At one point, I had a boss who would buy my lunch if I could come up with meals that were $3 or less (this was 30+ years ago). I found chili at a car wash. Bean soup at a bowling alley, and a sandwich at a take out stand. None of which she knew about. I got free food and it was all stuff I’d found anyway. She learned where to find really cheap food in her town.
The only thing comparable hereabouts is the food at the hospital cafeteria, which is the cheapest not “fast food” I’ve found. The experience I had finding food for my boss and myself got me to realize that frequently the cheapest foods were found at non-conventional spots, like the car wash and bowling alley. So, I always pay attention to businesses who sell something other than just snacks.
Do you have places that serve cheap meals like this near you?
there is a local institution around the corner from us which sells grilled cheese for $2. We’ve never gone, as if we’re at home I can make a grilled cheese for less, and their hours don’t really match our needs. (apparently a slice of apple pie is 1.50)
there is a Canadian Chinese place down the road with dinner combos for under $10, breakfast sandwiches for under $7, and everyone left full, some people even took home leftovers.
there used to be a really good bbq place at the gas station, but they have closed.
I guess that is the opposite of what types of places you’re thinking of. But for my area it’s about the shops that have been open for 20+ years that have the best prices.
I did rough conversions: $3 30+ years ago = $6 today, $6 U.S. = $8.25 Cdn.
Some fast food chains have value menus where you could cobble together something meal-like for that amount.
Many pizza places have a walk-in special of a large pepperoni pizza for about $15. Split that between at least two people and you’re in the right ballpark.
Ikea cafeteria is affordable, though it’s been a few years since I’ve been.
Some subway stations have a modest cafe that sells Jamaican patties and other quick food items. I have not tried the nearest one.
At the mass-produced sushi place you can get two hand rolls for $8.93. Would be a small lunch.
A vegetarian chain has happy hour where you can get squash tacos for $8 + tax + tip. Again, small meal.
My neighbourhood has been nailed hard by gentrification and food inflation. Most of the little mom and pop places have been torn down for luxury homes or forced out by big rent increases. Those that remain have lunch specials in the $12-15 range (it feels like not that long ago it was $8-10). Cheap eats are rarer than they used to be.