Cheap Eats in Brisbane: Best Budget Feeds for Uni Students

1. Hai Hai Ramen (Paddington)

• Best for: Affordable ramen

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape Merivale​

Hai Hai Ramen offers soul-warming bowls of ramen, with a special $10 ramen hour every Monday and Tuesday from 5–6pm.​

2. AJ Vietnamese Noodle House (Brisbane CBD)

• Best for: Budget-friendly Vietnamese dishes

• Price: From $6.50

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

A hidden gem in the CBD, AJ Vietnamese Noodle House serves up delicious pho and spring rolls at student-friendly prices.​Secret Brisbane

3. El Camino Cantina (South Bank)

• Best for: Cheap tacos on Tuesdays

• Price: $2 per taco (with drink purchase)

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

Enjoy $2 tacos every Tuesday at El Camino Cantina, making it a popular spot for students seeking affordable Mexican fare.​Secret Brisbane

4. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers (Paddington)

• Best for: Affordable Italian gnocchi

• Price: From $13

• Nearest Scape: Scape Merivale​

Specializing in hand-made gnocchi, this eatery offers a variety of sauces to choose from, all at budget-friendly prices.​

5. Wrapture (South Brisbane)

• Best for: Cheap Middle Eastern wraps

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape Tribune

Known for its falafel and lamb wraps, Wrapture offers hearty meals that are both delicious and affordable.​Time Out Worldwide

6. Melt Brothers (Brisbane CBD)

• Best for: Budget-friendly gourmet toasties

• Price: From $9.50

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

Melt Brothers serves up a variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.​

7. Super Combo (Fortitude Valley)

• Best for: Affordable burgers and fries

• Price: From $12

• Nearest Scape: Scape Merivale​

Inspired by video game culture, Super Combo offers a range of burgers with unique names and flavors, all at student-friendly prices.​

8. The Yiros Shop (Multiple Locations)

• Best for: Cheap Greek yiros

• Price: From $11

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank​

Offering authentic Greek yiros with various fillings, The Yiros Shop is a go-to for students craving Mediterranean flavors.​

9. PappaRich (Brisbane CBD)

• Best for: Budget Malaysian cuisine

• Price: From $12

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

PappaRich serves a variety of Malaysian dishes, including nasi lemak and curry laksa, offering a taste of Southeast Asia on a budget.​

10. MisoHapi Sushi (Brisbane CBD)

• Best for: Affordable sushi and Japanese meals

• Price: From $8

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank​

MisoHapi Sushi offers a range of sushi rolls and Japanese dishes, perfect for a quick and inexpensive meal.​

11. Little Greek Taverna (West End)

• Best for: Cheap Greek meals

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape Merivale​

A cosy spot offering traditional Greek dishes, Little Greek Taverna is known for its generous portions and affordable prices.​

12. Govinda’s (Brisbane CBD)

• Best for: Budget-friendly vegetarian meals

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

Govinda’s offers wholesome, all-you-can-eat vegetarian plates including curry, rice, dahl, and dessert for just $12. A favourite among students seeking cheap vegetarian eats in Brisbane.

13. It’s Mirchi Healthy Indian (Paddington)

• Best for: Healthy, cheap Indian curries

• Price: From $12.90

• Nearest Scape: Scape Merivale

With a health-conscious spin on traditional Indian dishes, It’s Mirchi delivers flavour-packed, budget-friendly meals with vegan and gluten-free options—ideal for health-focused students.

14. Red Lotus Vietnamese (Fortitude Valley)

• Best for: Affordable pho and Vietnamese street food

• Price: From $11

• Nearest Scape: Scape Tribune

Red Lotus is known for its fresh and fragrant pho, vermicelli bowls, and spring rolls—all at very reasonable prices. A great pick for cheap eats in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley.

15. Pane e Vino (Brisbane CBD)

• Best for: Cheap Italian pasta

• Price: From $13

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

This long-standing Italian favourite offers hearty pasta dishes and focaccias perfect for lunch on a student budget. Great for a quick mid-week comfort meal.

16. Brisbane German Club (Woolloongabba)

• Best for: Hearty European-style meals

• Price: Mains from $15

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

Students with a big appetite will love the schnitzels and sausage platters at Brisbane’s German Club, which offers student discounts and generous portions at decent prices.

17. Guzman y Gomez (Multiple Locations)

• Best for: Budget Mexican burritos and bowls

• Price: From $9.90

• Nearest Scape: Scape Tribune

Guzman y Gomez is a crowd-favourite for fast, affordable Mexican food. Their mini burrito and bowl options are great for a quick lunch between lectures.

18. Fat Dumpling (Bowen Hills & CBD)

• Best for: Cheap Chinese dumplings

• Price: From $8

• Nearest Scape: Scape Merivale

Craving handmade dumplings that won’t break the bank? Fat Dumpling serves up plates of steamed or fried delights at very student-friendly prices.

19. The Bagel Boys (CBD & Milton)

• Best for: Affordable bagels and sandwiches

• Price: From $8.50

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

Start your study day with a loaded New York–style bagel from The Bagel Boys. Their budget-friendly breakfast and lunch options are both satisfying and speedy.

20. Nodo (Newstead & South Bank)

• Best for: Gluten-free treats and brunch

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape South Bank

Nodo’s doughnuts and brunch dishes are 100% gluten-free and full of flavour. While slightly more upscale, their student-friendly portions and wellness focus make it a must-try.

Final Thoughts: Where to Find the Best Cheap Eats in Brisbane

From bustling food precincts to hole-in-the-wall hidden gems, Brisbane is packed with cheap eats for students on a budget. Whether you’re hunting for affordable ramen, vegan meals, or a burrito under $10, this list proves you can eat well without spending a fortune.

Most of these spots are walking distance from Scape Brisbane student housing, making them convenient for weeknight dinners or mid-lecture snack runs. Bookmark this guide and start exploring Brisbane’s best cheap eats today!