Yes, really! It’s possible to enjoy Canberra’s food scene without blowing your budget.

Don’t believe us? Here are just some of Canberra’s many cheap eats that offer a good deal without skimping on flavour. Let’s raise our empty two-minute noodle packets to that.

Turkish Halal Pide House

Where: Yarralumla 

Cheap, delicious, and on the go? Yep, the Turkish Halal Pide House ticks all the boxes. Vegetarians can pick themselves up a crisp and flavourful falafel wrap while popular meat items include chicken and lamb kebabs. Did someone say lunch date?

Indo Café

Where: City Centre

You are going to want to sit down for this one, because the Indo Café will take you straight to the heart of Bali itself. Their popular takeaway boxes include a range of meat and vegetarian options while honouring the robust flavours of Indonesian cuisine. Think: Nasi Goreng with fried rice and chicken, Beef Rendang in spicy coconut sauce and vegetable salads soaked in a creamy peanut sauce. Yes, please!

Rice & Nori

Where: City Centre

At Rice & Nori, you can indulge in the rich, creamy flavours of sushi with the confidence that all the ingredients are deliciously fresh. Not to mention sushi roll will leave your stomach completely satisfied, stuffed with all the things that make sushi so darn irresistible. Paired with a cheap bowl of perfectly salted edamame or miso soup and your lunchtime study break just got a level up.

Badger & Co

Where: Kambri Precinct, Australian National University

Tucked away at ANU, Badger & Co’s delicious yet affordable menu options are not in short supply. From their tacos to their fried chicken burger or chicken schnitzel you are guaranteed to find something drool worthy within your budget. Enjoy!

Melted: Toasted Sandwich Emporium

Where: Fyshwick

Taking the humble toasted sandwich into unexpected realms, this creative café knows how to make Canberrans’ melt (literally). Loaded on thick Three Mills sourdough, menu options at Melted include the Mi Goreng with chilli jam and fried eggs to the revered Vegemite and Cheese. You officially have an excuse to make your way to Fyshwick.   

iPho

Where: City Centre

Another city foodie gem that does not disappoint. You may have to fight your way through the birds in Garema Place, but iPho’s large soul warning bowls are well worth it. Gentle spiced and oozing in aromatic flavours, this healthy Vietnamese dish is worth every penny. 

The Meating Room

Where: Weston Creek

Love nothing better than a hearty meat dish and a good deal? The Meeting Room offers melt-in-your-mouth, bursting-with-flavours burgers and chicken schnitzels and there are often specials across the week. Run, don’t walk.

The Good Wholefoods

Where: No Name Lane, City Centre

Sometimes, eating out on a budget means compromising on healthy options. The Good Wholefoods prove that both can exist simultaneously. Tucked away in No Name Lane you can pick yourself up a healthy salad (or make it yourself) filled with roasted veggies, your choice of protein, and plenty of seasoned greens that don’t taste well, healthy. Your body and your bank account will be thanking you.

Dickson Asian Noodle House

Where: Dickson

Located in Canberra’s answer to Chinatown, Woolley Street in Dickson, the Dickson Asian Noodle House is delicious and affordable—don’t miss their enormous laksa with all the trimmings.