Top 10 cheap eats in Melbourne for locals

People know that Melbourne has great food, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to eat properly. The city is full of cheap eats in Melbourne, offering a variety of affordable and delicious options such as sizzling dumplings, filling curries, and fresh banh mi. In this article, we explore the 10 greatest inexpensive eats in Melbourne that show you can enjoy excellent food for less than $15 — whether you’re a student, a visitor or a local on a lunch break.

1. Crossways – vegetarian all-you-can-eat from $9.50

Location: 147 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD

Crossways has been a vegetarian paradise in the heart of Melbourne for a long time. You may have a plate of curry, rice, pappadum, dessert and a drink for less than 10 dollars. It’s a healthy, home-cooked Indian dish that draws in both residents and students.

Why go: It’s a fantastic deal, the service is speedy and the atmosphere is calm—perfect for a short, full lunch.

2. Om Vegetarian – iconic Indian thali for under $10

Location: 113 Swanston Street and other places in the CBD

The $9.90 unlimited thali offer at Om Vegetarian is very well-known. You may expect fluffy roti, lentil curry and properly spiced food with a grin. It’s filling, cosy and the best value for the quality you get.

Why go: It’s one of the best affordable lunches in Melbourne since you can have as many refills as you like and the food tastes like real Indian food.

3. Don Don – Japanese curry bowls from $10

Location: 198 Little Lonsdale Street and various places

For years, people in the city have loved Don Don. The menu is tiny, but it has a lot of quick, tasty, and cheap Japanese curries and rice bowls. People love the beef curry and teriyaki chicken, and the service is excellent.

Why go: The portions are big enough for a fast lunch in the city on a budget.

4. Shanghai Street Dumplings – juicy dumplings under $15

Location: 342 Little Bourke Street and other places

Shanghai Street serves freshly produced dumplings at affordable prices. A basket of steamed pork dumplings or pan-fried buns will cost between $12 and $14 and each bite is full of spice.

Why go: Real dumplings, big servings, and branches that are always the same.

5. The Borek Shop – flaky pastries from $5.50

Where: Dairy Hall at Queen Victoria Market

People in the area love the Borek Shop for its Turkish-style pastries stuffed with cheese and spinach, spicy lamb, or potatoes. Each borek costs about $5 to $6 and is warm, crunchy and filling.

Why go: It’s one of the cheapest and best street food nibbles in Melbourne.

6. Nhu Lan Bakery – classic Vietnamese banh mi from $9

Location: 116 Hopkins Street, Footscray & 115 High Street, Preston

For decades, Nhu Lan has been making some of the best banh mi in Melbourne. For less than $10, you can have crispy baguettes stuffed with pate, pork, pickled vegetables and chilli.

Why go: The best affordable Vietnamese sandwich—fresh, quick, and full of real taste.

7. Sushi Hub – quick sushi rolls for $5–6

Location: Melbourne Central and several other places in the CBD

Sushi Hub has sushi that is always fresh and at a fair price. You may get a light but filling supper for about $12 by ordering two or three hand rolls with tuna, avocado, teriyaki chicken or crispy salmon.

Why go: Great for people who work in an office or commute and want a quick, healthy lunch.

8. Roti Bar – Malaysian roti and curries under $15

Location: 82 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

Roti Bar is a fantastic place in the CBD to get real Malaysian food. All of the roti canai sets, nasi lemak, and curry combos cost less than $15. The rotis are soft and buttery, which makes them ideal for soaking up thick curry sauces.

Why go: It’s excellent for groups and has a lot of real Malaysian character.

9. Pie Thief – gourmet pies from $9

Location: 66A Union Street, Brunswick

Pie Thief in Brunswick is the best place to get genuine Australian comfort cuisine. People around here talk about their meat and beer pie or vegan butter “chicken” pie all the time. The price of each pie is between $9 and $11.

Why go: The food is made with high-quality ingredients, has great tastes, and the staff is friendly.

10. Wonderbao – bao buns from $5

Location: Shop 4, 19–37 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne

Wonderboo is a favourite among students and foodies alike. It’s tucked away in a street near RMIT. The BBQ pork, fried chicken and tofu bao are light and fluffy and they cost about $5 apiece.

Why go: It’s a fun, modern and cheap way to taste street food in Melbourne.

Conclusion

The cheap meals sector in Melbourne shows that you don’t need a lot of money to obtain excellent food. These ten cheap restaurants will satisfy your appetites and keep your pocketbook happy, whether you’re in the need for curries, dumplings or a quick banh mi.