While there are occasions where we would find ourselves splurging on beautifully-plated brunches or fancy dinners, we more often find ourselves trying to find a meal that is both cheap and satisfying. In one of the most expensive cities in the world, this sometimes is harder than it sounds.
Fortunately for you, this list is here to solve that! Search no more for here is a list of Melbourne’s best cheap meals! Most of them are under $10 with a few exceptions but none of them pass the $20 mark!
What’s not to love about a good and cheeky hot dog? Order their classic wiener for a simple honest hot dog ($6) or go for a fiery chilli wiener ($8). If you have space for more, be sure to try their chilli fries as well!
Address: 226 Chapel Street, Prahran VIC 3181
Not only priced humbly at $8 to $10 per bowl of pho (small – $8, medium – $9, large – $10), it is also probably one of the best pho you can find in Melbourne. An addedl bonus to the affordable prices is the generous portions. If you have a little extra room in your wallet or stomach to spare, try the Vietnamese Spring Rolls at $7 to $9 dollars.
Address: 128 Hopkins Street, Footscray VIC 3011
This is definitely one of the best Thai restaurants in Melbourne. Besides their ala carte menu, they have an reasonably-priced lunch menu with mouth-watering meals ranging from $6 to $12.90. Try the Beef Boat Noodles (small – $6, large – $9) or the Larb Crispy Chicken on rice ($12.90). As a healthy alternative, diners have the option of brown rice in place of white rice.
Address: 1-7 Ferguson Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Serving cheap and authentic Malaysian cuisine, have a go at the Nasi Lemak ($9) or the popular Maggi Goreng ($12) for a quick and satisfying meal.
Address: 366 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
As the name suggests, this humble eatery serves a variety of Chinese dumplings with prices around $10. Some popular dumplings are Steamed Pork Dumplings, Pork and Prawn Dumplings in Chilli Oil and Fried Pork Dumplings. While you can expect a generous portion for the price, expect an equally long queue during peak hours.
Address: 342 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Serving casual Greek cuisine, the souvlakis ($7.50-$9.50) are popular among the masses. Try the popular Mr Papadopoulos lamb souvlaki ($9.50) for a satisfying lunch.
Address:
113 St David Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
570 North Road, Ormond VIC 3204
Open from 11:30am to 10:00pm on Sunday to Friday (opens til 11:00pm on Saturday), head down to this American style diner for a simple and honest American burger with prices ranging from $7 to $12. Or, you can order the original Huxtaburger with a beef patty at only $9.50.
Address:
106 Smith Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
Rear 357 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
203 High Street, Prahran VIC 3181
Not only are the meals at Ria affordable, they also serve up one of the better Ayam Penyets you can possibly find in Melbourne. Meals range from $9 to $13.50. Try the popular Ayam Penyet – Indonesian Smashed Fried Chicken with rice.
Address: 248 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205
As its name suggests, Laksa King is popular for their curry laksa. Be sure to try the combination curry laksa or other variations with prices ranging from $10.80 to $14.50.
Address: 6-12 Pin Oak Crescent, Flemington VIC 3031
Serving mainly fish and seafood, try ‘The Old School’ which consists of a fillet of flake and chips served with lemon and tartare for $9.90 or the Grilled Fish Pack that serves their fish of the day grilled with rice or chips and salad for $13.50.
Address:
Port Melbourne: 181 Bay Street
South Melbourne: 252 Clarendon Street
South Yarra: Shop 17/670 Chapel Street
Highett: Shop 3/284 Highett Road
For our burger-lovin’ friends, indulge in their wickedly delicious burgers, especially the pulled pork jaffle with smoked cheddar béchamel ($7.50).
Address: 273 Hawthorn Road, Caulfied North, VIC 3161
Choose from a choice of pork, beef, chicken, fish or vegetable balls, sauce, and a side for $16.50. We love the beef balls with red Italian tomato sauce served with their ‘super potato smash’ or the pork balls with polenta!
Address:
135 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC
105 Swann Street, Richmond, VIC
98 Smith Street, Collingwood, VIC
I reckon this is THE ramen restaurant to dine at if you’re looking for authentic Japanese ramen. However, expect a long queue due to the restaurant’s high demand and no-reservations policy. The Signature Tonkotsu is priced at $13 with other variations and sides available at a small additional cost.
Address: Hakata Gensuke Ramen, 168 Russell Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Fresh pasta with exceptionally delicious sauces at affordable prices; what more can you ask for? Etto offers customers a variety of fresh pasta with a sauce of their choice. Go for the Wagyu Meatball Polpette ($14) or the Black Truffle and Salami ($15). If you’re hungry or simply greedy for more, order a large size pasta for a few dollars extra!
Address:
South Melbourne: 261 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Malvern: 216 Glenferrie Road, Malvern VIC 3144
Open 24 hours, this Greek restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes. Have a Hommus dip ($6) with Pita bread ($1.70) for a quick and simple meal or feast on their traditional lamb/chicken/mixed souvlaki ($12.50) that will have you coming back for more.
Address: 177-183 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Serving authentic and traditional Indian cuisines, Biryani House serves affordable meals at easily accessible locations. Popular dishes include lamb/chicken biryani ($9.90) and butter chicken ($6.50). Order online to have your meal delivered or visit one of the six locations below.
Address:
343 King Street, Melbourne
Shop 7, 422 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
52D Foster Street, Dandenong
61 Gordon Street, Footscray
1019 Doncaster Road, East Doncaster
1-3 Alexandra Dr, Hoppers Crossing
Located in the vicinity of the University of Melbourne, Animal Orchestra is a popular spot for a quick brunch or lunch. Their specialty is definitely the Bacon Baked Eggs ($13). If you would like something different, they offer a huge bowl of soup with two choices that change daily ($9-$10).
Address: 163 Little Grattan Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Serving Korean and Japanese cuisine, they offer affordable priced lunch menu options such as Bento Boxes. Order a Bibimbap ($13.50) that is served with 3 side dishes for a substantial and tasty meal.
Address: 466 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3053
Purple Peanuts offers satiating meals such as the Teriyaki Chicken with rice and Ganmodoki Tofu Burger priced at a very affordable price range of $7.90 to $10.90. Perfect for a quick lunch for those working in Melbourne CBD!
Address: G20/620 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
A favourite local place for dumplings, Hutong Dumpling Bar is one of the more popular Chinese restaurants. Famous for their dumplings, some popular options include their Shao Long Bao (8 pieces for $11.80), Wantons with Hot Chilli Sauce (8 pieces for $9.80) and Pan-friend Dumplings (8 pieces for $13.20).
Address:
14-16 Market Lane, Melbourne VIC
162 Commercial Road, Prahran VIC
We hope this pocket-friendly and drool-worthy list will have you heading down to check them out! This is definitely a list that can be bookmarked for all lunch occasions. What are your favourite lunch spots? Share your opinions with us in the comments below!
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