There are a lot of places to eat in Vancouver, but sometimes it can be hard to find an affordable restaurant serving high quality food. This list narrows it down a little, highlighting Asian eateries that are both cheap and delicious. Each of these restaurants also has its own unique features – some offer reliable takeout and delivery services, others have spacious dining rooms that can accommodate large groups.
It’s hard to find Korean food in Vancouver that’s both high in quality and affordable. Luckily, there’s E-Mo Noodle House + Wang Ga Ma. Tucked away inside the Robson Street H-Mart, this casual food court spot serves cheap and quick Korean food. You can get a bowl of jajangmyeon (Korean black bean noodles) for just under $5. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try their naengmyeon (Korean cold noodles).
Head upstairs in the Robson Public Market and you’ll find yet another Japanese ramen place. Ramen restaurants might be everywhere in Vancouver these days, but this location stands out for a few reasons: all of the dishes here are MSG-free, their noodles are hand-made on site, and there’s convenient free parking underground. And if all of those reasons aren’t enough to entice you, you’ll want to visit for the generous portions; the noodle bowls are quite large and they don’t scrimp on meat. You’re sure to find a fulfilling bowl of ramen here!
A local favorite on East Broadway, Congee Noodle House is known for its authentic and affordable southern Chinese food. The interior is very spacious and has a good selection of tables and chairs that can easily accommodate a large group of people. Also, it’s open ridiculously late for those wanting a full meal at midnight.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect pho, look no further than Thai Son. Of the many pho locations around Vancouver, this restaurants stands out for its broth, which is both well balanced and full of flavour. These pho bowls are super filling and cheap. If you’re not into pho, the menu offers a variety of other Vietnamese dishes.
If you need to find a restaurant for a large group of people, this is the place for you. With its relatively roomy interior and several large tables, Lin Chinese Cuisine is a great place to host a large group of friends or family. After all, Chinese food was traditionally meant to be shared; the more people you have, the more food you can order and try.
This small Thai restaurant on Main Street has quick service and is perfect for people on the go. But their speedy cooking doesn’t detract from the quality of their food. The kitchen serves up authentic Thai food in decently sized portions (often enough to last you two meals) and they offer both takeout and delivery. Their delivery is usually on time, and you always get your food freshly cooked and still hot.
Peaceful Restaurant is so good that it was featured on the hit Food Network show, Diners and Drivers and Dives, and yet it still has extremely affordable prices. You can easily get a meal here for under $10. The northern Chinese restaurant is known for its handmade noodles, though if you want to try these delicacies you’ll have to go early in case the kitchen runs out. In addition to noodles, they also serve a variety of other northern Chinese dishes. The as-seen-on-TV beef rolls are also amazing.
Have you ever wanted to try local street food from different countries, but just can’t afford to pay for the airfare? If you’re craving global flavours, then this tiny restaurant is a must-try. It’s quite small inside, so it’s ideal to visit with a small group. The menu features Malaysian specialties and dishes are inspired by Asian street food, also known as hawker food. It’s definitely a unique one-of-a-kind restaurant in Vancouver.
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without a Taiwanese restaurant. Wang’s Taiwanese Beef Noodle House is affordable, delicious and perfect for casual dining. You can also order your meal to takeout or just drop by for drinks. They serve an assortment of bubble teas, which pair nicely with a meal or are a filling option all on their own if you’re craving something sweet.
If you like sushi, check out Samurai Sushi House just across the street from the Oakridge Centre. The menu here is budget-friendly and perfect for individuals who usually find sushi less than filling. Service is quick and you can also order for takeout. If you happen to have a chance to go, try out their sashimi, which arrives to your table in large portions for a completely affordable price.