Amelia HallIt turns out you don’t need to break the bank to tickle your taste buds in Vancouver. Our mouthwatering list of Vancouver’s top affordable eats is here to keep both your palette and your wallet bursting with happiness.
Now gather your buddies or venture out solo, because these tasty gems are just waiting to be discovered, all while being affordable. So read on, and let the drooling commence!
Hungry Guys Kitchen & Bar
Website: https://www.hungryguyskitchen.com/
Address: 988 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-559-7000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 1 AM
Cost: $$
Hungry Guys Kitchen & Bar, located in the heart of Granville Street, ticks off all the boxes for delicious, casual, and wallet-friendly dining. The ambience is cool and laid-back, perfect for those after-work hangouts or weekend wind-downs.
This place specializes in salads, burritos, and bowls, each packed with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. So, you’re not just saving some bucks but also giving back to the local community, which for me is a total win-win!
| Pro tip: Make sure you keep an eye on their daily specials; you’ll snag a gourmet meal for less! Oh, and their avocado dressing is a must-try. |
Hawkers Delight Deli
Website: https://order.online/business/hawkers-delight-deli-21039
Address: 4127 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P6, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-709-8188
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Cost: $-$$
Hawkers Delight Deli is the local secret we’re all hesitant to share! Inside, it’s like you’re in the bustling streets of Southeast Asia with its vibrant decor and the aroma of exotic spices.
The menu here promises hearty portions of authentic Malaysian and Singaporean dishes at throwback prices. From chewy Mee Goreng noodles to silky Nasi Lemak, each meal captures the traditional flavours of Southeast Asia.
| Pro tip: Try to arrive early, especially during meal hours, as this place fills up fast. And don’t leave without trying the Roti Canai; it’s divine. |
La Taqueria Pinche Taco
Website: http://www.lataqueria.ca/
Address: 322 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1K6, Canada
Contact details: +1 778-770-9055
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
La Taqueria Pinche Taco brings the spirit of Mexican street food to Vancouver. This vibrant spot started with a simple idea: to create a taco joint that made fresh, authentic handheld delights just like those found in the streets of Mexico.
While the tacos garner much-deserved attention, the friendly, no-frills atmosphere and cheap prices at La Taqueria cement its status as a go-to dining destination. Plus, we can’t deny how great it is to eat the best tacos without breaking the bank.
| Pro tip: Make sure you hit up Taco Tuesday for great deals, and don’t miss the house-made horchata. It’s like Christmas in a cup! |
Manoush’eh
Website: http://www.manousheh.ca/
Address: 620 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2G5, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-440-4402
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5:30 PM
Cost: $-$$
Nestled in Vancouver’s bustling downtown, Manoush’eh is a Lebanese bakery that whips up some of the best flatbreads on this side of the Mediterranean. It’s warm, welcoming, and so much more than an eatery—it’s a cultural beacon.
Their Manoush’eh, a traditional Lebanese flatbread topped with everything from za’atar to locally sourced meats and vegetables, is a revelation. Plus, their noticeable affection for their craft is infectious, and it’s hard to resist their inviting aura.
| Pro tip: Try to go for the weekend breakfast menu; their eggs and warm manoush’eh are a treat. And yes, they offer vegan options! |
Fritz European Fry House
Website: https://www.instagram.com/fritzvancouver/
Address: 718 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1B6, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-684-0811
Operating hours:
- Monday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Thursday, Sunday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 4 AM
Cost: $$
Say goodbye to your diet, because Fritz European Fry House on Davie Street is serving up the city’s most irresistible fries. This hole-in-the-wall has all kinds of nostalgic charm, like stepping back into a 1990s arcade, complete with neon signs and movie posters.
