Best Cheap Eats in Adelaide Under $20
Adelaide’s food scene has boomed over recent years and there’s no shortage of great lunch and after-work places. But keeping it within budget can sometimes be a challenge. If you’re looking for somewhere that keeps both your tummy and your wallet happy look no further that this nifty little list. Let us guide you the best spots around Adelaide with tasty meals under $20.
Comida Tapas Bar
Stall 11, Adelaide Central Market, Gouger Street, Adelaide SA
- Cheapest Food: Manchego – Sheeps milk cheese served with quince and rye $4
Everyone knows markets are the best places to pick up cheap, fresh bites and Comida Tapas Bar is no exception. Serving up fresh Spanish cuisine for breakfast, lunch and Friday dinner, Comida is a real market crowd pleaser. Pop down for lunch and grab a tortilla ($6) or patatas bravas ($6) with marinated olives ($4). Friday nights are when the market really comes to life. Soak up the atmosphere while diving into freshly-made paella with marinated chicken, chorizo, goolwa pippies, eggplant, peas, bomba rice, soffritto, lemon and herbs ($16.5) – Yumm!
“Comida Catering Co. is a perfect showcase for the Adelaide Central Market, serving freshly made tapas and paella from quality ingredients at street food prices.” – Jehn
Sit Lo
30 Bank St, Adelaide SA
- Cheapest Food: Cold rolls $3.5 each
Looking for a quick lunch or an after-work spot where you can enjoy great food over a few drinks? Then Sit Lo is the place to be. With mouth-watering bao and fresh pho, this Vietnamese eatery is sure to always have a queue of hungry patrons. Choose between slow cooked pork belly, soft shell crab, panko crumbed fried chicken or panko fried tofu bao ($5 each or $13 for 3). If you’re in the mood for pho, Sit Lo keeps things simple with the choice between chicken and beef ($8 small, $10 large), both steaming hot and packed full of flavour. The banh mi is a lunch time favourite and at $7/$8 it’s no surprise! Try the nem nuong (grilled bbq pork) or crispy skin roasted pork belly, all of which come with pickled carrot, daikon, cucumber and coriander on a fresh Vietnamese bread roll.
“If you’re looking for something fast and delicious – packed full of punch then look no further Adelaide!!” – TheMiddleIngredient
The Beigelry
Shop 19, Topham Mall, Adelaide SA
- Cheapest Food: Bagel with schmear $4
The Beigelry is sure to fulfil all of your wildest bagel dreams. With the smell of freshly-baked bagels wafting down the street, all you need to do is follow your nose. Choose between mouth-watering schmears like Nutella ($4), maple cream cheese ($5) and even vegan cream cheese ($5). Or try out some of the generous fillings like salt beef, mustard and cream cheese or smashed avo with fetta (both $8.5). Oh and did we mention they also serve bottomless coffee – Score!
“Good on my pocket and belly” -xbabydollx
Fancy Burger
237 Main Rd, Blackwood SA
- Cheapest Food: Mini burgers, all $9
With buns baked fresh every day and locally sourced produce, it’s not surprise Fancy Burgers is a Blackwood favourite. All burgers are under $15, keeping your tummy and your wallet happy. Serving up lamb, chicken, veg and beef (95% fat free) options there is really is something for everyone. Try the crispy bacon with cheese beef burger ($12.5) or the satay chicken ($11.5). Just looking for snack? Lots of the burgers come in ‘mini’ sizes all at just $9 each.
“The burgers (Crispy Bacon and The Biggie) were absolutely amazing – decently sized and super delicious.” – aphrayel
Mis Mai
73 Gawler Pl, Adelaide SA
- Cheapest Food: Chicken and pork or veggie spring rolls $2 each
This authentic Vietnamese lunch bar is well worth the queue. Miss Mai keeps things simple with 5 different proteins; choose between grilled and lemongrass chicken, roast and bbq pork or tofu. The banh mi is a lunch staple coming in at ($7-$7.5) or try their cold rolls at $7 for 3 – now that’s a bargain! Miss Mai also do salad bowls and fried/steamed rice bowls, with your choice of protein. It’s safe to say you can’t go wrong with anything on this menu.
“The pho arrived first. Delicious. Good flavoursome broth, good chicken and plenty of herbs and sprouts to add in. We were pretty full after the pho but had to try the roll – big chunks of crispy, crunchy roast pork with loads of carrot and cucumber etc. Yum!” – 4chillis
