Frugal Feasts: Cheap Eats in Sydney That Won’t Break The Bank

As much as we all love to be wined and dined at the fanciest of Chef Hats, sometimes it’s the small hole-in-the-walls serving up sliders on paper trays that really hit the mark. From gourmet hot dogs to authentic roti canai, these are Sydney’s finest food joints serving up the very best budget bites. 

Marrickville Pork Roll

Join the long and winding queue outside Marrickville Pork Roll to try a true local gem. These fresh Vietnamese rolls will only set you back $5 and there are a range of ingredients to choose from. When an eatery only serves one dish,you know they are going to do it well. And this hole-in-the-roll is no exception.

236A Illawarra Road, Marrickville

El Camino Cantina

This Tex-Mex institution knows how to celebrate cheap eats every night of the week.  Offering a range of daily dining deals, including $2 tacos on Tuesdays, 10-cent chicken wings every Wednesday and half-price fajitas on Thursdays, no one will leave hungry. Happiness is delivered every weekday from 4pm to 6pm, with happy hour $7.50 margaritas, beer, wine and tequila.

18 Argyle Street, The Rocks

Bourke Street Bakery

There aren’t many Sydneysiders who haven’t tried or at least heard of Bourke Street Bakery. Their baked delights range from fresh wholemeal sourdough ($7.50) to pork and fennel sausage rolls ($5.50) and ginger bruleé tarts ($5.50). Top off your treat with a coffee and you have yourself a delicious mid-week meal.

In various locations around Sydney

Zeus Street Greek

A more recent food trend, Greek street food has really taken off in Sydney, and for good reason. You can pick yourself up a Classic Tzimmy, a traditional pita filled with tender pork, chicken or lamb, tomato, tzatziki, onion, paprika and hot chips from only $11.50, or if you prefer vegetarian pursuits, try the Stavros Stavrou, grilled haloumi, olive tapenade, roasted red peppers, lettuce, tomato and mint for $11.

187 – 180 Lyons Road, Drummoyne

Norfolk Hotel

After reopening in 2010, The Norfolk has upped the ante as far as pub food and entertainment goes. Tuesday night is worth a fiesta as all tacos are $3 and there are five options to choose from, plus a surprise weekly special. Thursdays are also popular with their $12 schnitzels and $15 jugs of craft beer.

305 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills

Harry’s Café De Wheels

A Sydney icon, Harry’s Café De Wheels has been feeding patrons since 1938. Harry’s has perfected the classic meat pie in addition to a number of gourmet spin-offs. They also offer up hot dogs and sides, and stay open until 4am on Friday and Saturday night. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a midnight snack, you can grab the signature dish, the Harry’s Tiger, a chunky beef pie topped with mushy peas and gravy, for $6.

Corner of Cowper Wharf Roadway and Brougham Road, Woolloomooloo

Frankie’s Pizza by the Slice

Known among the hospitality crowds as Sydney’s late-night go-to, Frankie’s offers retro interiors, live music, and as promised on the bill, pizza. For $6 you can get yourself a giant slice of American-style pizza in a variety of flavours. Try the Caprese (sliced fresh tomato, mozzarella, oregano and basil) or if you prefer the classics, the Margherita is always a winner.

50 Hunt Street, Sydney

Mamak

Delivering the cuisine of Kuala Lumpur, Mamak is known for their mouth-watering rotis and hearty Malaysian dishes. Established originally in Chatswood, this eatery has garnered quite the cult following across Sydney – fans flock from all over to sample Mamak’s straight-up up authentic street-food, Try the original roti canai served with two curry dips and sambal sauce for $8.

Shop P9, 1 – 5 Railway Street, Chatswood

Soda Factory

If you find yourself in Surry Hills on a Tuesday evening head over to Soda Factory for their $1 hot dogs. Pair that with $12 espresso martinis and $6 mimosas, you are guaranteed a fun night. With six hot dog flavours to choose from, you can try the whole menu for less than $10.

16 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills