Aliu IsaEveryone knows that good food doesn’t have to break the bank. That’s why you see hawker stalls in Singapore and taco stands in Mexico that have garnered Michelin stars and global acclaim.
Luckily, Toronto offers plenty of budget-friendly foodie spots—IF you know where to look! In our lovely city, you can actually grab top-notch dumplings for a couple of bucks or indulge in mouthwatering sushi without filing for bankruptcy.
So, for fellow bargain bite-hunters, here are the best cheap eats in Toronto that’ll satisfy your cravings and your wallet!
Habibz Corner
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Website: https://habibzcorner.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/habibzcorner/
Address: 578 Queen St W
Hours: Mon – Sun: 12 AM – 6 AM, 11 AM – 12 AM
Contact: (647) 329-0669
For a spot that’ll make your tummy happy and your wallet full, look no further than Habibz Corner! All their meat is hormone-free, grass-fed, and hand-slaughtered, so you’re getting halal freshness with every bite.
For just $11.50, you can dive into their BBQ Chicken on Rice with Salad. You’ll love the freshly marinated BBQ chicken, sizzling with spices and sautéed onions, served on a bed of authentic Middle Eastern rice.
Vegetarians can get in on the action, too! Go for their Veggie on Fries—a platter of veggies, perfectly seasoned with secret herbs and spices, sautéed onions, and then piled high over crispy fries.
Pro Tip:
Make room for Habibz Corner’s legendary Dulce de Leche Cheesecake—a fan favorite for a reason. It has a caramel swirl of dulce de leche on creamy baked cheesecake, topped with white chocolate.
Loga’s Corner
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Website: https://www.yelp.ca/biz/logas-corner-toronto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logascornerto/
Address: 216 Close Ave
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (647) 761-0965
Another corner in our list of budget-friendly eats is Loga’s Corner, a Little Tibet treasure! This family-run spot has two locations—one tiny takeout spot for your grab-and-go needs and a cozy café just a couple of doors down.
Their deep-fried aloo momos are legendary, and for only $9, you get a plate full of deliciousness. Vegetarians are not left out with their Vegetarian Momos too.
The best part is their homemade hot sauce, which seriously hits differently—it’s spicy, tangy, and totally addictive!
Pro Tip:
Once you’ve grabbed your food, head over to Loga’s Corner’s cozy café. Here, you can relax on comfy couches, enjoy a non-working fireplace for that homey vibe, and take advantage of the free WiFi.
Saigon Lotus
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Website: saigonlotus.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/saigonlotustoronto
Address: 6 St Andrew St, Toronto, ON M5T 1K6
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 901-1115
Saigon Lotus serves healthy, plant-based Vietnamese dishes that are packed with flavor. Hieu Tran brings over 20 years of experience to the table, and her focus on using less MSG and oil means you get all the flavor without the guilt.
You’ve got to try their Vegetarian Butter Chicken, a rich dish made with seitan, tofu, and potatoes, all swimming in a luscious, spiced sauce. Paired with your choice of basmati rice, roti, or naan, and a side of spicy yogurt, it’ll certainly hit all the right notes.
We also love their pan-fry vegan pho—a mix of tofu, seitan, and fresh veggies served with aromatic rice noodles. The chili hoisin sauce takes it to the next level, and you won’t even think about missing the meat in this dish.
Pro Tip:
Who knew that sweet sticky rice, ripe mango slices, and a drizzle of creamy condensed milk could totally make your day? Well, we did—so, don’t leave without trying Saigon Lotus’ mango sticky rice!
PAI
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Website: https://www.paitoronto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paitoronto/
Address: 18 Duncan St
Hours:
- Monday: 4 PM – 9:30 PM
- Tue – Thurs: 11:45 AM – 9:30 PM
- Fri – Sat: 11:45 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 11:45 AM – 9:30 PM
Contact: (416) 901-4724
For all the Thai food lovers out there, PAI is your go-to spot for cheap but insanely delicious eats. Run by the awesome duo Nuit and Jeff Regular, this place is named after a quaint town in northern Thailand and brings those authentic flavors right to Toronto.
If you’re with friends and want to (or have to?) share, we suggest starting with their famed grilled beef salad platter. It’s fresh, packed with flavor, and perfect for satisfying those huge group cravings.
Next up, you have to try the gaeng massaman curry—rich and comforting, with tender braised beef and potato swimming in a mouthwatering peanut-tamarind sauce, topped with crispy shallots. Basically, it’s happiness in a bowl.
