The Iglu Guide | Blog
10 Cheap Eats in Sydney
Sydney is not just about the amazing beaches and spectacular views, it also has a well-deserved reputation for dishing up some of the greatest food in the world. As well as gifting the entire world the humble smashed avo on toast, this harbourside city boasts an incredibly diverse dining scene all thanks to the large multicultural population that call Sydney home. And when the cost of living continues to grind, students will be delighted to learn that you don’t need to be cashed up to eat fantastically well. Here’s 10 of the best affordable eats to put a smile on your face and keep the budget happy.
1. Mamak, Haymarket
Named after Kuala Lumpa’s roadside street stalls, Mamak has become a popular destination for hungry customers all keen to sample the famously fresh roti canai. Originating from a Chinatown market stall serving up traditional satays, tea and roti, Mamak now has several outlets in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane – all catering to the huge demand for authentic Malaysian food. Even joining the long queue has become something of a ritual! Don’t miss the original roti canai, served with two curry dips and spicy sauce for just $10.
Average cost of main course: Under $25
Close to: Iglu Central, Iglu Central Park, Iglu Broadway
2. Pho Pasteur, Haymarket
Fans of authentic Vietnamese cuisine won’t need telling twice about this city gem. Serving up deliciously healthy portions of popular Vietnamese classics, Pho Pasteur is an absolute favourite amongst the local students. Whilst it is particularly well known for its variations of Pho, there is a larger selection of Vietnamese classics on offer from rice paper rolls and banh mi to crispy spring rolls and traditional iced coffee. With a large bowl of beef pho available for just $18, you won’t leave hungry – or disappointed.
Average cost of main course: Under $25
Close to: Iglu Central, Iglu Central Park, Iglu Broadway
3. Fratelli Fresh, Westfield Sydney
Enjoy all the feels of Italian fine dining, but with none of the high prices. That’s the vibe at Fratelli Fresh, and with several locations around the city they’re definitely onto a good thing. In Italy, everything important happens around the dinner table, and you can consider yourself invited. Think truffle and mushroom pizza, rosemary fries, and of course the classic chicken parmi. Students should take full advantage of the many offers that populate the week. Mondays is all about the $20 pasta, Tuesdays is dishing up 2 for 1 pizzas, and every day between 3-6pm is Happy Hour! Here, students can chow down on $12 pizzas and $7 beer and wine.
Average cost of main course: See offers
Close to: Iglu Central, Iglu Central Park, Iglu Broadway
4. Spice I Am, Surry Hills
This award-winning Thai restaurant has taken on the self-appointed task of serving up the best food outside of Thailand. And with spices wafting over from the streets of Bangkok, the dishes are absolutely bursting with flavour and punch. The queues might seem a touch long, but the dishes are well worth the wait – and at under $20 for a plate full of noodles, your budget will thank you.
Average cost of main course: Under $20
Close to: Iglu Central, Iglu Central Park, Iglu Broadway
5. ToastieSmith, Chatswood
Sometimes, you just need the heart-warming feel of a comfort eat. Head on over to ToastieSmith, where you can join in the quest for the most scrumptious toastie. Here, every serve is infused with passion, layered with discovery and crafted with love – and we’re not talking about your basic cheese and ham filling. Think grilled prawn and scrambled egg, wagyu beef and truffle mayonnaise, or chicken thigh and pineapple. These mind-bending flavours come at a surprisingly small price which means you’ll definitely be back for more.
Average cost of main course: Under $15
Close to: Iglu Chatswood
6. Lamb and Cumin, Chatswood
If you’re after the fast and furious taste of Asian street food, this is the place to go. Channelling traditional Chinese smoky flavours, this tasty skewer selection will leave you craving more. And with prices starting at just $13.50 for 10, your budget will thank you. Try out some of the more diverse flavours, all seasoned and marinated according to traditional Chinese methods. Don’t forget to add in a Yumchie side dish!
Average cost of main course: Under $15
Close to: Iglu Chatswood
7. Hong Ha Bakery, Mascot
Very possibly serving up Sydney’s best ever banh mi, Mascot’s Hong Ha Bakery consistently parades a reassuringly long queue outside as proof of existence. With 100% focus on product over experience, there’s plenty of eager staff on hand which means your anxious wait will never be too long. This unassuming outlet has been in operation for over 35 years and it still heroes the bread, still warm and crusty in your hand when served. Take your pick from three types of pork (barbequed, processed and cured), add in your salad and choice of chilli and you’re good to go for under $15. Try out the spring rolls and rice paper rolls when the hunger goblins strike.
Average cost of main course: Under $20
Close to: Iglu Mascot
8. Goblin Kitchen & Bar, Summer Hill
A buzzing and cosy little café less than a minute from the railway station, this particular Goblin channels casual vibes with hints of fine dining. But don’t be alarmed, the food is priced to eat. There’s modern Australian fare by day, transitioning into tapas-style sharing plates by night. Complimented by great coffee and craft beer, this is the perfect venue for any time of day, and any type of appetite. From a $10 ham and cheese croissant through to a $19 burger, you can fill your boots and have change to spare.
Average cost of main course: Under $20
Close to: Iglu Summer Hill
9. Huxtaburger
Who said a decent burger can’t be had for under $20? Certainly not the folks at Redfern’s Huxtaburger. Welcome to the home of the gourmet burger, reinvented and reimagined to meet the demands of the modern Aussie consumer – and that includes all the vegans out there. Just imagine a deliciously tender grass-fed burger patty, perfectly seared and laid out on a fresh bun. Simply top it with all your favourites and it’s yours for under $15. Add on some golden fries for an extra $7 and you’re home and hosed for a mere $22. Rejoice.
Average cost of main course: $15-$20
Close to: Iglu Redfern
10. The Woolpack Hotel, Redfern
Every local’s favourite, the Woolpack is the perfect destination when you fancy the pub for dinner, but don’t want to bust the budget. The good news is, the Woolpack has you covered virtually every day of the week. Forget the standard menu and take advantage of the daily offers instead, where the magic number is 18. Monday is all about the $18 burger, Wednesday has the $18 steak, and Thursdays are pumping out $18 schnittys. There’s a slight hike at the weekends with $20 pasta on Fridays and $20 fish and chips on Saturday. You’ll get good tunes, good vibes and good times all as a bonus side order.
Average cost of main course: Under $20
Close to: Iglu Redfern
