the most specific cuisine on this list, Bestie serves up a menu that focuses on German currywurst, and they are delicious. Get a pretzel board and a beer to start, then pick your sausage (sourced from Oyama Sausage Co.), and make sure you get it schranke style if you’re looking for a more savoury experience.
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11:30AM-10PM and Friday/Saturday, 11:30AM-12AM
Where: 105 E Pender St
Cost: Under $30 for two people
Kam Wai Dim Sum
When you’re wholesaling to T&T, it’s pretty safe to assume you’ve got the best value on the market. Fortunately for us, Kam Wai Dim Sum operates a deli that offers ready to eat dim sum in Chinatown. Want to impress your friends with your knowledge of authentic Chinese cuisine? Take them here.
Hours: Everyday, 9AM-6PM
Where: 249 E Pender St
Cost: Under $15 for two people
Duffin’s Donuts
No cheap eats list can be complete without Duffin’s Donuts. This 24-hour spot in East Van offers Fritou brand chicken and house-made donuts, alongside a pretty extensive menu ranging from sandwiches to pupusas.
Hours: All day everyday baby
Where: 1391 E 41st Ave
Cost: Under $15 for two, and depending on what you order it could be even cheaper
Did we miss your favourite sushi place? Are you bummed we didn’t mention some of the hidden gems in Richmond? And how could we forget all the great ramen deals!? Don’t worry, we will be covering all this and more in future posts.
