In the age of $25 toasties and $19 pints, you’ll be shocked to know it’s still possible to fill your belly in with in Sydney without emptying your bank account. You just need to know where to go.
With the cost of living taking a sledgehammer to our budgets, Australia’s most expensive city is feeling the pinch harder than anywhere else. Especially when Sydneysiders are also obsessed with eating out. We’ve rounded up the most delicious meals around the Harbour City for $10 or less.
Best cheap eats Sydney: $10 or less
1. Str’Eats Pasta Bar | Aglio & Olio Bliss | $10
Nestled in the vibrant enclave of Chippendale’s Spice Alley, Str’Eats Pasta Bar stands as a testament to the fact that you don’t need to splurge to savour high-quality Italian fare. For just $10, you can indulge in a bowl of their Aglio & Olio—a dish that brings simplicity to new heights. Perfectly al dente handmade pasta, tossed with the holy trinity of garlic, chilli, and parsley, all drizzled in luscious olive oil. It’s a symphony of flavours giving Sicilian streets and sunlit Italian countryside. Hidden away yet immensely popular, Str’Eats has achieved pasta nirvana without the astronomical price tag.
Address: 24 Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday (11:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 8:30pm); Friday – Saturday (11:30am – 9pm)
2. Chon Siam | Thai Boat Noodles | $6.50
If you’re seeking a punch of flavour as deep as any in a Thai night market back alley, look no further. This unassuming spot serves absolutely delicious Thai boat noodles with a rich broth spiced with cinnamon and star anise, with a tantalising splash of pig’s blood lending depth and complexity. With fish balls, tender pork, and a medley of vegetables, this soup is a hearty, comforting choice—ideal for a light but satisfying lunch for just $6.50.
Address: 83 Campbell St, Haymarket NSW 2000
Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday (10am – 10pm); Thursday – Saturday (10am – 11pm); Sunday (10am – 10pm)
3. Doyles on the Wharf | Chips by the Sea | $7.70
The legendary Doyle’s on the Wharf might be synonymous with upscale seafood dining, but their takeaway counter at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel delivers a more casual but equally delightful experience. For just $7.70, you can enjoy their classic fish and chips, perfect for a beachside picnic. While the atmosphere might be more laid-back than their restaurant, the quality remains exemplary. With the pristine Watsons Bay as your backdrop, every bite of these crispy, golden morsels feels like a luxurious treat. If the view of the harbor doesn’t impress you, the value definitely will.
Address: 1 Military Rd, Watsons Bay NSW 2030
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (11am – 5pm)
4. Charmhor | Spicy Noods | $9.90
In tasty Haymarket, Charmhor is a beacon of affordable yet authentic Thai cuisine. Their spicy dry black noodles—Zaap Hang Kaihor—come with your choice of meat, ground peanuts, dried shrimp, and veggies, all drenched in a spicy sauce that could make even a seasoned spice lover sweat. For the same price, their Kai Cheek Mara—shredded chicken soup with thin noodles, bitter melon, and Chinese broccoli—offers a contrasting yet equally compelling option. At $9.90, both dishes echo simplicity and quality.
Address: 79 Quay St, Haymarket NSW 2000
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (11am – 10pm)
5. Derrel’s | Chip Putty with Butter Chicken Gravy | $10
Derrel’s, a hybrid takeaway joint and casual eatery, is slinging tasty comfort food with a modern twist. Their chip “putty”, drenched in creamy butter chicken gravy, is a delightful ode to both British and Indian cuisines. At $10, it’s an affordable, inventive blend of flavours that pays homage to Derrel King’s Anglo-Indian heritage. Whether you’re craving a late-night bite or a novel spin on a classic, this is the place to be. And it’s BYO, so feel free to bring your favourite beverage to accompany this carb-laden delight.
Address: 89 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown NSW 2050
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Thursday (5pm – 12am); Friday – Saturday (5pm – 2am); Sunday (5pm – 12am)
6. Mother Chu’s | Taiwanese Street Snacks | $5
For those who appreciate Taiwanese street food, Mother Chu’s offers a menu that’s both diverse and wallet-friendly. A Taiwanese beef pie at $9.30, egg pancake rolls at $7.50, or steamed buns filled with chicken or pork for just $5 each will make your taste buds dance with joy. Mother Chu’s is not just a place to eat—it’s a testament to the beauty of quick, delicious, and affordable street food. With efficient service and consistently excellent fare, this spot has earned its place among Sydney’s budget-friendly dining gems.
Address: 367 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday (12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 9pm)
7. Miss Ary | Koren Kimbab | $9.50
Miss Ary’s Kimbab, often mistaken for sushi but distinctly different, offers a fresh and vibrant take on Korean cuisine. Each roll, packed with seasoned rice, fish cake, radish pickle, egg, and vegetables, is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. At $9.50 for ten pieces, this dish is not just filling but also a beautiful representation of Korean culinary craftsmanship. Dip it in the accompanying mustard soy sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
Address: Shop 255 20/34 Churchill Ave, Strathfield NSW 2135
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday (11am – 3pm, 4pm – 9pm)
8. Charlie Chan’s | Thai Dry Noodles | $9.90
When it comes to classic Thai fare, Charlie Chan’s offers a substantial bowl of dry noodles that are as satisfying as they are affordable. For $9.90, you can enjoy either a sweet soy sauce version or a spicy Tom Yum noodle soup. With options for chicken, beef, or pork balls, and open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight, Charlie Chan’s ensures that your late-night noodle cravings are well taken care of.
Address: 631-635 George St, Haymarket NSW 2000
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (12am – 6am, 9am – 12am)
9. Rosa Cienfuegos’ Tamaleria & Mexican Deli | Tasty Tamales | $9
This tiny shopfront in Dulwich Hill is serving up some of Sydney’s best traditional tamales. Rosa Cienfuegos’ warm, savoury and sweet tamales feature well-seasoned meat and vegetables baked in a starchy dough, encased in corn husk. $9 will get you a choice of chicken with green sauce, chicken with mole or a poblano pepper with cheese in red sauce tamale, and while it may not make an entire meal it will definitely tide you over.
Address: 463 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill, NSW 2203
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-4pm
10. Emperor’s | Cream Puffs | Seven for $4
Finally, let’s not forget Emperor’s, home of beloved Sydney staple cream puffs. Priced at $4 for seven, these freshly baked puffs are a steal. Despite an outrage around their incremental price hikes — reflecting Sydney’s ever-increasing cost of living — these pastries remain a symbol of affordable indulgence. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh and hot—so keep an eye out for the temperature warning posted at the entrance.
Address: 75 Dixon St, Haymarket NSW 2000
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (8pm – 10pm)
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