Fries might be a simple pleasure, but the ones at Fritz are in a league of their own. Freshly cut, twice-cooked, beautifully golden, and served to overflow from paper cones or cartons paired with gravy or exotic Dijonnaise.
| Pro tip: You can’t go wrong with the classic poutine, but if you’re feeling adventurous, the Samurai fries with Japanese curry are a total game-changer. |
Japadog
Website: http://www.japadog.com/
Address: 530 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2B7, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-569-1158
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM to 3 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 4 AM
Cost: $-$$
Japadog might sound unusual, but this place effortlessly mixes classic hot dogs with Japanese-inspired flavours. It started as a humble food cart and has since exploded into one of Vancouver’s most unique and affordable dining spots.
Where else can you find a hot dog dressed with teriyaki sauce, mayo, and seaweed, or sausage with kimchi and ribbons of bonito flakes? And for a really special treat, check out the okonomi dog—it’s like a whole delicious Japanese pancake meal on a bun!
| Pro tip: The line can get long at lunchtime, so arrive a bit early. Also, don’t forget to try their special shaked fries with a variety of unique seasonings. |
Budgies Burritos
Website: http://www.budgiesburritos.com/
Address: 44 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3H9, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-874-5408
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
If you’re after delicious, large, and affordable vegetarian Mexican food, Budgie’s Burritos is your spot. Located in the artsy Mt. Pleasant area, this laid-back joint does a fantastic job of proving Mexican food doesn’t always mean ‘meat’.
Budgie’s whip-up burritos are stuffed full of unique fillings like roasted potatoes, smoky jalapeño tofu, vegan ground ‘beef’, and more. You can even pair these with a choice of house-made hot sauces and delightfully chunky guacamole.
| Pro tip: They sometimes do late-night deals, so check out their Facebook page for updates. The Jimmy Jam (with roasted potatoes and guacamole) is a crowd favourite, don’t miss it! |
Viet Sub Vietnamese Cuisine
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Viet-Sub-100064130287765/
Address: 520 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2B7, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-569-3340
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Cost: $
Viet Sub Vietnamese Cuisine is a real diamond in the rough. Tucked away on bustling Robson Street, this small venue delivers big-on authentic flavours at amazingly low prices, like their delicious Banh Mi.
Their signature Viet Sub special combination, layered with different types of meat, pickled veggies, and a special house sauce, is truly out of this world. So are their bowls of pho, served steaming hot with fresh mint, bean sprouts, and lime wedges on the side.
| Pro tip: Parking can be a bit of a challenge in this bustling area, so plan accordingly. Also, the fresh shrimp salad roll is a killer starter. |
The Pawn Shop YVR Taco Bar
Website: https://thepawnshopyvr.com/
Address: 1117 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M1, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-687-7474
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 1 AM
Cost: $$
Nothing beats a solid taco fix, and The Pawn Shop YVR Taco Bar on Granville is dishing out some of the best in town. This place offers a chilled vibe, a killer menu, and some seriously budget-friendly prices.
Taco choices range from the traditional (like the carnitas) to the extraordinary (Captain Crunch-breaded chicken!). They even have a bar full of tequila and other bevvies, so you’ve got the perfect affordable spot to grab some amazing food, or just chill out.
| Pro tip: Make sure you check out their legendary Taco Tuesday when tacos are on sale for all-day happy hour prices. The prawn taco with cilantro lime crema is a must-try! |
Gringo Gastown
Website: http://www.gringorestaurants.com/
Address: 27 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver, BC V6B 0C4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-673-0513
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 2 AM
Cost: $-$$
Tucked away in the historic Blood Alley of Gastown, Gringo is an unpretentious spot that adds a vibrant splash of colour to Vancouver’s food scene. It isn’t just about influence; it’s about innovation.
Their menu serves up unique twists on traditional tacos, adding unexpected ingredients like spaghetti-O’s and jalapeño cheese sauce. The squishy buns, punchy flavours, and playful presentation make it a gastronomic experience that’s friendly to your pockets.
| Pro tip: Remember to hit up Two-Buck-Taco Tuesdays for a delicious deal. Also, don’t miss out on their refreshing boozy slushies; they’re a summer hit! |
TAKO – Taqueria Korean
Website: http://www.takovancouver.com/
Address: 601 Expo Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B8, Canada
Contact details: +1 778-379-7010
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$
TAKO-Taqueria Korean runs with a concept so crazy it works—fusing zesty Mexican flavours with the savoury notes of Korean cuisine. Situated right in the heart of Vancouver’s energetic shop-lined streets, it’s a little haven of fusion food done right.
