Melbourne's best cheap eats

Whether you’re craving a quick bite, dumplings or an all-you-can-eat feast, these tasty cheap eats won’t break the bank.

Ta-ke Don

On the way to the train or finishing up a study sesh at State Library? Refuel at the new grab n' go rice bowl spot Ta-ke Don. $10 gets you a bowl filled with your pick of protein, from chicken katsu to tempura prawns. For an extra kick, ask for it topped with the fiery Thai chilli and basil sauce.

Bali Hai

Say Hai to lunchtime savings! New Asian fusion restaurant Bali Hai are slinging a $20 booze n' bao offer every Thursday and Friday. Drop in from midday to 2pm, choose any cocktail and bite into juicy chicken or duck bao buns.

Kajiken

Famous Japanese noodle bar Kajiken has arrived in Melbourne. Try the signature aburasoba (soupless ramen) bowl for $17.80. It's loaded with pork chashu, bamboo shoots, green onion and nori. Then dig into cheap bites like $9 plates of takoyaki or pan-fried pork gyoza.

Thai Social

Find Thai street food for cheap at Thai Social. This Emporium gem is fitted out with colourful hawker-style decor and slings classics like pad thai and pad see ew. The weekday noodle soup special is a must-try. Grab a steaming bowl of noodles, from dry egg to soupy braised beef for just $13.90.

Brim CC

For a cosy lunch spot near Southern Cross Station, head to Brim CC. This humble Japanese cafe serves up all the favourites. The extensive donburi menu starts at $13.90 per bowl for the curry tofu or tempura veggie don. For a bowl doused in delicious house-made teriyaki sauce, try the chicken don. Other value items include the 20-piece veggie gyoza for $16.80 and generous servings of ramen from $15.80.

Kantin

Near the city end of Lygon Street, Kantin joins a line-up of buzzing Indonesian restaurants. This casual dining spot sells popular Indo staples like mie goreng and nasi goreng for $16.50. Or for a dollar less, get juicy sticks of sate ayam manis (sweet chicken satay) with a side of peanut sauce.

Cafe Tesorina

Not sure what's for lunch? You can't go wrong with a sanga. In the leafy suburb of Parkville, this corner cafe stocks rolls and sandwiches on the daily. Get a ciabatta packed full with sliced prosciutto, marinated feta, rocket and more. Or for a cheaper option, grab the $13 'big cheese'. This classic toastie comes with a trio of tasty, mozzarella and Swiss cheese in warm sourdough.

Scoopy Milk Bar bingsu

A towering mountain of snowy shaved ice, condensed milk, boba and fresh fruit await at Scoopy. This hidden laneway dessert bar is an insta-fave for their cute offerings. You can get a single serve treat for just $9.50. That includes the vegan lychee bingsu.

Paik's Noodle

Iconic South Korean chef Jong-won Paik has opened his first Australian outpost of the hugely popular Paik's Noodle franchise. Try flaming 'Gochu Jajang', a chilli-spiked black bean broth rich with umami flavour. Or slurp up bowls of Jjamppong, the cult-status seafood noodle bowl you would have seen on countless K-dramas. Bowls start at just $15.80.

Son in Law

A $12.90 fried chicken deal has landed at Melbourne Central. Wander down the laneway connecting La Trobe St and Elizabeth St to find Son in Law. This cute cafe has launched a new range of value dishes. Try the TFC (Thai fried chicken) with green curry or sweet soy. Combo it with a soft drink for $15.

Miznon

The pitas are bursting with flavour at street food restaurant Miznon. There are plenty of options that hover around the $15 mark. Try the classic 'cheakypita' with a falafel burger. Or the roasted cauli and tahini number that goes by the name White. Don’t be fooled: this savoury pita overflowing with charred cauliflower and chilli is anything but bland.

Drums Cafe

Fresh, flavourful Sri Lankan food is just a market trip away. You'll find Drums Cafe in Queen Victoria Market and it's perfect for a fast feed. Grab a loaded street combo with rice, meat, two veggie curries and pappadums to scoop it all up. Select entrées come in under a tenner, so don't forget to add some pan rolls and samosa too.

Panda BBQ

Panda's barbecued skewers are the tastiest one-handed snack in town. Starting at around $3 each, try crispy and flavourful sticks of lamb, chicken wings or pork ribs with chilli. The barbecue restaurant at 202 Bourke Street also does plates for two if you can bear to share.

All-you-can-eat vegan feasts

Hearty, healthy and kind on the earth. Head to Om Vegetarian where the bestselling meal is the $9.90 all-you-can-eat thali. You get three curries, rice and naan all of which you can refill to your hearts content. Need more choices? Follow the sounds of the Hare Krishnas to Crossways at 147 Swanston Street, where yet another all-you-can-eat vegan feed awaits for $10.