I’m a Toronto local and here’s my definitive list of the 13 best cheap eats in the city, Life in canada

Bao House

Bao House has quickly become mine (and the city’s) go-to spot when I want something quick, comforting, and ridiculously affordable. Between their three locations, it’s almost impossible to be far from one.

Six dumplings for $6 feels like a glitch in the system. Add in some Chinese pastries, dim sum, noodles, or buns, and suddenly you’ve got a warm meal for under $10. It’s fast, it’s accessible, it’s affordable, and it hits every time.

Price: 💰

Cuisine: Dim Sum

Address: Multiple Locations

Gus Tacos

I’m not claiming to discover something new with this one. I know if you live in Toronto, you know about Gus Tacos – I’m just reminding you that it’s not only delicious but also pretty affordable.

With locations all over the city, it’s one of those places you end up at, whether you planned it or not. Like a magnet to metal, we can’t stay away. The tacos come in at $6.50, and they’re the main reason you go. Handmade tortillas, solid portions, and actually flavourful fillings make this place a steal.

Price: 💰

Cuisine: Mexican

Address: Multiple Locations

Maki Mart

Maki Mart is designed for the “Toronto-lunch,” the way people actually eat in this city: on the go, bouncing from one spot to another. This sushi spot reads more like a Japanese grocery store, with their rolls ready to go and has finally arrived in the city this past March, after years of existing only in Markham and Midtown.

Their hand rolls (made fresh in-house every day) are conveniently packaged for handheld eating, like a burrito, and start at only $2.95 (some of their more indulgent options still barely crack $9). You can get everything from a basic salmon avocado to specialty rolls like a lobster situation without breaking the bank. It’s one of the few places in the city where a healthy lunch feels accessible.

Price: 💰

Cuisine: Japanese Street Food

Address: 2103 Yonge St., Toronto

Juicy Dumpling

Another city staple everyone knows about, but everyone knows about it for a reason. If you’ve ever been to Chinatown, you’ve seen the line for yourself. Juicy Dumpling is one of those places that doesn’t need the hype; it’s already secured its spot in the city.

$5 for soup dumplings still feels unimaginable. They come out piping hot, thin-skinned, and packed with broth. In a city like Toronto (with a winter like ours), this restaurant knows how to hit the spot on a lunch break. Peak Toronto cheap eats.

Price: 💰

Cuisine: Dumpling restaurant

Address: 280 Spadina Ave.

Mom’s Pan-Fried Buns

For the sake of not sounding redundant, I need to point out that panfried buns are, in fact, different than soup dumplings. How, you may ask?

Well, one I eat in the winter, and the other I eat in the summer. Everything here is under $10, and the menu leans toward Northern Chinese comfort food. If you’ve never had Northern Chinese, know it’s comfort. You can go classic with buns and dumplings, or get experimental with things like deep-fried milk, pork ribs, or my personal favourite: their red bean pumpkin pie. It’s chaotic, it’s fun, and it’s wildly affordable.

Price: 💰

Cuisine: Chinese

Address: 185 Dundas St. W.

Hem Social

While the grab-and-go cheap-eats option comes in handy in the hustle and bustle of Toronto life, not every cheap eat in the city has to be grab-and-go. We, financially conscientious Torontonians, deserve a seated meal that won’t use up my budget for the month.

Hem Social has Vietnamese comfort food in Little Portugal, with appetizers like fresh rolls or wontons under $10, and huge portions on the mains, with pho at around $16 and banh mi at only $12. It’s a spot that offers a proper meal without the Toronto price tag.

Price: 💰💰

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Address: 1412 Dundas S. W., Toronto

Paris Steak

Paris Steak is the only spot on this list that doesn’t necessarily match the price tags of the rest – but hear me out.