With inflation, what most people consider a “cheap” meal these days is anything reasonably under $15. However, there are still places serving hot meals for under $10.
You might be tempted to grab a burger and fries from McDonald’s, but you can also enjoy a tasty dish or a filling snack made with care from a local eatery for the same price.
Here are some small businesses in Toronto offering delicious meals for under $10:
Gale’s Snack Bar
Cuisine: American
Address: 539 Eastern Ave, Toronto, ON
This place hasn’t changed much since it opened over 50 years ago, including the menu prices. Everything is under $10, including the classic club sandwich layered with bacon, lettuce, and tomato, cut into four parts. A hot chicken sandwich with fries costs $7. It might not be the quickest spot, but when you have time, this Leslieville eatery is perfect for a chat over fries and vanilla milkshakes. Note: Cash only.
Delicious Empanadas
Cuisine: Colombian
Address: 921 College St, Toronto, ON
At $3.15 each, these gluten-free Colombian empanadas are a satisfying on-the-go snack. Choose from a short menu of beef, chicken, Hawaiian-style, or plain cheese empanadas in crispy corn dough. They also offer a vegan option with lentils, mashed potatoes, and secret spices. Dip them in garlic sauce and complement with a tasty smoothie. For potato lovers, papas criollas (Colombian-style fries) are creamy and cost $6.50.
Loga’s Corner
Cuisine: Tibetan
Address: 216 Close Ave, Toronto, ON
This family-run business in Parkdale, led by Loga and his wife Dolma, makes each momo (Tibetan dumpling) by hand. They offer beef, chicken, lamb, pork, vegetable, and more, all for $9. Fried versions are available for an extra $1. Each order includes 10 momos, and you’ll need to sit down to enjoy a hot meal with the accompanying sauce.
Square Boy
Cuisine: Greek/American
Address: 875 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON
Known for gyros and late-night souvlaki plates, this old-school spot has been a neighborhood staple since 1964. A family-run business, they keep prices low so everyone can afford a bite. A burger with fries and a soda costs just $5.50, while a chicken souvlaki on pita is $6.65. The popular homemade party burger costs $7.75. They also sell whole roasted chickens, which can easily feed 3-4 people for $15.
Mashion Bakery
Cuisine: Chinese Pastries
Address: 345 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON
You can easily enjoy a variety of tasty treats under $10 at this Chinatown bakery. They offer taro cakes, hotdog buns, pineapple buns, sponge cakes, and red bean cakes. Drop by in the morning for freshly steamed buns (3 for $3.75) and Chinese egg tarts, though there might be some special deals later in the day. Remember to bring cash if you want to spend under $15.
Juicy Dumpling
Cuisine: Chinese
Address: 280 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON
An obvious but essential addition to this list, Juicy Dumpling often has a line outside the Dragon City Mall location, especially in the summer. But the food comes out quickly. Each Shanghai-style dumpling order includes 4 or 6 pieces with a generous amount of broth and any filling of your choice. Mini pork soup dumplings cost $2.99, and the priciest item on the menu, pork and crab dumplings, is $6.99. You can also get scallion pancakes, fried chicken, or even dessert, each under $10.
Ali’s Roti
Cuisine: Trinidadian
Address: 1446 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Doubles (curried chickpeas sandwiched between two fried flatbreads) are a fantastic comfort food and a popular street food in Trinidad and Tobago. You can enjoy them for breakfast or as a late-night snack. Most doubles fans find this treat in the suburbs, but there are a few must-visit spots in downtown. Ali’s Roti in Parkdale has been a go-to for roti and doubles since 1976, with a double costing $4.95.
Fresca Pizza and Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 302 College St, Toronto, ON
At $5, this is a sizable and delicious pizza. The best part? You can add as much garlic herb oil as you like (which resembles Vietnamese scallion oil, thanks to Vietnamese influences in the kitchen). They also offer calzones, salads, and pasta.
Caribbean Queen of Patties
Cuisine: Jamaican
Address: 1294 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON
This Caribbean eatery serves traditional dishes like oxtail, jerk chicken, and roti, but is famous for its delicious homemade patties. At $3 each, the beef patties are neither too dry nor too moist, encased in a perfectly crispy crust made by Georgia, the patty queen herself. Enjoy them hot for the best taste. Unfortunately, patties are no longer $1, but they are still worth every penny.
Bánh Mì Nguyên Hương
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Address: 322 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON
This humble bánh mì spot in Chinatown is one of the few places where you can get a sandwich for just $5. Whether you prefer lemongrass sausage, grilled chicken, shredded pork, or a vegetarian option, all sandwiches are priced similarly and are excellent value. They also offer a fantastic vegetarian bánh mì and are a must-try if you’re in the mood for a light yet flavorful sandwich.
