Cheap meals in Vancouver -- Fill up for under $5

New: Cheap meals in Vancouver -- Fill up for under $5

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We’re not always as loaded as we’d like to be, and sometimes we just want a tasty bite that costs next to nothing. Where can we get a cheap meal in Vancouver? Does cheap exist outside of fast food?

Check out my list of the top cheapest meals in Vancouver. That’s right folks, we can be full for under $5 in Vancouver. These may not be the most ideal places to bring a date or bring any guests at all, but when all you’re looking for is some cheap food and a full, satisfied stomach, give these cheap Vancouver restaurants (FYI not all are restaurants) a try.

Bons off Broadway

For just $2.95 you can get their infamous, super filling all day breakfast. You have your choice of a combination of toast, potatoes (or French fries), bacon/ham/sausage and eggs cooked to your preference. You can also substitute any of the above for anything else. For example, I’m not an egg person, so I often switch out my eggs for potatoes or bacon (that’s right you can have more bacon) for no extra cost. There’s also a variety of bread so you can have brown, white or even rye bread.

If the all day breakfast isn’t to your liking you can also get a stack of pancakes, a soup and sandwich combo or an omelette. It’s a fair sized restaurant although a bit dingy, the utensils are clean and you get free coffee refills. Make sure to go early and grab a table. Take out is also a great option.

Starts at: $2.95

Location: 5451 Nanaimo St.

Ikea Restaurant

Ikea's famous Swedish Meatballs covered in gravy and crispy french fries

Yes, it’s a bit strange to think of Ikea as a place to grab some grub, but it’s fantastic. They’ve got great, hearty meals and extremely inexpensive bites. This cafeteria-style restaurant serves up their famous Swedish meatballs and potatoes for $2.99 Monday to Friday and $4.99 Saturday to Sunday.

Craving some pasta? They’ve got organic pasta with marinara sauce for just $1.99 and you can even grab dessert for under $3. Head down to the Ikea Bistro near the exit to grab a bite on your way out. For just $0.75, you can get a hot dog, or for $2 you can get the 2 hotdogs and unlimited soft drink refills deal. No need to skip dessert either because they’ve got some delicious frozen yogurt that tastes just like the McDonald’s ice cream for just $1.

Looking for a super cheap breakfast? For just $1, yes $1! You can get a hearty breakfast of eggs, potatotes and sausages (until 11 a.m.).

Starts at: $0.75

Restaurant Review -- Oakwood Canadian Bistro

New: Oakwood Canadian Bistro review
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The Oakwood Canadian Bistro is difficult to define. The best I can do is describe the menu as a mixture between elegant bar food and classic North American dishes with a twist.

The scrumptious flat iron steak at Oakwood Canadian Bistro

With ceiling-to-floor wood decor and tables that resemble fancy picnic benches, the restaurant has a casual but sophisticated look and very laid back atmosphere. The service was reasonable, although they may have been a bit understaffed that night as it wasn’t easy catching the servers’ attention and our glasses were frequently empty. 

The Oakwood boasts serving only organic, hormone and antibiotic-free, ocean-wise meats and fish.

The food however was excellent. As an appetizer, the all Canadian poutine was a meal by itself. Served in a rustic little iron cast frying pan, crispy, thick-cut fries were smothered in cheese curds and smoked beef brisket, then drizzled with a delicious sauce.

Oakwood's All Canadian poutine served in a mini skillet

The maple pork belly was also an excellent choice. A moist slab of tender pork belly was served with crunchy, savoury pork crackling and a jicama salad.

Maple Pork Belly at Oakwood