It’s no secret that cozzie livs are on the rise – that’s ‘cost-of-living prices’ to those other than millennials and Gen Z-ers. And those prices are a bit rude if we’re being honest. Spending dollars on everyday items like food can really put a dent in the ol’ wallet, so we’ve compiled a list of 11 eateries slinging cheap and substantial eats for under $15 in and around Perth. From Italian institution favourites and plant-based Malaysian dishes, to generous steak sandwiches and soups – take a look.
1. Two Hands Noodle Shop
The unassuming suburb of Como, to the south of Perth City is home to a mighty fine Malaysian eatery – Two Hands Noodle Shop. Blink and you’ll miss the casual suburban joint; the small cafe-restaurant is humble in size, but serves up big flavours at a small price. Handmade noodle dishes and gigantic baos are Two Hands’ specialty, but you can find Malaysian curry rice; red wine chicken soup mee sua; Kuala Lumpur wantan mee; hand-cut noodles with bbq pork; Sarawak laksa; and vegetarian dry noodles with crispy chick’n for as little as $10 across Two Hands’ menu.
Where: 4/2 Downey Dr, Como
2. BamBamBoo
This modern dumpling house has grown to popularity in Perth over the past few years, with their cool iPad ordering system and what not. But BamBamBoo’s food is equally as inviting, offering home-style Chinese dishes with the likes of: fried squid tentacles; braised pork belly; soft shell crab bao; prawn wonton soup; chilli shui jiao; shallot noodles; chilli pepper tofu; and pan-fried sticky rice; all under $15. They’ve got plenty of vegan options too for any plant-based friends on the hunt for some authentic Chinese delights, along with gluten-free dishes too.
Where: 25/140 William St, Perth; and 5 Howtree Place, Floreat
3. Govinda’s Hare Krishna Restaurant
Govinda’s is Northbridge’s buffet-style Indian eatery that’s been in operation since way back in 2011. Govinda’s is a global non-for-profit charitable vegetarian and vegan hotspot, that aims to feed everyone in need. Govinda’s is humble in its fit-out, but sometimes nothing flash is the necessary vibe. If you’re in the mood for a heart-warming curry, or some deep-fried goodness with many a samosa and pakora on the cards, Govinda’s is the place to be. Substantial combo plates come in at $13, with budget takeaway available from 3:30pm through to 7:30pm – a favourite amongst students after a bargain.
Where: 194 William St, Northbridge
4. Alfred’s Kitchen
Alfred’s Kitchen in Guildford have been flipping burgers and cooking up a storm since 1946 from their historic 1904 train carriage diner. They were recently voted as one of the best burger joints in Perth, by your fellow West Aussies, and it ain’t hard to see why. You’ll be getting bang for your buck with their generous portions, with hamburgers and steakburgers going for $10.80, mind-blowing pea and ham soup for $6, a big old chips and gravy for $8, and of course the ‘Alfred’s special’ for $15.20, as pictured above. In said special, you’ll be chowing down on a homemade beef patty, egg, cheese, and bacon between three layers of toast with gherkin relish, lettuce, onion, tomato, and a smothering of bbq sauce. Visit with an empty stomach.
Where: Cnr Meadow and James St, Guildford
5. Tak Chee House
Authentic Malaysian cuisine, specifically from the island of Penang is Tak Chee House in a nutshell. The no frills eatery may appear underwhelming, but what they lack in aesthetics, they make up for in their to-die-for comfort food; slow fare at a low cost. Tak Chee’s fan favourite is their Hainanese chicken rice – a steamed or roasted half bird for $14. Feast on a seafood char kway teow for $15; a big bowl of curry laksa for $14; or a plate of luscious mee goreng for $13. Tak Chee welcome BYO too, so you don’t have to fork out $15 for a glass of your favourite vino at an average bar afterwards.
Where: 1/364 William St, Perth
6. Little Magic Momo
Little known Nepalese restaurant is Little Magic Momo on Wembley’s main street. The eatery highlights authentic street-style food, with handmade dumplings from the region their specialty. The flavours pack a punch too in their curry and noodle dishes alike. Find their Nepalese bread set with sel roti (ring-shaped, sweet fried rice bread) with pea curry, potato, and pickled vegetables for $13; and ten mild momos between $10 and $14, depending on whether you’re after vegetable or meat fillings. Their BYO system also makes for less of a dent in the wallet.
Where: 286B Cambridge St, Wembley
7. Viet Kites
Arguably home to the best banh mi in Perth, Viet Kites located inside the one and only Fremantle Markets knows how to roll. The hole-in-the-wall-type stall are known to stray from tradition with their bánh mì specials, recently rising to popularity with their croissant banh mi, and use of charcoal bread instead of the standard plain baguette. Viet Kite’s innovative fillings sound like: Vietnamese pot-roasted beef stew with fragrant with lemongrass, star anise and cinnamon; Scotch fillet steak; and nem nuong (smoky and sweet grilled pork). However, you can still find all the familiar bánh mì fillings too and along with tasty vegan options. Check out our full list of where to find the best banh mi in Perth.
Where: 74 South Terrace, Fremantle
8. The Re Store
The Re Store is a Northbridge institution, commonly known in Perth as the home of the famed continental roll; a sandwich born last century from Italian families who migrated to Perth with their delicious deli meats and preserved veggies. The yesteryear lookin’ store has been in operation since 1936, and slings homemade Italian fare which is made fresh daily. Their small hot meals go for $10.95, and their large for $11.95 with the likes of: linguine with creamy marinated prawns and spinach; maccheroni with slow-cooked Tuscan lamb; and pumpkin ravioli with brown butter and sage. Check out our full guide to Northbridge and make a day of it.
Where: 72 Lake St, Northbridge
9. Little Beans Gourmet
Little Beans Gourmet is worth the drive to Canning Vale for many around Perth it seems, as they’ve been voted in our best dumplings in Perth guide, and best cafes in Perth guide, and best restaurants for vegan food in Perth guide, by your fellow West Aussies. The Asian-inspired eatery offers a completely plant-based selection with delectable creations which pay homage to traditional yum cha dishes using the juiciest of mock meats – your non-vegan friends won’t even know it’s vegan. All of their dim sum and entree offerings are under $15. Find honey char siu ‘pork’, mouth-watering satays, sweet and sour ribs, wonton soup, and siu mai dumplings. While their crispy chick’n or duck rice dishes are $15.50, if you can spare the extra 50 cents.
Where: 3/154 Canna Dr, Canning Vale
10. Taka’s Kitchen
Taka’s Kitchen has long been a go-to for city workers to get their Japanese fix. You’ll usually find the unadorned eatery packed at lunchtime with people who are after a large, succulent chicken karaage meal with rice, miso soup, and salad for a mere $9.50 – it doesn’t get much better than that. There’s no fancy tonkatsu ramen on the menu, just Japanese classics like: a large beef teriyaki meal with salad and rice for $13.50; katsu don (egg omelette with crumbed chicken) served over a bed of rice for $10.50; as well as ginger pork; agedashi and teriyaki tofu; and Japanese curry to satisfy the senses. Taka’s even has a fan page on Instagram.
Where: 150-152 Barrack St, Perth
11. Sushi Hub
Sushi Hub is a Perth City blessing. Two stores take charge of two main streets in the CBD; one smack bang on William Street, and the other on none other than St Georges Terrace. Delicious sushi awaits you behind the glass counter with the usual offenders; inari, nigiri, rolls, sashimi, and tempura sushi. They’re simply the best with the teriyaki rolls and inari a highlight for us.
Where: 96 William St, Perth; and unit 2A/89 St Georges Terrace, Perth