The Iglu Guide | Blog
A student’s guide to cheap eats in Brisbane
With the current cost of living still top of mind for most budget-conscious students, finding cheap ways to eat out is always a welcome conversation. But those days of plastic tablecloths and cockroaches as standard are well in the distant past as Brisbane continues to lead the charge on Australia’s ever-blossoming dining scene. Consumers have come to expect more, and Brisbane has not failed to deliver. Whether you’re after noodles or burgers, kale or curry, the sunshine capital has it covered. And with an impressive public transport system to get you around the city, you’ll get some change from a twenty and you won’t leave disappointed. Here’s what you need to know.
The food markets
Brisbane’s many food markets are a great way to pick up fresh, affordable food at a fraction of restaurant pricing. Handily located in the CBD, the Brisbane City Markets take place every Wednesday, and offer a delicious range of produce that’s delivered direct from the farm. Think artisan goods, crusty bread and gourmet treats for starters – and it’s even an easy walk from Iglu Brisbane City. Kelvin Grove Village Markets offer something very similar, and is particularly handy for residents at Iglu Kelvin Grove. Every Saturday morning, you’ll find fresh produce, bread, coffee and more – all set to the backdrop of live music and entertainment. Eat Street Northshore might nudge a little more into your budget, but it’s definitely worth it for the mouth-watering food and overall experience. Set inside a shipping container, there’s over 180 vendors all jostling for your custom. Think potato slinky, halloumi fries, crispy fried chicken, ice cream tacos and honey puffs for starters. Pool your resources together and try as many plates as you can – this is an experience not to be missed!
Food trucks
Food trucks are another great way to eat well and stay on budget, and Brisbane has an enormously diverse food scene to choose from. Instead of being just randomly dotted around on the odd occasion, food trucks have become an actual thing and students can now merrily feast their way around town. American food truck Mi Casa is serving up delicious burgers for around $18, while you can pick up one of just three handcrafted steam buns flavours from the Bun Mobile – one of Brisbane’s first ever food trucks – for just $14. Chicken wing lovers should seek out King of the Wings, a dedicated chicken wing food truck that’s roaming the streets near you. For students looking for a small slice of Greece, That Greek Truck is serving up mouth-watering souvlaki, gyros and more and will not disappoint. Pizza lovers will be more than content with Rolling Stone Pizza, where you can find wood fired pizzas cooked to perfection in a handy mobile pizza oven.
Head to student-friendly areas
Home to two main universities, and with campuses from six Australian universities, Brisbane is unsurprisingly packed full of students. This is great news for the students, because it keeps the foodie scene highly competitive. The best way to take advantage of this is to hang out in student-friendly areas. Here, you’ll get more bang for your buck, and you’ll be on the frontline for all those student discounts. West End’s The Boundary is one of the area’s most iconic watering holes and has some great deals on offer for students. Enjoy $15 pizza every Tuesdays and Wednesdays, sign up for a Loyalty Pass and get $10 off your first order – as well as earning loyalty points for your pass along the way! Grab a large takeaway salad for $15 at Botanica in Red Hill. Just a short 1km stroll from Iglu Kelvin Grove, you can even spread this helping across two meals. If you fancy some grooves as well, head to popular nightspot Prohibition in Fortitude Valley, and take advantage of the free pizza while you’re there.
Look out for student offers
Lots of Brisbane eateries encourage students in by offering special offers and discounts – whether that’s money off food, or a free drink thrown in. Be sure to have some student ID on you at all times, and download the UNiDAYS app to access hundreds of offers and unmissable deals. Student Beans is also a great way to eat out on a budget with regular discount offers available to students on food and drink. And if 33% discount on Domino’s pizza isn’t enough to get you excited, try 20% off your bill at Ribs & Burgers before sharing a $13 churros plate with a friend. It’s not to be missed!
