Cheap eats
‘Prawns are it’: The best value buys for your Christmas seafood feast
Fishmongers reveal which seafood species are at the best quality, at the lowest price, for the Christmas Day table.
- Bianca Hrovat
This new city pasta bar lets you customise everything – and bowls are less than $20
Opening soon in a busy CBD shopping centre, this new venue designed for speedy visits could be the Subway of Italian restaurants. Some people will hate that; for others, it’ll be game-changing.
- Emma Breheny
Hong Kong noodle chain debuts in Melbourne with a soup-tasting counter and ‘hellfire’ spice
TamJai Mixian has more than 240 outlets across Asia. Now it’s bringing its bouncy rice noodles and fiery soup to Melbourne’s Chinatown.
- Tomas Telegramma
From $2.20 doughnuts to cult chicken nuggets: Where to find Melbourne’s top 20 snacks
Whether you like your snacks palm-sized and less than $2 or built for sharing, this list from The Age Good Food Guide 2025 covers plenty of ground.
- Claire Adey and Emma Breheny
It’s an all-you-can-eat adventure at Dainty Sichuan’s new hotpot and barbecue buffet
Come hungry – and prepared to wait. This colourful 220-seater, complete with kid-friendly desserts, is already pulling crowds.
- Tomas Telegramma
From cut-price margaritas to mini tasting menus: 10 of Sydney’s best-value dining deals
A three-hatted restaurant experience for less, $10 yum cha and other dining specials that give you more bang for buck this month.
- Bianca Hrovat
Queen Vic Market’s famous doughnut van sets up shop southside − plus more new market moves
Multimillion dollar renewal efforts have added stalls that sell Hong Kong-inspired desserts, regional Italian pizza and snacks made with market-fresh ingredients.
- Emma Breheny
From posh pies to juicy pork chops: 10 of Sydney’s best pub dining specials
Dining out just got more affordable and fun, with these great value specials all for under $30 a meal. Meet you at the pub!
- Isabel Cant
Fine Italian dining on a budget: 10 of Sydney’s best pasta nights
The servings are generous, the wine is flowing. These great-value deals make going out more fun, filling and affordable right now. Give them a twirl.
- Isabel Cant
From birthday cakes to choc tops: Vending machines gather momentum around Melbourne
At a time of rising costs, robots are coming to the rescue, ushering in a new age of food on the run.
- Bianca Hrovat, Tomas Telegramma and Emma Breheny
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/topic/cheap-eats-ldm