Best Cheap Eats Under $20 in Sydney

The State of Cheap Eating in Sydney

Sydney has a strong cheap eats culture despite the city's reputation for expensive dining. The best value is found in the inner-city suburbs, particularly Newtown, Surry Hills, Chinatown, and Marrickville. The defining characteristic of Sydney cheap eats is the quality of the ingredients. Many of the best cheap eats are produced by chefs who have worked in fine dining restaurants and have chosen to operate simpler, more affordable spaces.

The Best Banh Mi

Banh Mi Cali in Marrickville is the best banh mi in Sydney. The shop opened in 2019 and has developed a loyal following for its 12-inch baguettes filled with pate, pork, pickled vegetables, and coriander. The price is $12. The shop also serves a strong Vietnamese iced coffee for $4. The banh mi here is superior to the versions found in Cabramatta and Bankstown because of the quality of the baguette, which is baked fresh every morning.

Banh Mi Thang in Newtown is another strong option. The shop opened in 2020 and offers a wider range of fillings than Banh Mi Cali, including tofu, grilled pork, and Vietnamese sausage. The price is $13. The shop also serves a range of Vietnamese desserts including che thai, a sweet soup with coconut milk and tapioca pearls, for $7.

The Best Thai Street Food

Spice I Am in Surry Hills has been serving Thai street food since 2012 and remains the benchmark. The restaurant is counter service only and the menu is built around dishes that are designed to be eaten on the street in Thailand. The pad kra pao with holy basil and a fried egg is the signature dish. The price is $16. The restaurant also serves a strong Thai iced tea for $5.

Thai La-Ong in Chatswood is a family-run restaurant that has been operating for more than 20 years. The menu includes dishes that are difficult to find elsewhere in Sydney, including khao soi, a northern Thai curry noodle soup, for $14. The restaurant also serves a range of northern Thai salads including som tam, a green papaya salad, for $12.

The Best Pizza

Pizza No. 9 in Enmore is the best value pizza in Sydney. The restaurant opened in 2019 and produces wood-fired pizzas with a focus on natural fermentation and seasonal toppings. The Margherita is $15 and the Diavola is $18. The restaurant also serves a range of natural wines by the glass from $10.

Da Mario in Surry Hills has been operating since 1995 and remains one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. The pizza al taglio, sold by weight, is the standout offering. A slice of Margherita costs $6 and a slice of pepperoni costs $8. The restaurant also serves a range of pasta dishes including cacio e pepe for $18.

The Best Asian Street Food

Ding Tai Fung in Chinatown is the best dumpling restaurant in Sydney. The xiao long bao, soup dumplings filled with pork and broth, are the signature dish. The price is $16 for a serve of six. The restaurant also serves a range of other Chinese dumplings including potstickers and steamed buns.

Mekong in Cabramatta is the best Vietnamese restaurant in Sydney. The restaurant opened in 1985 and has remained under the same ownership since then. The menu includes a range of Vietnamese dishes including pho, banh xeo, and com tam. The pho is $14 and the banh xeo, a Vietnamese pancake, is $16. The restaurant also serves a range of Vietnamese coffee and desserts.