Melbourne's best lunches under $10

Eating well in Melbourne doesn’t have to cost a lot. From hearty rice bowls to fresh banh mi, the city offers plenty of satisfying lunches for $10 or less. Here’s a list of spots where you can grab a great meal without breaking the bank.

Teow Teow – $5.90 Boat Noodles 

Teow Teow serves authentic Thai boat noodles at street food prices. The small bowls are loaded up with various options like pork or beef. Located in Heng Food Hall on Bourke Street, it’s a hidden gem. Ideal for trying multiple dishes without overspending. Perfect for a quick, tasty lunch.

iKON – from $6

We found a Korean convenience store in Melbourne with a difference. iKON let’s you dine in with your favourite bowl of cup ramen or instant tteok-bokki. Browse the huge library of noodles with prices starting at just $2. Grab a bowl and load 'er up with toppings like egg, cheese and kimchi. Then add a $4 fee for access to the cooking station. Pick up a drink from $2 and you've got a big feast for just a few coins!

Aix Cafe – $9 salad roll

This Vietnamese cafe is a reliable staple along one of Melbourne’s best foodie laneways. Wander down the bustling Centre Place and pick up a fresh salad roll for $9 at Aix Cafe. It’s packed with tomato, avocado, cucumber, carrot, greens and a generous smear of mayo. If you’re after a more meaty filling go for a $10 banh mi with pork or chicken. 

Pazzi – $9 pizza 

Pazzi is high on our lunch list with its $9 pizza slices. They’re big, they’re cheesy and the base is super thick. Try the crowd-favourite margherita with fresh basil. Or go for something hearty like the capricciosa. It’s topped with ham off the bone, olives, mushrooms and artichokes.

Udon Yasan – $9.90 beef & egg udon 

Udon Yasan offers a beef and soft-boiled egg udon soup for under a tenner. The broth is rich, and the noodles are freshly made in-house. It’s a comforting, warm meal that’s ready fast. Located on Bourke Street, it’s a go-to for noodle lovers. Great for a quick sit-down power lunch or to take back to work.

Lucky Lane – $10 mini banh mi meal deal

In the heart of Queen Victoria Market is Lucky Lane – a charming Vietnamese diner with hard-to-beat cheap eats. Grab the meal deal featuring a mini banh mi and a drink for only $10. Filled with your choice of skewer and loaded into a salad-filled bun, this budget-friendly lunch is perfect for a no-fuss bite. After a quick snack? The skewers on their own start at just $3.

Wow Crepes – $8 Chinese jianbing 

Wow Crepes serves up traditional Chinese jianbing that are highly customisable. These crispy crepes are filled with egg, pickles, and your choice of protein. It’s a popular street food that’s both filling and flavourful. Located inside the Kmart Centre, off Bourke Street, it’s a quick and tasty lunch option. Perfect for a meal on the go.

Anatolia Gozleme Kitchen – $8 borek

Save this spot next time you’re scratching your head for lunch ideas. Anatolia Gozleme Kitchen is slinging piping hot boreks for just $8. These cheesy savoury pockets come with fillings like spinach, lamb and potato. Find this Turkish spot along Southern Cross Lane just off Exhibition Street.

Madame Vuu – $8.50 banh mi 

Madame Vuu serves Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches and noodle bowls. Choose the fragrant lemongrass chicken banh mi for $9.50 or try the tofu and mushroom one for $8.50. The baguettes are crisp on the outside and soft inside. It’s a quick, flavourful lunch option in the city. Ideal for those looking for big taste (and big value).

Tokui Sushi – $3 sushi rolls 

Tokui Sushi offers freshly made sushi rolls that feel like a trip to Family Mart. Options include teriyaki chicken, avocado, California rolls, and more. It’s a quick, affordable option for sushi lovers. Located at 260 Lonsdale Street, it’s convenient for a grab-and-go meal. Ideal for a light, budget-friendly lunch.

Crossways – $10 all-you-can-eat curry 

Crossways offers a vegetarian all-you-can-eat lunch. Your mixed plate includes curry, rice, pappadums, and a dessert. It’s a simple, hearty option that’s also great value. Located on Swanston Street, it’s a favourite among students and workers. Note: you'll need to add 50c for takeaway. 

Ta-ke Don – $10 Rice Bowls 

Ta-ke Don specialises in Japanese rice bowls that are as filling as they are financially responsible. Options include chicken katsu, karaage, and simmered tofu. Each bowl is hearty and comes with high-octane toppings. Located on Little Lonsdale Street, it’s a popular lunch spot. Perfect for a filling meal that's light on your wallet.

Me & Yogi Indian Kitchen – $9.90 Chickpea Bowl 

Me & Yogi serves a chickpea bowl that's incredibly filling. The dish is packed with warming spices and served over rice. It’s a hearty, vegan-friendly option that’s full of flavour. Located on Collins Street, it’s a convenient city lunch spot. Ideal for those looking for a healthy, satisfying meal.

Three Drops – $10 kim-cheese jaffle 

Three Drops offers a kimchi and cheese jaffle that's simple but packs a punch. The sandwich is toasted to perfection on three (yes, three!) slices of bread, with a spicy kick from the pickled kimchi. It’s a unique twist on a classic comfort food. Located in the Capitol Arcade, it’s a cosy spot on a busy strip.

Hanaichi – $9 chicken curry don 

Hanaichi offers a chicken curry don fit for a Tokyo salaryman. The dish features tender chicken over rice with a mild curry sauce. It’s a simple, comforting meal that’s ready quickly. Located in the QV Centre, it’s a go-to for a fast workers lunch. Great for those craving Japanese ingredients and home-style cooking.