With inflation, what most people consider a “cheap” meal now is anything decent under $15. But as it turns out, there are still food spots dishing out warm meals for under $10.
Some of these Toronto staples have intentionally made the decision to not raise prices, despite potentially low profit margins, so they can serve their community no matter who comes to eat.
It might be tempting to just grab a burger and fries from the McDonalds’s value meal, but you can get a delicious plate of food or belly-warming snack made with love from a local mom-and-pop shop for the same price.
So, support Toronto small businesses and grab a bite from one of these cheap food spots so we never have to see them close.
Gale’s Snack Bar
Price: 💸
Cuisine: American
Address: 539 Eastern Ave, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This place hasn’t really changed since it opened its doors over 50 years ago, and that includes its menu prices. Everything is under $10, including the staple club sandwiches, which are layered with bacon, lettuce and tomato and cut into quarters. A hot chicken sandwich with a side of fries comes in at $7. This might not be the place if you need something quick, but when you have the time, this Leslieville diner is a great place to chat over a plate of fries and vanilla milkshakes. Just a note–it is cash only.
Delicious Empanadas
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Colombian
Address: 921 College St, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: For $3.15 each, these gluten-free Colombian empanadas make for a satiating on-the-go snack. Choose from a concise menu of beef, chicken, Hawaiian or plain cheese empanadas in a crispy corn crust. They also have a vegan option with steamed lentils, mashed potatoes and secret seasoning. Get the garlic sauce on the side for dipping, and round it off with a delicious smoothie. For potato fans, the papas criollas are Colombian-style creamy fried potatoes that come in at $6.50.
Loga’s Corner
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Tibetan
Address: 216 Close Ave, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This family-run operation in Parkdale is headed by Loga and his wife Dolma, who make each momo by hand. They have chicken, beef, lamb, pork, veg, etc., all at $9. If you want the fried version, it’ll cost an extra dollar. Each Loga’s order comes with ten momos, and you’ll have to sit down to enjoy the piping hot meal with its accompanying sauces.
Square Boy
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Greek/American
Address: 875 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Known for late-night gyros and souvlaki plates, this old-school diner has been a neighbourhood institution since 1964. Yet another family-run small business, they’ve kept their prices low so anyone can afford to grab a bite. A hamburger with fries and pop will run you just $5.50, while a chicken souvlaki on pita comes to $6.65. The homemade banquet burger is a crowd favourite at $7.75. It’s worth noting that they also sell whole barbecue chicken that can easily feed about 3-4 people for $15.
Mashion Bakery
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Chinese baked goods
Address: 345 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can easily fill up on several goodies for under $10 at this Chinatown bakery. Taro buns, hotdog buns, pineapple buns, sponge cakes, dried melon cakes, red bean pastries—they have it all. Stop by in the morning for freshly made steamed buns (3 for $3.75) and Chinese egg tarts, although you might be able to score some particularly good deals at the end of the day. Make sure to bring cash if you’re looking to spend less than $15.
Juicy Dumpling
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Chinese
Address: 280 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: It’s an obvious but necessary addition to this list. Juicy Dumpling usually has a line outside of its doors on the ground floor of Dragon City Mall, especially in the summer. But don’t worry, it moves fast. Each Shanghainese-style dumpling order comes with four or six pieces and has a healthy amount of broth and whatever filling you choose. The pork mini soup dumplings are $2.99, and the most expensive offerings on the menu are the pork and crab fried dumplings at $6.99. Order a side of scallion pancakes, fried chicken or even dessert, each one for under $10.
Ali’s Roti
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Trinidadian
Address: 1446 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Doubles (curried chickpeas sandwiched between two fried flatbreads) are the ultimate comfort food and a beloved street food staple in Trinidad and Tobago. What’s great is you can eat it for breakfast or a midnight snack. Most doubles fans find their fix in the suburbs, but there are a handful of go-to spots in the downtown area. Ali’s Roti in Parkdale has been a staple for roti and doubles since 1976, and one double costs $4.95.
Fresca Pizza and Pasta
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 302 College St, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: For $5, it’s a consistently good (and giant) slice of pizza. The best part? You get to put as much garlic herb oil as you want on there (it’s reminiscent of a Vietnamese scallion oil, influenced by the Vietnamese cooks in the kitchen). They also have whole pies, calzones, salads and pasta on offer.
Caribbean Queen of Patties
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Jamaican
Address: 1294 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This Caribbean spot is dishing up traditional eats like oxtail, jerk chicken and roti, but it’s well known for its delicious homemade patties. For $3 a piece, you get a not-too-dry but also not-too-wet beef filling encased in a perfectly flaky crust made by the owner, Georgia, the patty queen herself. Make sure to eat it while it’s still hot for maximum Toronto nostalgia—sadly, patties aren’t a dollar anymore, but this one is worth it.
Banh Mi Nguyen Huong
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Address: 322 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This humble Banh mi spot in Chinatown is one of the few places you can fill up on sandwiches for just $5. Whether you prefer lemongrass sausage, barbecue chicken, shredded pork or veggie rolls, all the sandwiches are similarly priced and a huge bang for your buck. They also serve delicious vegan rice rolls.
Happy snacking, Toronto!
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