10 Cheap Eats in Vancouver (That Are Actually Good)

Vancouver often gets labeled as one of the most expensive cities in North America, and visitors quickly realize how quickly dining costs can add up.

Still, budget-friendly food doesn’t have to be bland or disappointing.

There are plenty of spots where $5 to $20 stretches much further than expected, offering both quality and flavor.

The list below highlights well-loved local gems where affordability meets great taste, perfect for residents trying to save or travelers eager to eat well without draining their wallets.

10. La Belle Patate – Classic Québécois Poutine

La Belle Patate in Davie Village has become a go-to for anyone craving authentic poutine outside Quebec. Every plate feels like a comfort-food hug, with golden fries piled high, squeaky cheese curds that melt just enough, and a velvety gravy poured generously on top.

Beyond the traditional option, customers can choose heavier toppings like smoked meat, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms, which transform a simple dish into a full meal.

Vegetarians are not left out, as there are options designed to satisfy those avoiding meat.

Prices hover around $9 for the classic version, making it one of the best deals in a city known for expensive dining.

Locals often stop by late at night, since it caters to the after-bar crowd, but daytime visitors find it equally satisfying. It’s casual, hearty, and exactly what comfort food should feel like: affordable, filling, and packed with flavor.

9. Kam Wai Dim Sum – Chinatown’s Hidden Gem

Kam Wai Dim Sum on East Pender Street is one of Chinatown’s most reliable spots for cheap eats. The dim sum here is no-frills but fresh and full of flavor.

At $5 to $7 per plate, it’s easy to order a variety without stretching the budget. Favorites include dumplings, fluffy BBQ pork buns, and rice noodle rolls, all prepared with care and consistency.

The Siu Mai stands out, with four pieces costing only $4.75, making it an unbeatable deal in a city where even a simple sandwich often costs much more.

Quick service and takeout-friendly packaging make it ideal for lunch breaks or casual meals on the go. Regulars appreciate the authenticity, reminding them of traditional dim sum halls but at a fraction of the price.

8. El Furniture Warehouse – Dive Bar Vibes, Cheap Eats

Granville Street’s El Furniture Warehouse has built a reputation for combining cheap eats with a buzzing nightlife atmosphere.

Every item on the menu comes in under $12, making it a standout in a city where dining often costs triple that.

Popular choices include loaded potato skins, tacos, and pierogi, all portioned generously enough to satisfy hungry students and late-night crowds.

Drinks are just as affordable, which makes the spot lively during evenings when groups gather to hang out without breaking the bank. While it may look like a typical dive bar at first glance, the food surprises with solid execution and reliable flavors.

Many come for the prices but end up returning for the vibe that feels equal parts casual hangout and affordable dining hall.

7. Hawkers Delight – Malaysian Comfort Food

Hawkers Delight in Riley Park offers a taste of Southeast Asian hawker stalls right in Vancouver. Huge portions, bold seasoning, and authentic flavors set it apart as one of the best-value meals in the area. Dishes rarely exceed $14, which is remarkable considering the generous serving sizes.

Mee Goreng, the star of the menu, features stir-fried noodles tossed with vegetables, egg, and spicy chili sauce that packs a satisfying kick.

Curry dishes and fried rice plates also deserve recognition, each prepared with the same depth of flavor.

Diners often note that the food feels homemade, comforting, and consistent. Portions are big enough to share or save for later, which stretches the value even further.

For anyone craving Malaysian food on a budget, Hawkers Delight always delivers.

6. La Tortilleria – Crispy Taco Salad on Granville Island

Inside Granville Public Market, La Tortilleria offers one of the best-value Mexican meals in the city. The taco salad is their claim to fame, served inside a crispy tortilla bowl that’s both edible and delicious. At $9 to $11, it’s affordable, filling, and bursting with flavor.

Fresh toppings include beans, cheese, crisp vegetables, salsa, and proteins like chicken or beef.

Each bite balances crunch, spice, and freshness, making it a satisfying option for market-goers in need of a quick but hearty meal.

