This blog post is all about the best cheap eats in New York.
It’s no secret that New York City is expensive, but there are cheap eats in New York to be found if you look for them.
When I lived in New York for 12 months, I was on a low wage and had a strict budget.
Below are some of the best cheap eats in New York that I found, from full meals to snacks that will fill a hole for a few hours. These places aren’t just cheap; they’re also delicious.
Some of cheap eats in New York are places I go back to every time I’m in NYC!
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, finding tasty and affordable meals is always a win. Especially for somewhere as expensive as New York.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
RELATED Cheap Eats in New York blog posts to read:
- My 7 Favourite Dumpling Spots in New York City
- The 9 Best Pizza Slices in New York City
- The 8 Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in New York City
- The Best Viewing Platforms in New York City
- Checking In: The Sheraton Hotel, TriBeCa New York City
Before diving into the best cheap eats in New York, check out my New York vlogs over on YouTube! Below you’ll find a 4-day vlog that features a few of the best cheap eats in New York, mentioned in this list:
This blog post is all about the best cheap eats in New York City.
The 30 Best Cheap Eats in New York City
Below is a guide to 30 of the best cheap eats in New York for under $10.
1. Joe’s Pizza
Location: 7 Carmine Street, New York
Joe’s Pizza is a NYC institution. Since 1975, this no-frills pizzeria has been serving up some of the best slices in town.
A classic cheese slice costs just a few dollars, leaving you with plenty of room in your budget for another one, or two!
2. Mamoun’s Falafel
Location: Multiple locations, Greenwich Village, East Village, Manhattan
A beloved spot for delicious falafel and shawarma with Middle Eastern flavours that won’t break the bank. Their falafel sandwich is legendary and will only set you back around $5.
It’s packed with crispy falafel, fresh veggies, and creamy tahini sauce, all wrapped up in a warm pita.
3. Vanessa’s Dumpling House
Location: 118A Eldridge Street, Chinatown, Manhattan
Enjoy dumplings and noodles at Vanessa’s, a Chinatown gem. Vanessa’s Dumpling House offers a variety of dumplings and buns that are both delicious and wallet-friendly.
You can get four fried dumplings for around $2, making it easy to mix and match to your heart’s content.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Cheap Eats in New York
4. Xi’an Famous Foods
Location: Multiple locations, Chinatown, Flushing, Manhattan
Craving something spicy and satisfying?
Xi’an Famous Foods offers a variety of noodle dishes, many of which are under $10. Their Spicy Lamb Noodles are a must-try, offering a unique blend of Chinese and Middle Eastern flavours.
Just beware though, their noodles are very spicy!
5. Gray’s Papaya
Location: 2090 Broadway, Upper West Side, Manhattan
Bite into a classic New York hot dog at Gray’s Papaya, where the “Recession Special” includes two hot dogs and a drink for around $5. It’s quick, it’s cheap, and it’s quintessentially New York.
And in my opinion, one of the best cheap eats in New York.
6. The Halal Guys
Location: Multiple locations, Midtown, Manhattan
Enjoy a platter of halal street food at The Halal Guys, an affordable option if you’re craving delicious Middle Eastern cuisine.
Their famous chicken or gyro over rice with white sauce is a staple street food, and a platter costs just under $10.
Just be careful with the hot sauce!
7. Los Tacos No. 1
Location: 229 West 43rd Street, Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan
Experience authentic and affordable Mexican street food at Los Tacos No. 1, known for their delicious tacos and quesadillas.
Each taco is under $5, so you can enjoy a couple of these delicious, authentic Mexican treats without breaking the bank.
I love the Chelsea Market location since you can try some other food vendors while you’re here.
8. 2 Bro’s Pizza
Location: Various locations, Manhattan
No longer quite as cheap as a dollar a slice (thanks inflation) but still very cheap and won’t disappoint. 2 Bros Pizza is the go-to spot for budget-friendly pizza.
A classic cheese slice costs just a few dollars, leaving you with plenty of room in your budget for another!
RELATED blog post to read: The 9 Best Pizza Slices in New York City
9. Fried Dumpling
Location: Moscow Street, Chinatown, Manhattan
This hole-in-the-wall is an absolute gem. It’s cheap and delicious.
And when I say cheap, I mean 13 dumplings for $5 cheap.
It’s a perfect spot for a quick, tasty, and incredibly affordable meal. My favourite of all the cheap eats in New York spots on this list.
I’d always stop by on a weeknight after work if we were heading out in the city!
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Cheap Eats in New York
10. Shu Jiao Fu Zhou
Location: 118 Eldridge Street, Chinatown, Manhattan
The most amazing, delicious, and affordable dumplings and noodles deal you will find in the city.
We dine here every single time we visit New York and it’s my all-time favourite of the cheap eats in New York!
RELATED blog post to read: My 7 Favourite Dumpling Spots in New York City
11. Bodega Bagel
Location: Various bodegas across the city
Grab a bagel from a local bodega for a quick, affordable, and quintessentially New York breakfast.
These bagels are not only cheap but also freshly made, making them a perfect start to your day.
12. Chicken Over Rice
Location: Various street corners across the city
My go-to cheap eats lunch order while working in the office in FiDi. It’s exactly what it sounds like: flavourful chicken over rice.
Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. This street food staple is filling and affordable (the portions are huge!), typically costing around $6-$7.
13. Saigon Shack
Location: 114 Macdougal Street, Manhattan
If you’re in the mood for Vietnamese food, Saigon Shack has you covered. Their classic Banh Mi sandwiches are under $10 and packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavours.
Pair it with a Vietnamese iced coffee for a perfect meal and feel like you’re in Ho Chi Minh City!
14. Dos Toros Taqueria
Location: Multiple Locations
Dos Toros Taqueria offers burritos, tacos, and quesadillas made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Most items are just around $10, and the generous portions make it great value for your money.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Cheap Eats in New York
15. Levain Bakery
Location: Multiple locations, Manhattan
While not a meal, a cookie from Levain Bakery is massive and will fill a hole, keeping you going for a few hours.
These cookies are thick, gooey, and incredibly satisfying, making them worth every penny.
16. Cafe Himalaya
Location: 78 East 1st Street, Lower East Side, Manhattan
Another favourite spot of ours that we visit just about every time we are in New York. Try the delicious and affordable momos at Cafe Himalaya.
These Tibetan dumplings are filled with meat or vegetables and are a great option for cheap eats in New York.
17. Lhasa Fast Food
Location: 76-03 37th Avenue, Queens
Lhasa Fast Food offers an array of Tibetan dishes, including momos, that are both flavourful and affordable.
It’s a cheap eats in New York hidden gem worth seeking out for a budget-friendly dining experience in Queens.
18. Tompkins Square Bagels
Location: 165 Avenue A, East Village, Manhattan
Grab a bagel from Tompkins Square Bagels for a quick, affordable, and New York-style breakfast.
These bagels are generously sized and delicious, making them a great way to start the day.
RELATED blog post to read: Where to Find the 10 Best NYC Bagels in New York
19. Jin Mei Dumpling
Location: 25B Henry Street, Chinatown, Manhattan
Jin Mei Dumplings is another Chinatown treasure. With 15 dumplings for just $5, you get a tasty and filling meal that won’t dent your wallet.
20. Fu Zhou Wei Zhong
Location: 88 East Broadway, Manhattan
For just $5, you can enjoy delicious beef steamed buns at Fu Zhou Wei Zhong, making it an ideal stop for a quick, cheap, and satisfying meal.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Cheap Eats in New York
21. Wah Fung No.1 Fast Food
Location: 79 Chrystie Street, Chinatown, Manhattan
Wah Fung No.1 Fast Food serves up an incredible roast pork over rice for just $5.50. It’s a hearty meal that offers great value for money.
22. Sybil’s Bakery
Location: 13217 Liberty Avenue, South Richmond Hill, Queens
Another great cheap eats option, Sybil’s offers a jerk chicken sandwich for just $8. This spot is known for its tasty Caribbean cuisine that won’t break the bank.
23. Punjabi Deli
Location: 114 East 1st Street, East Village, Manhattan
An East Village institution, Punjabi Deli offers a variety of Indian dishes, all under $10. It’s a great place to enjoy authentic flavours on a budget.
24. May Wah Fast Food
Location: 190 Hester Street, Chinatown, Manhattan
May Wah is famous for its $7.50 pork chop, providing a delicious and affordable dining option for those craving tasty meat dishes.
25. Kew Gardens Chicken
Location: 8045 Kew Gardens Road, Queens
For just $8.50, Kew Gardens Chicken provides a satisfying and affordable chicken meal, making it a go-to spot for cheap eats.
26. The Charleston
Location: 174 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
At Charleston bar, buy a $4 beer and get a free pizza. Is it the best pizza in the world? Probably not, but it’s free with your beer, so you really can’t complain.
27. 7th Street Burger
Location: Various locations
7th Street Burger offers one of the best smash burgers around, providing a delicious and affordable, cheap eats burger experience.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Cheap Eats in New York
28. King Barka
Location: 301 West 135th Street, Harlem, Manhattan
King Barka offers $6 Jamaican staples in Harlem, making it a great place to enjoy flavourful Caribbean dishes on a budget.
29. El Sabroso
Location: 265 West 37th Street, Midtown, Manhattan
El Saborso is an amazing hidden spot offering Ecuadorian and Latin food. Their tiny lunch counter provides delicious meals for just $9.50.
30. White Bear
Location: 135-02, Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing, Queens
12 dumplings for $10 (make sure to get the wontons in hot sauce). These were the best dumplings I’ve ever tried in Flushing – New York’s real Chinatown.
Top Tips for Cheap Eats in New York City
- Look for Food Trucks: NYC’s food truck scene is plentiful and often offers great deals. Think pretzels, hot dogs, chicken over rice etc.
- Visit Ethnic Neighbourhoods: Areas like Chinatown, Koreatown, and Little Italy have many affordable dining options.
- Happy Hours and Specials: Many places offer happy hour deals or daily specials that can help you save even more.
RELATED Cheap Eats in New York blogs to read:
- The 8 Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in New York City
- The 9 Best Pizza Slices in New York City
- My 7 Favourite Dumpling Spots in New York City
- How to Spend Christmas Day in New York City
- 48 Hours in New York City: A Local’s Epic Itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
I could eat Pizza every day ????????????
same here!!!!