Pro Tip:
If you’re dining in after 4 PM, don’t miss the Kanom Jin Nham Ngeaw. This Northern Thai dish is a flavorful pork rib and tomato soup served with rice vermicelli noodles, homemade pork rinds, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Wilbur Mexicana
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Facebook: Wilbur Mexicana
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilburmexicana/
Address: 552 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M3
Hours:
- Monday: 5 PM–9:30 PM
- Tue-Wed, Sun: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Thurs-Sat: 11:30 AM–10 PM
Contact Details: (416) 792-1878
Wilbur Mexicana is the go-to spot for cheap and tasty tacos. Named after Wilbur Scoville, the chemist who invented the Scoville scale (aka the spice-o-meter for chili peppers), this place is perfect for anyone who loves a little kick with their meal.
You have to try the Mexican street corn. Charred to perfection, it’s sweet, smoky, and totally addictive.
If you’re craving something a little lighter, their Kale Salad, Quesadilla, and Fajita are also delicious options that won’t break the bank.
One of the coolest things in this joint is their DIY salsa and hot sauce bar, where you can mix and match sauces to create your perfect taco combo. Get creative and tailor your meal—you can go mild or crank up the heat!
Pro Tip:
In the summer, grab a seat on Wilbur Mexicana’s patio that faces King Street—perfect for people-watching while you chow down on some seriously tasty tacos.
Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos
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Website: https://sevenlivesto.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sevenlivesto/
Address: 72 Kensington Ave
Hours: Mon – Sun: 12 PM – 7 PM
Contact Details: https://sevenlivesto.ca/Contact
If tacos are your thing, Seven Lives is an absolute must-visit! Since 2012, this little taco joint has been serving up some of the best, Baja-style tacos in Toronto, and it’s all about big flavors and super fresh ingredients.
Their most iconic taco is the Gobernador. It lives up to the hype—packed with house-smoked tuna, grilled shrimp, and melted cheese, it’s the perfect mix of smoky, savory, and cheesy goodness.
Seafood lovers will also go crazy for the Black Pepper Marlin Taco, topped with a creamy avocado sauce that just bursts with flavor. And vegetarians, you’re in for a treat—their Mushroom and Cactus Taco is both indulgent and flavorful.
Pro Tip:
If you’re rolling in with a friend or a date, order Seven Lives’ Hawaiian-style Poke. It’s a trendy dish done right—served with hot, crispy tortilla chips and a generous helping of guacamole. Perfect for sharing and snacking while you wait for your tacos!
Square Boy
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Website: https://www.yelp.ca/biz/square-boy-toronto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squareboy.restaurant/
Address: 875 Danforth Ave
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs, Sun: 10 AM – 11 PM
- Fri – Sat: 10 AM – 12:30 AM
Contact: (416) 461-2571
Square Boy is a family-owned joint that has been serving up some of the best burgers and Greek food in Toronto for over 40 years, and it’s still going strong. It’s got that old-school vibe, and the prices will make your wallet happy.
Their cheeseburger is a steal at just $7. It’s a homemade beef patty, grilled to perfection, giving it that extra smoky flavor. Add some pickles and their signature sauce, and you’ve got a burger that’s totally worth every penny.
If burgers aren’t your thing, their souvlaki is also a winner—juicy, tender chunks of meat grilled just right, served with all the Greek fixings you’d expect. And let’s not forget their amazing deals on whole BBQ chickens, perfect for feeding the whole crew.
Pro Tip:
Square boy is cash-only, and it’s definitely not a fancy spot, but that’s all part of its charm. So, come for the food—with cash—and stay for the unbeatable prices!
Manpuku Modern Japanese Eatery
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Website: http://www.manpuku.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manpuku.ca/
Address: 105 McCaul St
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 7:30 PM
Contact Details: (416) 979-6763
If you’ve got a hankering for tasty Japanese eats at unbeatable prices, Manpuku should be at the top of your list. Tucked near OCAD, this small restaurant has been dishing out affordable, homemade-style Japanese comfort food since 2008.
It’s got a relaxed vibe, with a U-shaped counter and open kitchen where you can watch the magic happen and even chat with the friendly staff. To start, ask them for their playful Manpuku “chips”—don’t be fooled, they’re actually fried noodle bits.
If you’re really hungry, go for the Beef Rice Don Combo—a hearty bowl of savory beef on rice paired with their delicious Takoyaki (those irresistible octopus balls). And here’s the best part: all of this will set you back just $15!
Pro Tip:
It can get a little warm inside Manpuku during the summer, so maybe skip the layers and keep it light while you enjoy your meal.
