8 Best Cheap Eats In Sydney CBD
Sydney is known for many things; its glistening harbour, spectacular coffee, golden beaches and glitzy good times. But while the city does fancy pants, big-ticket-item experiences really well, it’s also known for delivering incredible experiences at the budget end of the scale… particularly when it comes to food. And with the cost of living on the rise, that’s a delicious relief for travellers.
Sydney loves a splashy fine dining restaurant as much as the next global city, but peppered throughout the CBD and surrounds are streets, laneways and bunkers full of affordable, interesting, multicultural dining haunts slinging delicious eats for much less.
For the budget conscious, there’s plenty to pick from in the city. But where to start? And which ones are really great value for money? We’ve listed up some of our favourite best cheap eats that are must visits, according to our team.
#1. Malay Chinese
A favourite of our hotel owner, Nicolas Chen, Malay Chinese on Sussex Street is a must-do for an affordable lunch. This little spot specialises in laksa, and there’s 11 types to choose from ranging from chicken to beef and prawn. The crowds that flock here daily – both visitors and locals – know that it’s a spot not to be missed on any trip to Sydney.
Shop 1/267 Sussex Street
Recommended dish: Chicken Laksa Noodles
#2. Chat Thai
This buzzy, casual Thai restaurant is a staple for Sydneysiders, boasting multiple venues across the CBD, with their original store located in Thai Town surrounded by a number of other cheap eateries. Chat Thai is well-known for the flavour of its wide menu of delicious Thai dishes, including their beloved “Amy’s Noodles”, named after Chat Thai’s late founder, Amy Chanta.
20 Campbell St, Haymarket (with multiple locations across Sydney)
Recommended dish: Pad Thai
#3. Mamak
Named after the roadside stalls of Kuala Lumpur that peddle Indian Malay street food, Mamak is an award-winning Malaysian restaurant that’s perfect for those wanting a budget-friendly option that won’t skimp on flavour. Come for the famous Roti Canai (a flaky roti pastry served with fragrant curries) and stay to devour dishes like Ayam Goreng (Malaysian-style crispy fried chicken) and their authentic Nasi Lemak (Malaysia’s national dish of fragrant fried rice with sambal, peanuts, crispy anchovies, cucumber and more).
15 Goulburn Street, Haymarket (with multiple locations across Sydney)
Recommended dish: Roti Canai
#4. Mappen Japanese
The proof is in the name when it comes to Mappen Japanese, “Mappen” means “one more time” in Japanese and you’ll be coming back more than once to this retro eatery. Offering up a range of toppings for their udon and ramen, this authentic noodle bar is ideal for those watching their wallets, with some bowls coming in at less than $10. Great for a cheap, fast-paced feed for when you’re on the go, busy exploring the cultural wonders of Sydney’s CBD.
Shop 11/537-551 George St
Recommended dish: Bukkake Ontama Udon
#5. 1915 Lanzhou Beef Noodles
Tradition meets taste at 1915 Lanzhou Beef Noodles, known for their dedication to authentic, halal ingredients and tradition, with the noodle shop using the same recipes from when it opened way back in 1915. Seriously addictive and easily customisable with various noodle types and spice levels, their hearty bowls of noodles are big in flavour and size, but not in price, making the Haymarket spot one to check out.
Shop 171, 123 Liverpool St (with multiple locations across Sydney)
Recommended dish: Lanzhou beef noodle soup
#6. Sinjeon
Serving up authentic Korean food since 1999 with over 700 stores worldwide, Sinjeon has become a must for lovers of Korean street food thanks to their authentic, affordable dishes. There’s an array of dishes to feast on, from signature ramens, bulgogi kimbap, and ultra-crispy korean fried chicken, to their famous cheese topokki (rice cake) served piping hot.
128 Liverpool St, Sydney (with multiple locations across Sydney)
Recommended dish: Kimchi fried rice
#7. Calla Bakery
We love how the humble sandwich is getting so much attention and love in Sydney lately. And one of the best places in the city to get a sensational sanga at a great price is in our hood. Calla Bakery on Harris Street is a delightful little artisanal bakery and sourdough sandwich shop pumping out delicious sandwiches on freshly baked bread, alongside a heady array of housemade pastries. Stop by for breakfast or lunch the next time you’re in the area.
Shop 14/45/55 Harris St, Pyrmont
Recommended dish: Classic Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich
#8. Laneway Dumplings & Momo
Hidden down Temperance Lane you’ll find the buzzing and wildly popular Laneway Dumplings and Momo, known for serving up an extensive array of dumplings and momos for a price that won’t break the bank. Pull up a stool to eat if there’s space, or takeaway the piping hot dumplings for a short stroll down to Darling Harbour to enjoy them out in the fresh air.
3 Temperance Lane, Sydney
Recommended dish: Chicken Momo
Need a place to stay?
Base yourself by all the action across from the CBD and next door to Darling Harbour, in the village-like neighbourhood setting of Pyrmont. That way, they can have the best of both worlds as well as easy access to everything around Sydney. Convenience meets artistic flare here at Aiden Darling Harbour, with luxe features like hand-painted murals, Dyson hair dryers and free-flowing Moda sparkling water, on-site restaurant and bar, and one of Sydney’s best hotel breakfasts.
Cheers with a complimentary glass of house wine or beer when you book your stay at Aiden Darling Harbour directly with our team via our website, phone or email.