What sets it apart is the mix of portability and presentation; the tortilla bowl doubles as both container and snack. Tourists enjoy discovering it, but locals know it’s a dependable choice for a satisfying lunch.

5. Banh Mi Saigon – Iconic Vietnamese Subs

On Victoria Drive, Banh Mi Saigon has mastered the art of the banh mi sandwich.

Freshly baked baguettes are stuffed with marinated meats, herbs, and pickled vegetables, resulting in a crunchy, flavorful experience.

At under $8, these sandwiches remain one of the best-value meals in Vancouver. The BBQ Pork Banh Mi, in particular, balances smoky sweetness with the brightness of herbs and the sharpness of pickled carrots and daikon.

Service is fast, making it perfect for lunch breaks or quick dinners. Regulars praise the consistency and authentic taste that rivals banh mi shops in Vietnam.

Affordable, filling, and packed with flavor, it’s the type of spot everyone recommends to newcomers.

4. Budgie’s Burritos – Vegetarian & Vegan Burrito Haven

Budgie’s Burritos in Mount Pleasant caters to anyone seeking vegetarian and vegan comfort food without losing flavor.

The burritos are massive, often big enough to last two meals, and start at just $11. Stuffed with rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, and plenty of vegetables, each bite is hearty and filling.

Diners can order their burrito as a wrap or bowl, depending on preference. Sauces bring extra flavor, ranging from smoky to tangy, elevating what could be a simple bean-and-rice mix into something satisfying.

Many locals note that Budgie’s serves the kind of plant-based food that appeals even to non-vegetarians thanks to its generous sizes and bold seasoning.

For those seeking value and variety in vegan dining, it’s an essential stop.

3. MeeT in Gastown/Yaletown/Main – Fully Vegan, Fully Delicious

MeeT has multiple locations across Vancouver, each offering a menu that proves vegan food can be indulgent and satisfying. Comfort food classics like burgers, wings, and poutine are recreated with plant-based ingredients that rival traditional versions in flavor.

The Crispy BBQ Burger has become a signature item, delivering smoky crunch that keeps regulars coming back. While prices are slightly higher than other cheap eats on the list, at under $20 for most items, it still feels affordable given the portions and creativity involved.

Friendly service and stylish dining rooms make it a welcoming spot for groups, whether vegan or not.

MeeT shows how plant-based comfort food can hit every craving while staying approachable in price.

2. Mr. Shawarma – Food Truck with a Secret Weapon

Mr. Shawarma has gained a loyal following on Burrard Street thanks to its affordable, flavorful wraps.

Chicken shawarma is the star, filled with juicy, seasoned meat, crisp vegetables, and creamy garlic sauce, all for under $10.

What sets it apart is the inclusion of fries inside the wrap, adding a salty crunch that makes each bite indulgent.

As a food truck, it offers speed and convenience, ideal for office workers on lunch breaks or students grabbing food between classes.

Its reputation has spread through word of mouth, cementing its place as one of Vancouver’s best-value street eats.

1. Fujiya – Sushi On-the-Go at Grocery Store Prices

Fujiya combines a Japanese grocery store with an affordable sushi counter, making it one of Vancouver’s best-kept secrets for cheap eats.

Rolls start around $5, and bento boxes filled with rice, protein, and vegetables rarely exceed $12.

Despite being grocery-store sushi, the freshness consistently impresses customers, rivaling more expensive restaurants. The California Roll at $5.25 is a perfect snack or light lunch, while bigger platters suit groups.

Besides sushi, Fujiya also sells Japanese sides like karaage, seaweed salad, and miso soup, which add variety without costing much.

Ideal for takeout, it has become a reliable stop for both office workers and locals seeking quick, affordable meals.

Closing Thoughts

Affordable dining in Vancouver doesn’t have to feel like a compromise.

These local gems show that great food comes in many forms, whether it’s poutine, sushi, burritos, or dim sum. Travelers and locals alike can eat well, discover new flavors, and stay within budget.

Exploring these neighborhoods adds to the experience, showing that value and taste can absolutely go hand in hand in one of Canada’s most expensive cities.