TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Discovering cheap eats in Sydney is such a quest for international students and budget travelers, as the city has been notorious for its high cost of living. But, if you look closely, there are a myriad of affordable diners beneath the Australian art hub, each with its own flavor. Whether you are planning a big occasion or a casual date night, this guide will help you discover some of Sydney's hidden culinary gems.
Best Cheap Eats in Sydney
Travel experts from TimeOut revealed a list of interesting cheap eats in Sydney, best known for their unique recipes at modest price tags. Read on to jot down the top contenders below.
1. Mami’s Casa Latina - Mexican
Serving all menus under $20, Mami’s Casa Latina is evidently a worthy place to try cheap eats in Sydney. The thrill of nibbling authentic Mexican fare from Bondi Road will surely take you to another level of satisfaction.
2. Island Dreams Cafe - Lakemba
Cited to be the only eateries to ever cook the cuisine of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Island Dreams Cafe continues to dazzle foodies with generational recipes. Since its first opening to the public in 1996, the loving couple, Alimah and her husband, Aman, have been feeding Sydney-goers with affordable yet delish meals at only $16 to $18.
3. Tan Viet Noodle House - Vietnam
The popularity of Tan Viet Noodle House among the crowds is no joke, so you will likely find a line outside the restaurant. Bearing a heritage of Chinese and Vietnamese mix, every bowl of this restaurant goes out generously and well-priced. At around twenty bucks per person, your lunch will be filled with Tan Viet Noodle House’s signature flavors.
4. Dosa Hut - Indian
How interesting that the most-reviewed restaurant in Australia is also a famous cheap eat in Sydney? Dosa Hut is proven to be a bargain, serving flavorful dishes at under $20. If the repeated customers are any of the living testimonies for outstanding dinners, then Dosa Hut certainly has it all.
5. Bar Italia - Italian
For a decent price of around $20 to $30, foodies are promised rich flavors of Italian fare, including amatriciana, carbonara, bolognese, marinara, parmigiana, pizzaiola, napoletana, puttanesca, and many more. With roots tracing all the way back to 1952, the crowds have found comfort in Bar Italia in an indescribable way.
6. Spicy Joint - Chinese
There is nothing more fitting to the concept of cheap eats in Sydney than Haymarket’s Spicy Joint, where you can slurp a bowl of Dan Dan noodles at a price as low as $5.90. If you want to seal the deal, though, coming early is a wise decision as the place is always packed.
7. Eat at ROBs
Located right in the front window of Darling Street Meats butchery in Rozelle, Eat at ROBs serves a burger for only $10.5. For all the scorching heat spent in the area, their Oklahoma-style burgers have received nods of appreciation from both locals and travelers.
8. City Edge
The inclusion of City Edge on the list of cheap eats in Sydney is a must, all for their freshly made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, and salads. This weekday-only lunch spot is notable for selling out solid buns at a modest price of just $13.
9. Hariri Chickens - Lebanese
Hariri Chickens is a standout cheap eat in a cramped market where crowds flock to take their village-style Lebanese bread. If the crisp is anything but enough, dig more into the delicious side dishes of molokhiya, Lebanese pepper rice, eggplant, or cheese melt.
10. Peranakan Place
A tang of rich flavor from Peranakan cuisine is what turns this eatery into a feast, thanks to the perfect blend of Chinese cooking techniques and Malay spices. Come taste the stretchy and buttery roti, or get yourself a flavorful curry menu here for an authentic experience.
11. Ama - Thai
Ama’s very own blue-and-white floral bowl is packed with three types of beef, making lunch an even more exciting break time. As the broth is fragrant with five Chinese spices, anyone will find comfort at the price of only 20 bucks.
12. Albee’s Kitchen - Malaysian
Albee’s Kitchen presents Malaysian fare like no other, thanks to its coconut-creamy curries and soups. While you wait for the flavorful Hainan chicken to melt in your mouth, you can order more dishes from the restaurant’s 37-page menu book.
13. Tita Carinderia - Filipino
Another Asian edition makes an appearance in the handy guide of cheap eats in Sydney. This time, the communal tables out front will take your taste buds on a journey across regions, with its fluffy bread roll, garlic fried rice, and tender pork adobo.
14. Bar Reggio - Italian
Once hailed as the winner of the Best Cheap Eat category of the Time Out Food & Drink Awards, Bar Reggio remains unchanging. From its old-school Italian fare of pizza and pasta, right down to its tortellini boscaiola, this diner is a place where hunger isn't priced high.
15. Derrel’s - Indian
Rounding out the list, Derrel’s serves spiced tandoori chicken wings at modest prices. For five of them, you can pay only $17, while an additional $8 will get you a chip butty with butter chicken gravy.
With so many affordable options across cultures and cuisines, cheap eats in Sydney prove that good food and good value go hand in hand. And, for more exploration with similar inspiration, check also TasteAtlas’s best cuisine in the world here.
Editor’s Choice: 10 Local Foods You Must Try in Malaysia
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
