Amazing cheap eats in Vancouver

Vancouver – the land of majestic mountains, glittering ocean views, and all round beautiful scenery. However, there is more to this city than its overwhelming beauty. It has depth, mystique, and a bustling food scene that is much underrated. Well here we have a tasty bucket list for you, from veggie Lebanese to Mexican tapas, all washed down with a boozy milkshake of course 😉

Meat and Bread, 1033 West Pender Street

Sandwich lovers all over the world know that a well-made sandwich is a wonderful thing, but yet surprisingly difficult to find at times. Meat and Bread gets it right; the service is fast and the food is cheap and tasty. The Pender Street shop offers four sandwiches daily: Porchetta ($9), Corned Beef ($9.50), The Daily Special ($10), and a weekly changing vegetarian special ($8).

Lost and Found Cafe, 33 W. Hastings Street

This bohemian spot is located in downtown Vancouver and attracts an eclectic crowd of artists, designers, photographers, travel enthusiasts, and more. The drinks are excellent; you will be just as satisfied with a plain black coffee here as you would with their coconut date smoothie. Food wise we recommend the poached eggs on basil, sun dried tomato bun with pesto and parmesan ($9.50) – perfect fuel to set you up for a day of adventure. The cafe also offers salads, soups, and sweet and savoury snacks. Definitely a something-for-everyone kind of place.

Lucy’s Eastside Diner, 708 Main Street

This 50s style diner will knock your socks off with their extremely well done comfort food. Their breakfast and lunch items usually hover around the $8–$13 range, which for a filling meal is pocket change. Fill up on all the carby goodness and wash it down with a classic milkshake – offered in six different flavours. There are also boozy milkshakes for those who want to get the party started early.

Basil Pasta Bar, 1602 Yew Street

How does a DIY pasta bar combined with sweeping oceans views sound? If that sounds like your jam, then you will love the affordable and delicious fresh Italian offerings at Basil Pasta Bar. You can design your own pasta dish for $8.95, and there are no limits on ingredients as they have over 50 options to choose from!

Meet On Main, 4288 Main Street

Despite the potentially misleading name (this is a vegan, gluten-free restaurant), this veggie haven boasts a mouthwatering menu which will delight all palates. The offerings include shareables, salads, vegan burgers, “fries done right,” bowls, craft cocktails, and desserts. We recommend the hocus pocus ($8.75): a mixture of fries and onion rings with chipotle mayo and house cashew gravy dips – so tasty the Sanderson Sisters would be proud!

Bandidas Taqueria, 2781 Commercial Drive 

Another vegetarian cheap eat, this time of the Mexican variety. Bandidas Taqueria is a 24-hour joint and serves all day breakfast, brunch, and local beers. Menu items include soups, salads, nachos, tacos, burritos… and the list goes on. With two tacos costing $6.50 and six costing $14.50, you can lightly snack, or feast like a king for a small price.

Thai Basil, 1215 Thurlow Street

If you’re a Thai food fan, then Thai Basil is a must. The low cost (entrees are under $10) doesn’t take away from the flavor or quality. However, this place is packing heat so be careful as their spice levels are on the higher end. We recommend the classic yet simple Pad Thai served with king prawns ($9.95).

Saj and Co, 813 Davie Street

There has been a lot of fantastic food on our cheap eats list, so fantastic that calorie counting has gone out of the window. However, for those who would enjoy the lighter side of food life, Saj and Co offers traditional Lebanese fare using the freshest of ingredients. There are vegan and meat options, and most items range from $7-$15.

The Blarney Stone, 16 Carrall Street

If you’re in the mood for some delicious and filling pub grub then head to The Blarney Stone. Located in Vancouver’s historic Gastown, this pub covers two floors and features a live band so you can get your munch while also getting your groove on. We highly recommend the sliders ($10.95) and the parmesan and truffle fries ($7.75). YUM!
Thanks to Ruth Hartnup and Harshil Shah for their photos.