Sydney may be famous for its beaches and harbor views, but it’s also a city where you can eat good without spending much. With the right neighborhoods and food spots, cheap food Sydney options are easy to find, even in busy tourist areas.
In this guide, you’ll discover where locals go for affordable meals, how to get there, and what to order. From buzzing streets to hidden food courts, these places will help you enjoy eating affordably, Sydney-style, while keeping your budget happy!
1. Eat dumplings and noodles in Chinatown (Haymarket)
Street food stall in Sydney's Chinatown offering affordable snacks and local eats on a budget | Photo from Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra on Unsplash
Chinatown is one of the easiest places to find cheap food Sydney travelers keep coming back for. Along Dixon Street and nearby lanes, you’ll spot dumpling houses, noodle shops, and BBQ counters serving filling meals for AUD 10–15.
Portions are generous, flavors are authentic, and food comes out fast. The area is busy at all hours, which keeps prices competitive and quality high. It’s perfect if you want variety without paying restaurant prices.
If you’re planning your sightseeing around food stops, this Sydney guide for first-timers on Klook makes it easy to connect Chinatown with nearby attractions like Darling Harbour and the Central Business District (CBD).
Must-try dishes:
- Pork or vegetable dumplings (AUD 10–12)
- Hand-pulled beef noodle soup (AUD 12–15)
- Chinese BBQ pork with rice (AUD 12–14)
How to get there: Take a train to Central Station or Town Hall Station, then walk about 5–10 minutes toward Dixon Street.
2. Walk King Street for budget eats in Newtown
Friends enjoying cheap eats at a casual Sydney restaurant in Newtown popular with locals
Newtown is one of the best areas to eat cheap in Sydney while enjoying bold flavors and creative vibes. King Street is packed with pizza-by-the-slice shops, falafel wraps, Asian takeaways, and vegan cafés that usually cost under AUD 12.
The food scene here is casual, fun, and full of personality. You can easily eat well without sitting down at a pricey restaurant. It’s a favorite among students and locals looking for the best cheap eats Sydney has to offer.
For a deeper dive into the area’s food culture, this Newtown food and street art tour on Klook is an easy way to try affordable eats while picking up a few fun stories along the way!
Must-try dishes:
- Falafel wrap or kebab (AUD 10–12)
- Pizza by the slice (AUD 6–8 per slice)
- Vegan burgers or bowls (AUD 11–14)
How to get there: Take the T2 or T3 train line to Newtown Station. King Street is right outside the exit.
3. Grab affordable meals at the Queen Victoria Building food court
Queen Victoria Building in Sydney with nearby food courts offering cheap meals | Photo from Dietmar Rabich on Wikimedia Commons
The Queen Victoria Building may look luxurious, but its lower-level food court is a hidden gem for cheap food for Sydney tourists. You’ll find Asian rice bowls, noodles, sandwiches, and baked meals for AUD 10–14, much cheaper than nearby cafés. It’s clean, central, and ideal for a quick lunch break. Many office workers eat here daily, which keeps the food affordable and reliable.
Must-try dishes:
- Teriyaki chicken rice bowl (AUD 11–13)
- Laksa or noodle soup (AUD 12–14)
- Fresh sandwiches or pastries (AUD 8–10)
How to get there: Take a train to Town Hall Station. The QVB is directly connected via underground walkways.
4. Find budget takeaways near Circular Quay
Waterfront dining at Circular Quay with budget-friendly food and Sydney Harbour views | Photo from Keawan A on Unsplash
Circular Quay looks expensive, but budget food is closer than you think. Step away from waterfront restaurants and you’ll find food courts and small takeaways offering meals for AUD 12–15. Grab your food and enjoy it outdoors with harbor views; it’s one of the best-value lunches in the city. This area is perfect if you want cheap eats in Sydney near famous landmarks without overspending.
Must-try dishes:
- Chicken or fish burgers (AUD 12–15)
- Bento-style rice meals (AUD 13–15)
- Wraps or rolls for takeaway (AUD 10–12)
How to get there: Take any train or ferry to Circular Quay Station.
5. Enjoy pub specials and markets in The Rocks
Street food skewers in Sydney offering cheap eats and quick bites on a budget at The Rocks | Photo from Julia Kado on Wikimedia Commons
The Rocks is charming and surprisingly friendly for budget travelers. Many pubs offer weekday lunch specials for AUD 15–18, which are much cheaper than dinner prices. On weekends, food markets add even more affordable choices. Eating here lets you enjoy Sydney’s oldest neighborhood while still finding cheap food in Sydney.
Must-try dishes:
- Pub steak or chicken schnitzel lunch special (AUD 15–18)
- Meat pies or sausage rolls (AUD 6–8)
- Street food wraps at weekend markets (AUD 10–12)
How to get there: Walk 10 minutes from Circular Quay Station or take a bus toward George Street.
6. Save big with supermarket-ready meals
Food counter inside Queen Victoria Building offering affordable meals in Sydney CBD | Photo from Pear285 on Wikimedia Commons
Supermarkets are one of the easiest ways to enjoy cheap food in Sydney every day. Woolworths and Coles sell ready-made meals, sandwiches, and salads for AUD 5–8. You can also buy bread, fruit, and snacks to build cheap breakfasts and lunches. This method is popular with backpackers who want to eat affordably in Sydney style over longer stays.
Must-try items:
- Ready-made pasta or rice meals (AUD 5–7)
- Fresh sandwiches or wraps (AUD 6–8)
- Bakery bread rolls and pastries (AUD 3–5)
How to get there: Supermarkets are located near most train stations and shopping centers.
7. Visit Asian food courts around Town Hall
Busy Asian-style food court in Sydney serving cheap eats and casual meals | Photo from Alpha on Wikimedia Commons
Around Town Hall, you’ll find an underground and street-level Asian food court. Hawker Lane in Westfield offers some of the best cheap food in Sydney. Meals are fast, filling, and usually cost AUD 10–14. These spots are perfect for lunch between sightseeing stops. Prices stay low thanks to high turnover and competition.
Must-try dishes:
- Laksa or curry noodle soup (AUD 12–14)
- Roast duck or chicken rice (AUD 10–13)
- Japanese donburi bowls (AUD 11–14)
How to get there: Take a train to Town Hall Station and explore nearby streets and underground passages.
FAQs
How to save money on food in Sydney?
You can save money by eating in mixed food courts, supermarket meals, and lunch specials. Focus on Chinatown, Newtown, and CBD food courts. Planning ahead makes cheap food in Sydney easy and stress-free.
How much is the average meal in Sydney?
A standard restaurant meal costs around $20–$30 AUD. Budget meals usually range from AUD $10 to AUD $15, especially in food courts and local neighborhoods.
How to eat for $50 a week in Australia?
You can cook most meals by shopping at supermarkets and limiting dining out. Simple foods like rice, pasta, and vegetables help you eat cheap in Sydney long-term.
Where can you find cheap food in Sydney CBD?
Town Hall, Chinatown, and the QVB area are packed with the best cheap eats Sydney options.
Are there good cheap restaurants in Sydney?
Yes! Newtown, Haymarket, and The Rocks all offer reliable, tasty, and affordable choices.
Turn your Sydney trip into a budget food win!
Sydney proves that you don’t need a big budget to eat well. With smart choices, local favorites, and a little planning, cheap food in Sydney becomes part of the adventure. Save this guide, follow your appetite, and enjoy every bite. Eat smart, travel happy, and spend less in Sydney.
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