Cheap eats: Where is Geelong’s best lunch for under $15?

With cost of living pressures continuing to crunch household budgets, the hunt for an affordable lunch has never been more important.

Untitled Cafe in South Geelong. Picture: Peter Ristevski.

“Cossie-livs” was last year’s Macquarie Dictionary word of the year for a reason.

Seemingly never-ending cost of living pressures have made the hunt for a cheap lunchtime feed more important than ever before.

So the Addy has tracked down some of the best options in Geelong that won’t break the bank.

GEELONG’S BEST EATS UNDER $15

Sam’s Cafe is an institution on Moorabool St.

SAM’S CAFE

206 Moorabool St, Geelong

Lamb shawarma – $13.50

An institution of the CBD, Sam’s red shopfront on Moorabool St is deceiving.

Inside the humble doors is one of the city’s worst kept secrets.

Sam’s Lamb shawarma is cheap and delicious.

The only issue is, you need to get in quick to avoid the daily rush.

Banh mis are an ever-popular cheap eat.

BANH MIS

All around $10

A controversial question that always sparks conversation: “Where is Geelong’s best banh mi?”

VN Rolls in Newcomb is a favourite, while Great Ocean Rolls is another great option, with stores in both south and north Geelong.

The lunchtime rush at Pholklore in both Torquay and Geelong West proves they’re doing something right.

Wherever you opt for, a banh mi is always a cheap and easy lunchtime fix.

VALLEY INN

120 Fyans St, South Geelong

Small meal menu – $12.95

Sometimes you don’t want to bring your food back to the desk.

Sometimes you just want to sit down at a good honest pub, and that’s exactly what the Valley Inn offers.

Its small meal menu offers a range of pub favourites, including parmis, schnittys, fish and chips, and more.

Jimbo the French Bulldog visits Untitled cafe in South Geelong two of three times a week for a treat. Picture: Alison Wynd.

UNTITLED CAFE

197 Yarra St, Geelong, and 1/40 Main St, Armstrong Creek

Bagel – starting at $7

There’s always a buzz surrounding Untitled’s shop front in South Geelong.

Located on the corner of Kilgour and Yarra streets, the bakery often commands hefty wait times, but there’s a reason.

Its range boasts brekky bagels like an eggs benny to lunch options such as pesto school or B.L.A.T.

They even boast an ever changing bagel of the month, which just so happens to be a banh mi currently.

Thai restaurant Hommali is always busy over lunch. Picture: Peter Ristevski.

HOMMALI BANGKOK CUISINE

168 Ryrie St, Geelong

Multiple options – $12

A popular outlet for Addy journos!

This small Thai restaurant offers up one of the best quality takeaway lunch deals in town.

Take your pick from a range of options – and make sure you ask for extra chilli.

Head chef Leslie Chan and customer Ramon La Torre at the Malop St Hi Sushi. Picture: Brad Fleet.

HI SUSHI

76 Malop St, Geelong

Dumplings – $11.80

Dumplings are honest, convenient and delicious.

Hi Sushi offers a cheap and easy range of dumplings, with all the classics from prawn to veggie – pan fried or boiled.

While everyone has their favourite, our pick is the pan fried pork.

MUSTAFA’S

216 Ryrie St, Geelong

Lamb kebab – $15

Usually a late night go to, heading to a kebab shop for a lunch time treat isn’t overly common.

While the HSP is just out of our price range, so we’ve opted for the lamb kebab.

Simple and honest, it is served in a wrap with tomato, onion, lettuce and your choice of sauce.

Cafe Go! on Bellerine St.

CAFE GO!

37 Bellerine St, Geelong

Panini – $15

There’s always a great vibe at Cafe Go.

Set in the city’s health district, medical professionals are regulars at this venue that offers a wood fire inside and a tranquil garden area out the back.

Its signature paninis – chipotle pulled chicken or veggie truffle mayo – are a must.

POLLO ROTISSERIE

173 Pakington St, Geelong West, or 15 Bristol Rd, Torquay

Classic gravy roll – $14.90

It’s easy to see why this place is one of the most popular lunch spots on Pako.

Those who want to go all out can add sides that include spuds, veggies and pumpkin, while its roast chooks are popular for dinner.

But its cheap classic gravy roll (actually, a baguette!) is our pick, however.

Tell us what your favourite cheap lunchtime option is by emailing [e-mail]

Originally published as Cheap eats: Where is Geelong’s best lunch for under $15?