From dollar-slice pizza joints to sizzling taco stands and steaming bowls of pho, cheap eats have long been the lifeblood of North America’s urban food culture. Whether you’re a student on a budget, a night owl chasing a post-party bite, or a foodie who knows that great food doesn’t need a white tablecloth, the best cheap eats in Vancouver, New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Chicago offer an endless array of delicious, affordable meals.
What makes cheap eats so essential isn’t just the price—it’s the flavour, the history, and the story behind every bite. Here’s a look at some of the most common and beloved budget-friendly foods found across North American cities today.
Pizza by the Slice
No cheap eats list is complete without the classic pizza slice. Found in nearly every city, but iconic in places like New York and Toronto, the pizza slice is fast, filling, and often under $5. Whether it’s a greasy late-night cheese slice or a crisp wood-fired square, it’s the ultimate grab-and-go food.
Tacos
Tacos are the crown jewel of West Coast street food, especially in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, Austin, and increasingly across the continent. From birria to fish tacos to carne asada, these hand-sized meals pack incredible flavour and usually cost just a few bucks each. Food trucks and taqueros on street corners offer some of the best and most authentic tacos in North America.
Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are the original cheap street food, dating back over a century. In New York, the dirty-water dog is a local staple, while Chicago offers its own signature style topped with mustard, onions, relish, and sport peppers. Whether from a cart, stand, or shack, hot dogs remain one of the most accessible and nostalgic street eats around.
Shawarma & Falafel Wraps
Thanks to vibrant Middle Eastern and Mediterranean communities in cities like Toronto, Montreal, Detroit, and New York, shawarma and falafel wraps have become street food staples. Wrapped in soft pita and loaded with garlic sauce, pickled veggies, and grilled meat or chickpeas, they offer a perfect balance of flavour and value.
Fried Chicken (Sandwiches or Pieces)
From the American South to Korean takeout counters, fried chicken continues to dominate the affordable food scene. Whether it’s a Nashville hot chicken sandwich or a two-piece combo with fries, this crispy, juicy favourite can be found in diners, food trucks, and hole-in-the-wall joints from Atlanta to Vancouver.
Banh Mi
Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches are one of the most flavourful—and affordable—fusion foods. Combining French baguettes with pickled carrots, cilantro, pâté, and grilled meats, banh mi can be found for under $8 in cities with strong Vietnamese communities like Houston, San Jose, and New Orleans.
Dumplings & Bao
A dozen dumplings for under $10? Yes, please. Chinese, Korean, and other Asian communities have made dumplings and steamed buns (bao) a street food staple in cities like Vancouver, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York. Whether pan-fried or soup-filled, dumplings deliver comfort, variety, and serious value.
Curry & Rice Plates
Whether Caribbean jerk chicken, Indian butter chicken, or Sri Lankan curry, rice plate combos are a delicious, affordable way to eat big. These dishes are especially common in multicultural neighbourhoods and food courts in cities like Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, and Miami. A generous plate usually runs $8–$12, often with enough for leftovers.
Poutine
A Canadian classic that’s spread southward, poutine is the ultimate comfort food: french fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy. Found in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and increasingly in northern U.S. cities, poutine is often customisable with toppings like pulled pork or fried chicken.
Pho & Ramen
If you’re craving warmth on a budget, a big bowl of pho or ramen offers unbeatable comfort. Vietnamese pho is especially common in cities with large Southeast Asian populations, like Seattle, Boston, and Toronto. Ramen—once a niche dish—is now a fast-casual staple that continues to grow in popularity across North America.
Burgers from Local Diners or Trucks
No matter the city, you’ll find a local spot slinging cheap, juicy burgers. Whether it’s a greasy spoon diner, a food truck, or a late-night drive-thru, burgers remain one of the most widely available and affordable eats. Smash burgers and classic cheeseburgers remain especially popular in the U.S. Midwest and Canada.
Honourable Mentions: Quick Bites from Every Culture
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Jamaican patties – flaky, spicy hand-held snacks commonly found in Toronto and New York
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Samosas – crispy South Asian pastries filled with potatoes or minced meat
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Tamales – steamed corn husk-wrapped delights, especially common in L.A., Phoenix, and Houston
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Empanadas – Latin American pastries filled with beef, chicken, or cheese
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Churros – fried dough desserts often served with cinnamon sugar and chocolate dipping sauce
The Soul of the City in a Paper Bag
What ties all these cheap eats together is more than just price—it’s accessibility, portability, and flavour. These foods represent the stories of immigrants, local traditions, and community entrepreneurs. They’re a reminder that you don’t need fine dining to experience unforgettable food—just a few bucks, a hungry stomach, and a curious palate.
So whether you’re chasing a curry goat roti in Toronto, a bacon-wrapped hot dog in L.A., or a halal chicken over rice in Queens, cheap eats are where a city’s real flavour lives.
