Cheap Eats in Sydney: Best Budget Feeds for Uni Students

1. Chinese Dumpling Master (Newtown)

• Best for: Handmade Chinese dumplings

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape Glebe

Students love the juicy pork and chive dumplings and pan-fried buns at this no-frills favourite. One of the best cheap eats near University of Sydney.

2. Chatkazz (Harris Park)

• Best for: Authentic Indian vegetarian street food

• Price: From $8

• Nearest Scape: Scape at University of Sydney

From pani puri to chole bhature, this bustling spot is ideal for affordable, spice-packed eats under $10.

3. Gumshara Ramen (Haymarket)

• Best for: Cheap tonkotsu ramen

• Price: From $12.50

• Nearest Scape: Scape Darling House

Located inside the Eating World food court, Gumshara’s broth is rich, collagen-heavy, and deeply comforting — perfect for a study break.

4. Spice Alley (Chippendale)

• Best for: Cheap Asian hawker-style food

• Price: From $9

• Nearest Scape: Scape Darlington

This vibrant laneway serves everything from Malaysian laksa to Thai pad see ew. Grab a full meal for under $15 in a buzzing, fairy-lit alley.

5. D’Munchies (Newtown)

• Best for: Late-night cheap eats

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape Glebe

With wacky loaded hotdogs and indulgent wraps, D’Munchies is the go-to for cheap student eats after a long study session or night out.

6. Out of the Blue (Clovelly)

• Best for: Cheap burgers and fish and chips

• Price: From $8

• Nearest Scape: Scape Cleveland

This coastal gem is loved for its old-school Aussie burgers and crunchy chips — the chicken burger is a standout and perfect for the budget-conscious.

7. Yang Guo Fu Ma La Tang (CBD)

• Best for: Affordable malatang hotpot

• Price: From $12

• Nearest Scape: Scape Darling House

Pick your own ingredients and pay by weight. It’s fun, warming, and among the best budget-friendly Chinese food options in the city.

8. El Jannah (Multiple locations)

• Best for: Cheap charcoal chicken

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape at University of Sydney

A Sydney institution, El Jannah’s garlic sauce and charcoal chicken combo is unbeatable when you’re after cheap eats with big flavour.

9. Mary’s (Newtown & CBD)

• Best for: Budget burgers with attitude

• Price: From $12

• Nearest Scape: Scape Glebe

With grungy vibes and juicy burgers, Mary’s is a cult favourite among uni students looking for affordable indulgence.

10. Albee’s Kitchen (Campsie)

• Best for: Hearty Malaysian food

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape Redfern

Known for its giant portions of nasi lemak and Hainanese chicken rice, Albee’s offers authentic Malaysian cuisine at wallet-friendly prices.

11. Lentil As Anything (Newtown)

• Best for: Pay-what-you-can vegetarian food

• Price: Donation-based

• Nearest Scape: Scape Glebe

This not-for-profit restaurant is perfect for students — get a nourishing vegetarian meal and pay what you can afford.

12. Mamak (Chinatown)

• Best for: Cheap Malaysian roti and curries

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape Darling House

Roti canai for under $10? Yes, please. Mamak is a staple for authentic, affordable Malaysian fare in the city.

13. Thai Riffic (Newtown & Darlinghurst)

• Best for: Affordable Thai stir-fries and noodles

• Price: From $11

• Nearest Scape: Scape Glebe

Thai Riffic is known for tasty pad Thai, green curry, and crispy pork belly dishes — perfect for students craving big flavour on a budget.

14. Hot Star Large Fried Chicken (CBD & Chinatown)

• Best for: Giant fried chicken cutlets

• Price: From $10.90

• Nearest Scape: Scape Darling House

Famous for its Taiwan-style chicken, Hot Star is ideal for quick, filling student meals — especially on busy days between classes.

15. Two Sis & Co (Pyrmont)

• Best for: Cheap brunch and all-day breakfast

• Price: From $10

• Nearest Scape: Scape Darling House

For students who live for smashed avo and croissant waffles, Two Sis delivers Insta-worthy eats that won’t break the bank.

16. Kepos Street Kitchen (Redfern)

• Best for: Middle Eastern–inspired brunch

• Price: Small plates from $12

• Nearest Scape: Scape Redfern

Kepos is a local fave for falafel, labneh, and shakshuka — ideal for a weekend brunch that still respects your student budget.

17. Don’t Tell Aunty (Surry Hills)

• Best for: Modern Indian food with spice

• Price: From $13

• Nearest Scape: Scape Abercrombie

With cheeky vibes and flavour-packed dishes, this spot offers budget-friendly Indian eats in a modern setting. Try the butter chicken naan tacos!

18. NaruOne (CBD)

• Best for: Cheap Korean fried chicken

• Price: From $13

• Nearest Scape: Scape Darling House

This underground favourite is your go-to for affordable KFC (Korean Fried Chicken), with half-and-half sauces for the indecisive eater.

19. Iku Wholefood (Multiple locations)

• Best for: Healthy vegetarian meals

• Price: From $10.50

• Nearest Scape: Scape Abercrombie

Iku is a plant-based café serving up nourishing bowls and macrobiotic plates — a wholesome, budget-friendly choice for health-conscious students.

20. Kobe Wagyu BBQ (Haymarket)

• Best for: Cheap Japanese BBQ lunch specials

• Price: From $12.90 (lunch sets)

• Nearest Scape: Scape Darling House

If you’re looking for sizzling meats and a generous lunch on a budget, Kobe Wagyu BBQ offers a luxe yakiniku experience at student prices.

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

Sydney may be one of Australia’s most dynamic cities, but eating well as a student here doesn’t have to mean overspending. From flavourful dumplings in Newtown to budget sushi and brunch in the CBD, the city is full of hidden gems and street food heroes offering some of the best cheap eats in Sydney.

Whether you’re studying at USyd, UNSW, UTS, or any other institution, this guide is your ticket to delicious, affordable meals near campus and beyond. Pair your classes with curry laksa, your late nights with banh mi, and your weekend strolls with brunch — all without blowing your budget.

And with Scape student accommodation in Sydney located right near many of these spots, you’re never far from your next affordable feast.