Imagine a taco, with some flavours of Korean bulgogi beef, spicy kimchi, or even a slab of crispy hoisin pork. You’ll see the best of two street food worlds, showcasing how deliciously diverse Vancouver’s food scene can be, all while being cheap.
| Pro tip: Parking downtown can get tricky, so public transit is your best bet. Also, keep an eye out for their lunch specials and don’t leave without sampling the bulgogi taco; it’s a house favourite. |
Wakwak Burger
Website: https://wakwakburger.ca/
Address: 511 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1X6, Canada
Contact details: +1 778-998-0285
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Cost: $$
Wakwak Burger might just be Vancouver’s answer to a burger lover’s dream—tasty, generous, and affordable. Nestled on Granville Street, this burger joint has quickly garnered a dedicated following for serving up some seriously indulgent food.
Starting from their gourmet options like the avocado and bacon burger to the fiery Wakwak burger, there’s a little something for every palate. Their burgers marry the juicy flavours you crave with a touch of a sweet pineapple layer or a hit of wasabi mayo.
| Pro tip: Don’t sleep on their milkshakes! And FYI, Wakwak is known to have late-night hours, perfect for capping off a night on the town. |
Northern Cafe
Website: http://northerncafeandgrill.com/
Address: 1640 East Kent Ave S, Vancouver, BC V5P 2S7, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-313-8118
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 3 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 3 PM
Cost: $-$$
Northern Cafe is one of those spots with authenticity you can taste. Housing itself atop a rustic wooden hardware store, it’s reminiscent of a secret treehouse hideout where the food is as comforting as the nostalgia it evokes.
It offers a hearty menu of homestyle meals; think fluffy pancakes, the perfect over-easy eggs, and lunch specials like meatloaf. Every dish at Northern Cafe serves a slice of home-cooking heaven, with generous portions that keep both your belly and wallet full.
| Pro tip: Parking’s a cinch here, as it’s a tad off the beaten path. Make sure to bring cash or your debit card, as they don’t accept credit cards. |
Lucy’s Eastside Diner
Website: http://www.lucyseastsidediner.com/
Address: 2708 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C7, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-568-1550
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 8 AM to 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 8 AM to 3 AM
Cost: $$
Lucy’s Eastside Diner is open 24 hours a day and is the epitome of a vintage experience with a modern twist. It’s your classic booth-filled, neon-lit spot that’s become a staple for locals at any time of day—or night.
You can indulge in everything from all-day breakfasts to mac ‘n cheese to milkshakes. It’s the type of spot where you can wind down after a night out with poutine and a chocolate shake or refuel during a busy day with a burger that hits the spot.
| Pro tip: It might get busy during the typical post-bar hours, so keep that in mind. And if you’re up for a challenge, Lucy’s has a mammoth 12-egg omelette named The Terminator—conquer it and you’ll get bragging rights! |
24 Train Express Noodle House
– Media credit: anthonymaw66
Website: N/A
Address: 550 Nelson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-559-7786
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $
24 Train Express Noodle House is a dining experience that leaves the station with a buzz. Nestled within the intersection of Vancouver’s food and culture, this eatery gives you an express ticket to homestyle noodle dishes without breaking the bank.
Here, they serve them up in steamy, aromatic broths, tailor-made with a selection of toppings that range from braised beef to pickled mustard. Not only does 24 Train offer affordability, but it also gives guests a front-row seat to the action with an open kitchen.
| Pro tip: Remember to bring cash since it’s their preferred method of payment. If you’re going the transit route, it’s well-connected by bus and SkyTrain routes. |