Allwyn’s Bakery
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Allwyns-Bakery-100057487658668/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allwynsbakery/
Address: 81 Underhill Dr, North York
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 8 PM
- Sat – Sun: 11 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (647) 847-4698
Allwyn’s Bakery might not catch your eye from the outside, but this hidden gem in a North York strip plaza is worth the visit. For over 20 years, this takeout spot has been serving up mouthwatering, budget-friendly eats that keep regulars coming back.
Their signature dish is their jerk chicken sandwich on soft, pillowy bread, paired with creamy coleslaw. It’s got that epic combo of spicy, juicy chicken and cool, crunchy slaw.
For something crispy and delicious, you can’t go wrong with their jerk-flavored chicken wings. At just $5.90 for half a pound, they’re served piping hot, straight from the oven!
Pro Tip:
If you’re in the mood for something cozy, We highly recommend Allwyn’s rich oxtail soup. For just $5, you can experience comfort food at its finest.
Fudao Noodle House
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Website: https://fudao.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fudao.noodle/
Address: 358 Spadina Ave.
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact Details: (647) 346-8588
Fudao Noodle House in Chinatown offers seriously delicious and budget-friendly Taiwanese eats. This casual spot not only serves up some of the best noodle soups in town, but they’ve got a killer playlist to keep the vibe going strong.
Their curry soup noodles are an absolute must-try—rich, flavorful broth with just the right amount of spice, paired with perfectly chewy noodles. And if you’re in the mood for something snackable, their Taiwanese sausage and squid skewers are top-notch.
Plus, their popcorn chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned just right. It’s honestly some of the best popcorn chicken you’ll find downtown .
Pro Tip:
Good news for noodle aficionados like us—Fudao offers unlimited noodle refills, so come hungry and leave extra satisfied!
Juicy Dumpling
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Website: http://www.juicydumpling.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juicydumpling.ca/
Address: 280 Spadina Ave.
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 12 AM
Contact Details: (647) 352-5678
For mouthwatering dumplings that won’t break the bank, Juicy Dumpling is your spot! This fast-casual joint serves up an authentic taste of Shanghai in a quick and convenient setting—perfect for lunch on the go or a casual bite.
Their xiao long baos are legendary—whether steamed or fried, these little pockets of goodness are made with efficiency to keep the lunch crowd flowing. We recommend the six soup dumplings with pork and Canadian crab—the mix of flavors is chef’s kiss!
For dessert, why not keep the dumpling theme going with their kusa mochi, filled with sweet red bean paste? It’s sticky and sweet and oh-so-delicious.
Pro Tip:
For the best Juicy Dumpling experience, eat your dumplings within ten minutes for that perfect balance of soup and dumpling skin. And avoid the splatter by nibbling the side and slurping the soup before diving into the whole thing.
Banh Mi Boys
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Website: https://banhmiboys.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banhmiboys/
Address: 392 Queen St W
Hours:
- Mon – Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM
Contact Details: (416) 363-0588
Banh Mi Boys has been serving up mouthwatering, Asian-inspired eats since 2011. Located at Queen Street West and Spadina, this snug and lively spot dishes out some seriously tasty banh mi, tacos, and steamed buns, all spiced to order.
The squid bahn mi is a crowd pleaser for a reason. The tender squid is perfectly cooked and pairs wonderfully with the fresh vegetables and flavorful sauce.
And if you’re a fan of pork belly, you won’t be disappointed. The spicy pork belly bahn mi is a popular choice because the lemongrass flavor complements the smoky pork, sweet pickled carrots, cilantro, and spicy mayo perfectly.
Pro Tip:
If you love kimchi, their Kimchi Fries are a must-try—warm fries smothered in pulled pork, fresh kimchi, scallions, and mayo. Add jalapeños if you’re craving a little extra heat!
Punjabi Chaap Corner
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Website: https://arabicacanada.coffee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arabica.ca/
Address: 65 Front St W
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 8 PM
- Sat – Sun: 8 AM – 8 PM
Contact Details: https://www.instagram.com/direct/
Punjabi Chaap Corner may have only started in Canada in 2020, but with 14 locations already (and more coming in 2024!), it’s clear they’re doing something right.
They’re known for their wide variety of chaap, a plant-based protein that’s 100% vegetarian, carving out a delicious niche among Indian food lovers. One of my go-to orders is their Aloo Tikki Chaat—layers of crunchy, flavorful goodness.
Another yummy dish is their Handi Chaap Pizza, baked straight from the clay pot. Imagine gooey, cheesy goodness with a unique Indian twist—it’s irresistible!
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to ask about their promos! My personal favorite is their $9.99 deal where you can snag Matar Chhole Kulche, 3 Momos, and wash it all down with a refreshing spicy guava drink.
