If you’re looking to stretch your dollar and still have a delicious and filling meal, your search is over. We’ve found Vancouver’s best cheap eats. While this city has many fine dining options (some even have Michelin stars) finding cheap eats can be a bit more challenging. But, get ready to feast because we’ve put together a list of our favourite cheap eats. These spots will quell your hunger pains without hurting your bank account.
The Best Cheap Eats in Vancouver
Costco
No cheap eats list would be complete without the $1.50 Costco hotdog. Although my favourite items from Costco is the massive poutine that costs just $2.79. If you’re creative, you can even craft Costco off menu classics like Chicken Strip Poutine or the wondrous Poutine Hot Dog.
Location: 605 Expo Blvd
Website: costco.ca
Lamajoun
For fresh, tasty, and cheap Armenian food, you’ll have to head to an unassuming industrial area in Richmond. Lamajoun Bakery & Cafe is tucked away beside offices and warehouses but you can probably find your way just by following your nose. For a finger-licking, puff pastry treat bursting with beef, try the Beef Borek for just $5.99.
Location: 11782 River Rd Unit 128, Richmond
Website: lamajoun.com
Duffin’s Donuts
This Vancouver institution has been providing value meals since 1987. They, of course, have donuts starting at just $1.89. They also make tasty tortas, like BBQ Beef or Turkey with Cheese and none are priced higher than $7. Another affordable option is the Fried Chicken which comes regular or spicy. A four piece costs $10.19.
Location: 1391 E 41st Ave
Website: duffinsdonuts.ca
Obanhmi
This trusted banh mi sandwich spot has locations across Greater Vancouver which means you’re never too far from a cheap handheld meal. Get a Lemongrass Pork Banh Mi for just $8. Or try a Pork Salad Roll for as little as $4.25. Grabbing eats en route is even easier with their online ordering system. A freshly made Banh Mi on crusty, still warm bread is hard to beat, especially at this price point.
Location: 2250 Kingsway, 1239 Pacific Blvd, 2234 E Hastings, 1668 W Broadway
Website: obanhmi.ca
Happy Hour and Taco Tuesday at El Gato Gab Gab
Now this taco shop owned by the Boxset Collective, the same folks who run the one Michelin star awarded Published on Main, so the menu (and prices) are a little more elevated. However, El Gato Gab Gab has some cheap Happy Hour specials like $8 Gato-Ritas and their delicious Dungeness Crab Tostada for $11.50. Plus their taco platters are 25% off on Tuesdays.
Location: 2650 Main St
Website: elgatogabgab.com
Hao Chi Lai Shanghai Kitchen
Richmond is rich with Chinese food options and many offer affordable menu items that don’t skimp when it comes to flavour. Hao Chi Lai Shanghai Kitchen runs a stall in Admiralty Centre where you can get a mouth-watering array of dumplings. Their juicy Xiao Long Bao are reasonably priced at $8.95 for six, or, for $9.95 you can get six Shanghai Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings.
Location: Admiralty Centre Food Court, 8700 McKim Way Unit 2078, Richmond
Website: haochilai.ca
Fritz European Fry House
The best poutine in Vancouver is also a great cheap eats option. The substantial large size costs $11. Or, you can get a small poutine topped with Montreal smoked meat for $10.
Fritz layers their poutine with care so that even a large will have cheese curds distributed throughout instead of just on top. They also have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free gravy available.
Location: 718 Davie St
Website: fritz-european-fry-house.menu-world.com
Happy Hour at Como Taperia
If you can nab a spot at Como’s standing bar, you can get not only cheap eats, but completely free tapas with every drink purchase. It’s how they do it in Spain after all! If you can’t get in at the bar, you can still enjoy 25% off food from the regular menu, except for the Raciones and Media section, as well as 35% off bottles of wine.
Location: 201 E 7th Ave
Website: comotaperia.com
Jo’s Italian Deli
For a mighty meatball sandwich or a big bowl of bolognese, Jo’s Italian Deli has all the classics at affordable prices. A bowl of spaghetti with three meatballs with Jo’s homemade Red Sauce will only set you back $11.59 at Jo’s. Whereas a Spicy Salami sandwich with olive tapenade and mozzarella is only $9.89.
Location: 2505 Alma St, Vancouver
214-8249 Eagle Landing Pkwy, Chilliwack
Website: jositaliandeli.com
Yasser’s Cafe
This Burnaby cafe is a community favourite with plenty of cheap and healthy menu items. For over thirty years Yasser has been serving up soup and sandwiches with love and care. His soup special changes daily, and you can get a bowl with toast for only $3.50. The house-made Tuna Salad sandwich comes in at under $5, while the hefty Roast Beef sandwich costs $7.
Location: 3831 Sunset St, Burnaby
Website: instagram.com
