Cheap Eats in the Inner City

Being on a student budget doesn’t mean you need to forego tasty and filling meals. One of the best things about living in Sydney is that there are so many options for cheap meals, whatever your taste. 

The best things about these cheaper meals? They are often authentic, and will rival meals in more expensive restaurants. 

In this blog, we explore cheap eats  in the Inner City.

Xi An Cuisine

If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful Chinese meal, head along to Xi An Cuisine in Haymarket. The small hole-in-the-wall restaurant specialises in food from the Xian region and is unpretentious, delicious and full of flavour – and won’t empty your wallet. 

Xi An Cuisine has a small amount of outdoor seating, and recommendations for meals to try include the cold handmade noodles, the Rou Jia Mo (pork pita bread), and the steamed chicken with special sauce. 

You’ll easily get away with spending under $15 for a meal at this Haymarket restaurant. 

Location: 4/90 Hay St, Haymarket 

Kood Tea Cafe and Korean Kitchen

Don’t expect to find a website or Instagram page for Kood because there isn’t one. But if you just happen to be walking past this Surry Hills restaurant at lunch time, you will find a line that may be out the door – word of mouth certainly still works when it comes to this Korean cafe. 

The mixed plate is the pick for lunch with two mains, three sides, rice and japchae coming in under $20. 

Low key, casual, comforting and delicious, you’ll find plenty here to suit everyone including vegetarian and gluten free options. 
Location: 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills

Baharat

Baharat is a cocktail bar and restaurant in Barangaroo that draws inspiration from the drinking spots and spice markets in Istanbul. The executive chef draws on his Turkish heritage, and has created some authentic and delicious street food plates including mezes, pides and charcoal options. 

The lunch specials are a great deal with a chicken or kofte kebab roll or falafel pocket for under $15. 

There’s no reservations at Baharat – just walk in, or order online and pick up on your way home. 

Location: 100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo

Chaco Ramen

In those cooler months, a good ramen can warm the body and the soul, and at Chaco Ramen, you’re sure to find something to your taste. The broth here is the colour of an egg yolk, but it is certainly a tasty dish. The fat soy and chilli coriander ramen dishes are highly recommended. 

If you prefer to eat at home, Chaco Ramen offers a take home frozen pack – a DIY ramen pack that feeds two. At $30, these are a fantastically affordable option when you need a decent meal, but also need to get back to studying. 

There’s a small sides menu to choose from, including John Dory dumplings, while the bone marrow curry is a great option if soup isn’t what you’re feeling like. 

Location: 238 Crown Street, Darlinghurst & 11 O’Brien St, Bondi Beach

Chinese Noodle Restaurant

There’s no doubt that Haymarket is the place to be for cheap tasty eats in the inner city, and Chinese Noodle Restaurant is just one of the many popular options around the city. The menu here is inspired by the Xinjiang region in China, so you’ll find plenty of lamb on the menu, as well as hand-pulled noodles and crispy dumplings. 

One thing to remember about Chinese Noodle Restaurant – it’s busy, and loud but the atmosphere adds to the enjoyment of the food. The meals are fresh and substantial, and they arrive at your table quickly. 

There are quite a few similar restaurants around the Haymarket area, and a favourite generally comes down to individual preferences, but Chinese Noodle Restaurant is certainly one of the more popular options. 

Location:  Prince Centre TG7/8 Quay Street, 162 Thomas St, Haymarket 

Bill & Toni’s

There’s no denying that Sydney is home to some great Italian restaurants, but Bill & Toni’s is something a bit different. Located on Stanley Street in Darlinghurst, this restaurant is right in the middle of the original Italian community in Sydney, and is often known as Sydney’s first “Little Italy”. 

Downstairs you’ll find quality coffee, quick meals and tasty gelato and pastries, while upstairs is a winner with home-style meals. The pasta is plentiful and the pizzas are full of flavour with some of the more traditional toppings. 

Bill & Toni’s is popular so it may be loud, but we think that just adds to the atmosphere. 

Location: 72-74 Stanley St, Darlinghurst

BCD Tofu House

Epping is a bit further out but we are going to include it here, because it’s hard to pass up a meal at BCD Tofu House. It’s not hard to get a good cheap meal in Sydney but this restaurant just takes it up another notch. 

BCD Tofu House is all about soup and bean curd, and there are around 13 variations of soft tofu soup on the menu. Choose your spicy level (perfect for those who love the taste of soft tofu soup without a high level of spicy) and don’t forget any additional sides or rice to bulk out your meal further. 

Location: 10/74-76 Rawson St, Epping

**Note that prices may change from time of publishing, but these restaurants are well worth checking out ** 

Looking for Affordable Student Accommodation in Sydney?

Living High Co-Living offers affordable student accommodation around Sydney’s Inner City, close to several university campuses. If you’re studying in Sydney and looking for shared accommodation, we’d love to help you find your new home.

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