10 Cheap Eats in Sydney Under $10 (2025 Food Guide)
Eating out in Sydney doesn’t have to break the bank. From steaming bowls of ramen to crispy pork rolls, there are plenty of cheap Sydney restaurants serving up satisfying meals for under ten bucks. Whether you’re a student, budget traveler, or just on the hunt for value, here are 10 cheap eats in Sydney you can grab in 2025, all under $10.
1. Meatball Banh Mi: Phuong 18, Bankstown ($9.50)
Bankstown is home to some of the best Vietnamese food in Sydney, and Phuong 18’s meatball banh mi is a standout. Packed with juicy pork meatballs, pickled veggies, coriander, and a perfect crunch from the baguette, it’s one of the best $10 meals Sydney has to offer.
2. Tonkotsu Ramen: Mappen, Town Hall ($9.90)
In the heart of the city, Mappen delivers comfort in a bowl. Their tonkotsu ramen, with rich broth and springy noodles, is one of the rare bowls you can score for under $10 in the CBD. It’s proof that cheap Sydney restaurants can still serve up big flavours.
3. Pan Fried Dumplings: Baba Wu’s, Surry Hills ($3.90)
For a cheap Asian comfort meal, Baba Wu’s dumplings are unbeatable. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these pan-fried parcels at just $3.90 are perfect for when you’re craving cheap eats in Sydney without denting your wallet.
4. Falafel Sandwich: Malaak Baghdad, Fairfield ($6)
Head west to Fairfield for authentic Middle Eastern bites. Malaak Baghdad’s falafel sandwich is freshly fried, stuffed into warm bread, and layered with tahini and salad: a filling, vegetarian-friendly option among $10 meals Sydney can’t ignore.
5. Roti Canai: Uncle Hung’s, Padstow ($9)
Soft, flaky, and perfectly golden, Uncle Hung’s roti canai is a crowd favourite. Served with curry sauce for dipping, this Malaysian classic is comfort food at its cheapest. Definitely one of the best hidden cheap Sydney restaurants for under $10.
6. Aglio & Olio Pasta: Str’eats Pasta, Chippendale ($10)
For Italian on a budget, Str’eats Pasta serves up a garlicky, olive oil-rich aglio e olio for just $10. Simple, flavourful, and freshly cooked, it’s a go-to for students looking for cheap eats in Sydney near UTS campus.
7. Stewed Beef Bowl: Oiden, Town Hall ($6.50)
Oiden is famous for its hearty Japanese rice bowls, and the stewed beef option delivers comfort for just $6.50. Tender beef, sweet soy sauce, and warm rice make it one of the most filling $10 meals Sydney offers in the CBD.
8. Chicken Katsu Curry: Ken Chan Curry, Haymarket ($6.90)
Few things beat crispy chicken katsu paired with Japanese curry. At Ken Chan Curry, you can dig into this classic dish for only $6.90, a must-try for anyone chasing cheap eats in Sydney around Chinatown.
9. Pork Roll: Marrickville Pork Roll ($9)
Sydney’s most famous pork roll shop still delivers incredible value. For $9, you get roast pork, pâté, crunchy salad, and chili packed into a crusty baguette. It’s a benchmark of cheap Sydney restaurants and a local icon.
10. Custard Puffs: Emperor’s Puffs, Chinatown ($5 a box)
No list of cheap eats in Sydney is complete without Emperor’s Puffs. At just $5 a box, these warm, custard-filled puffs have been a Chinatown staple for decades. Perfect as a snack or dessert after a night out.
From dumplings to banh mi, ramen to roti, this list proves you don’t need to spend big to eat well in Sydney. With these cheap Sydney restaurants and $10 meals Sydney offers, your taste buds, and your wallet, will both be happy.
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FAQs About Cheap Eats in Sydney
Q: Where can I find the best cheap eats in Sydney?
A: Some of the best cheap eats in Sydney can be found in Bankstown, Marrickville, Chinatown, and the CBD. Local favourites include Phuong 18’s banh mi, Oiden’s beef bowls, and Emperor’s Puffs in Chinatown.
Q: Can I still get $10 meals in Sydney in 2025?
A: Yes! Despite rising food costs, plenty of places still serve meals under $10. You’ll find ramen at Mappen for $9.90, falafel sandwiches for $6 in Fairfield, and chicken katsu curry for just $6.90 in Haymarket.
Q: What are some cheap Sydney restaurants near Town Hall?
A: Around Town Hall, try Mappen for ramen ($9.90) and Oiden for rice bowls ($6.50). Both are popular spots for students and city workers looking for filling, affordable meals.
Q: What is the cheapest meal in Sydney on this list?
A: The cheapest pick is Baba Wu’s pan-fried dumplings in Surry Hills for just $3.90. Perfect for a quick snack or a light meal that won’t hurt your budget.
