It’s no secret that New York City is expensive, but there are cheap eats to be found if you look for them. When I lived in New York, I was on a low wage and had a strict budget.
Below are some of the gems 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 these spots 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.
Here’s a guide to 30 of the best places to eat for under $10 in New York City.
Related 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 New York cheap eats, check out my New York vlogs over on YouTube! Below you’ll find a 4-day vlog that features a few of the cheap eats mentioned in this list:
1. Joe’s Pizza
Location: 7 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
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 Dumplings
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.
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.
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.
6. The Halal Guys
Location: Multiple locations, Midtown, Manhattan
Enjoy a platter of halal street food at The Halal Guys – an affordable option for those 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.
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
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.
10. Shi 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!
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 St, New York, NY 10012
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.
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, NY 10009
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 a cheap, tasty meal.
17. Lhasa Fast Food
Location: 76-03 37th Avenue, Queens, NY 11372
Lhasa Fast Food offers an array of Tibetan dishes, including momos, that are both flavourful and affordable. It’s a cheap eats hidden gem worth seeking out for a budget-friendly dining experience in Queens.
18. Tompkins Square Bagels
Location: 165 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
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.
19. Jin Mei Dumpling
Location: 25B Henry St, New York, NY 10002
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 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
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.
21. Wah Fung No.1 Fast Food
Location: 79 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002
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
Location: 13217 Liberty Ave, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419
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 E 1st St, East Village, NY 10009
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 St, New York, NY 10013
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 Rd, Queens, NY 11415
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 Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
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.
28. King Barka
Location: 301 W 135th St, New York, NY 10030
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 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
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, NY 11354
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.
Tips for Cheap Eats in NYC
- 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.
I could eat Pizza every day ????????????
same here!!!!