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Overview
When you live in Melbourne, budgeting can be tough. Even though you're trying to save money, everywhere you look there are temptations: gelato being scooped on every corner, dumplings beckoning sweetly from bamboo baskets, scents of bacon wafting on the breeze. And don't even think about walking down Lygon Street — you won't make it out without a face full of fancy pasta. The whole city conspires to part you from your money and fill your belly with delicious eats.
But just because you're on a money diet, doesn't mean you have to go hungry or resort to the sad 'food hacks' you've started using to save some dosh. You can still indulge in some cheap and cheerful meals out and save up for your talking Japanese toilet (or whatever it is you're saving for). That's the fine thing about cuisine in Melbourne — there's something delicious available for every budget.
The trick is to develop an encyclopaedic knowledge of the best deals and specials and work the menu to live a sparkling life on a still budget. That's what we've done. In partnership with American Express, we've pinned down the best eateries in Melbourne that won't ruin your saving schedule — and they accept Amex so you can just tap if you're running low on cold, hard cash.
Can't wait to start travelling the world again? American Express has the card for you. Sign up for the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card and you'll score 55,000 bonus Qantas Points, plus $450 of Qantas Travel Credit and two passes to the American Express Lounge every year. And you'll earn 1.25 Qantas Points for every dollar spent. T&Cs, minimum spend and eligibility criteria apply.
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Fonda is a good pick for cheap, but incredibly cheerful Mexican. The peppy interior is covered in blonde wood and millennial pink and blasts a bouncy soundtrack to create the perfect environment for Fonda’s Aussie take on Mexican.
We recommend the deconstructed Mex-Bim-Bap salad ($15) or a selection of six-inch tacos ($6–8). You’ll find classic faves twisted with some modern additions, like the crispy sweet potato gems with vegan chipotle aioli.
If you have the hunger of a bear, head straight to the quesadillas ($16) or the burritos loaded up with black beans and quinoa for a cheap, filling feed.
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Good things may come in small packages, but finer things come served as tasty morsels on wooden boards. The Italians call this cicchetti, and it’s one of the defining features of Lygon Street’s hippest bar, Heartattack and Vine. The drawcard for those of us on a budget is the individual servings starting at only $3.50 a bite (or $10 for three). You can satiate your need for a night out with a few tasty morsels, without blowing the budget.
The rotating cicchetti covers anything from a bowl of humble olives to crostini topped with slow-braised ox tongue, smoked cod or roast peach and whipped goat’s cheese. You never know what you’ll get, but you can rest assured it’ll be buonissimo.
Image: Brook James.
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The vegetarian menu at Trippy Taco means the prices are just generally lower than your average Mexican joint. If you’re a sceptic, have some faith. Mexican without meat is possible and, what’s more, it’s incredible. They offer what you’d expect: mouthwatering tacos, burritos, quesadillas and bangin’ nachos, all served all with tasty meat substitutes and the option of vegan cheese.
Food comes out super quickly, so there’s no waiting around and questioning your decision for an hour before your burrito arrives. Just make sure you get there early and check opening hours before heading down as they currently running reduced hours due to COVID-19 restrictions.
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Considering the resumes of the duo who established Tuck Shop Take Away — between them they’ve worked at Attica, Vue De Monde, Chez Dre and the Fat Duck — you would expect the prices to be ridiculous. But, the retro vibes here extend to the menu too, with burgers starting at just $12.50 and jaffles at $10.
It’s a teeny tiny venue, which has meant it’s been unable to open to dining-in just yet but it’s still offering takeaway. Don’t go past the salted Fantale milkshake ($7.50) and the mushroom deluxe jaffle with XO sauce and soy béchamel ($10). We suggest you add on a side of hand-cut, triple-cooked chips ($3.50).
Tuck Shop Take Away is currently takeaway-only.
Image: Brook James.
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When all you want is a warm bowl of miso soup or the comforting taste of Japanese curry, but don’t want to dip into your savings, Samurai is there.
You’ll be sure to forgive the faded decor and out-dated posters when you spot the outrageously cheap and highly delicious sushi menu. A ten-piece salmon and avo roll will set you back $7.50, while eight pieces of the spicy tuna clocks in at $10. And, if you really want to go crazy, flip the page to the mains. Grab a chicken katsu curry for $9.50 or salmon teriyaki for $15. We also highly recommend snagging a green tea milkshake ($4.50). The flavour is smooth and rich enough for die-hard Japanese diners, but not too overpowering for those unfamiliar with the taste.
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A meal at Penang Coffee House is so cheap, you could hardly do it for any less at home. The menu is jam-packed with Malaysian delicacies, all served with big portions and hearty flavours. The noodle dishes are the best value, averaging $17 for a big bowl of thrown noodles, and you really can’t go past a $16.50 bowl of laksa with chicken and prawn. Also, you can guarantee you’ll take leftovers home.
You can also fill up on bite-sized pieces from the entree menu. The sang choi pau ($8.50) consists of fragrant mince pork inside fresh lettuce cups and is a killer option for hard-core savers. More than that, the bustling atmosphere is great — a slice of excitement and chatter that can be sorely missed when you eat in every night and that’s been missed dearly this year.
Top image: Brook James.
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Bimbos, in case you’re not familiar, is a warm yet grungy little place nestled right on the corner of Rose and Brunswick streets in Fitzroy, and it’s renowned for its $5 pizzas. Yes, $5 pizza. All day, every day.
Though it’s practically a health hazard to price pizzas so low, we ain’t mad. As if that wasn’t enough, they also serve up $10 burgers with fries and $5 dessert pizzas. If you want to eat in relative peace, we recommend getting there a little early on the weekends before the big crowds arrive.
Bimbo is temporarily closed.
Image: Kate Shanasy