1. Laksa King
Gather the gang for a hearty and affordable feast at Laksa King — a beloved Melbourne eatery with locations in Flemington, Southland and Glen Waverley. Alongside their famous spicy curry laksa, the menu is packed with delicious dishes drawing on Chinese and Malaysian cooking influences. Bring a bottle of your favourite vino and tuck into generous plates of rice, noodles, meat and seafood.
2. Mamak
This cheap and cheery restaurant brings the flavours of Malaysia's hawker-style street food to the heart of Melbourne. Hustle on down to Mamak on Lonsdale Street and feast on tasty Malay classics like nasi lemak, smoky chargrilled satay and mee goreng. They also have a range of sweet and savoury roti dishes for under $15 — bargain!
3. Hotel Railway
If you're after a cheap mid-week feed, head to the newly re-opened Hotel Railway in Brunswick. This north-side institution has undergone a full reno, with fresh interiors and a top-notch menu to match. Their nightly specials feature a packed lineup of hearty pub classics, including $20 parmas every Wednesday, $25 steak night on Thursdays, and a killer $20 burger and pot deal on Fridays.
4. ShanDong MaMa
It wouldn't be a Melbourne cheap eats list without a dumpling mention, and ShanDong MaMa is up there with the best of the best. Hidden away in the Mid-City Centre arcade in the heart of the city, this unassuming spot is serving up some seriously tasty handmade dumplings. Make sure you order the house speciality – dumplings filled with mackerel – and for a local touch, try the 'Melbourne' dumplings.
5. LadyBoy Dining and Bar
Wok and roll your way out to Richmond and grab a table at this colourful and affordable restaurant. LadyBoy's modern menu riffs on the classics, offering traditional pad thai and a spicy panang curry alongside BBQ lamb ribs, salmon cerviche and pork crackling. Round out the meal with fried ice cream, steamed sticky rice or a colourful cocktail.
6. 8bit
For some serious fast food indulgence, get yourself down to 8bit in Footscray. This beloved burger joint is dishing out some of Melbourne's tastiest hamburgers, milkshakes, fries and hotdogs. Snag a classic 8bit with cheese for under $15 or go all out and order the Double Dragon with a side of chilli cheese fries.
7. Shop Ramen
Head to Fitzroy for ridiculously good ramen at Shop Ramen. Keep it simple with the classic shoyu pork belly, or mix it up with fantastic flavours like miso barbecue chicken, beef brisket or creamy veggie miso with organic tofu. Then sip, slurp and enjoy.
8. Butchers Diner
The team at Butchers Diner on Bourke St are slinging deliciously affordable cuts of meat, sandwiches and burgers until 1am, Tuesday to Saturday. Whether you're after a lunchtime treat or a late-night feed, they've got you covered. Check out the daily sandwich specials or snag a cheeseburger, small chips and a drink for just $20. It would be rude not to!
9. An Di Docklands
Cheap and cheerful doesn't have to mean food you'll love now, but regret later. Flock to An Di for authentic Vietnamese food that won't sit in the stomach, like vermicelli noodle salad, stir fry, spring rolls and a pho-nomenal broth that's cooked for 12 hours. The prices are equally easy to digest.
