The 13 best cheap eats in Perth

Hifumiya has been churning out piping-hot bowls of udon since 2018. Not only is it Perth’s OG noodle house, but it’s also undeniably one of the best. Tucked away on McLean Lane, Hifumiya is often packed at all hours of the day with locals and tourists alike. But don’t be disheartened even if the queue snakes out of the restaurant – Hifumiya runs on Japanese precision and the line moves quickly. Pick from the wide variety of options proudly displayed on the photo menu above the pass.

Order the: The spicy miso pork udon and the beef curry udon.

Price: Japanese curry with rice from $5, curry udon from $12.80

Dinner and drinks have never looked better – especially when $1 dumplings and bottomless fried chicken are involved. Perth City’s bustling basement bar, Goody Two’s is certainly good for those two previously mentioned bargain bites, but it’s also great for late-night cocktails and dancefloor antics alike. Crowds swarm the underground haunt for post-work feasts and pre-night-on-the-town escapades beneath the cherry blossom fit-out – an apt pairing for Goody Two’s Japanese-inspired menu. Circling back to the edible deals – on Wednesdays and Thursdays, you can luxuriate in $1 dumplings, and spoil yourself on Thursdays with a $29 seafood platter for two. Wash it all down with a tap beer or glass of vino for an extra, and rather decent, $5. 

Order the: $1 dumplings, duh.

Price: Bar snacks from $1 to $16

Upon entering The Re Store in Northbridge, you’ll likely be greeted by the sounds of ‘Speak Softly Love’, The Godfather’s main theme or a Dean Martin classic. The sweet Italianesque melodies work wonders when it comes to buttering you up for some truly transportative fare. The family-run institution hasn’t changed a whole lot since its 1936 inception, complete with faded vintage posters and figures of the Madonna overlooking all operations, including the deli section – said to be the birthplace of the famed continental roll. And although the Perth-honoured sandwiches are ever-so satisfying, sometimes you need a little more than a combination of delicious deli meats and preserved veggies. Expect the likes of housemade ravioli with bolognese, polenta topped with lamb ragu, porcini risotto, macaroni with roast pork and nduja, as well as orecchiette with eggplant and stracciatella smothered in macadamia pesto. It’s the real deal, for a real deal.

Order the: The continental roll.

Prices: Rolls from $7

With two outposts in the north-western suburbs of Osborne Park and Wembley, Little Magic Momo performs miracles when it comes to Nepalese cuisine. The modest eatery highlights authentic street eats with handmade momos (dumplings) at the forefront of its spread. The said momos come in at $15 for ten and are sure to make a lasting impression, jam-packed with mildly spiced meat or veg and doused with a tomato-chilli chutney. Little Magic Momo dishes out plenty more than just the tangy Nepalese dumplings, however – get into staples like local-style chicken chowmein, or sel roti (fried bread) with pea curry and a side of potato and pickled vegetables. 

Order the: The handmade momos, of course. 

Price: Momos from $15 

Have you really tasted noodles if they weren’t from Two Hands Noodle Shop? Some Perthians may suggest not. The lowkey, Como haunt specialise in handmade noodles (of course), along with gigantic bao buns hailing from regional Malaysia – and they’re far from basic. The casual, café-restaurant serves up big flavours at a small price, and the forecast is looking like an almighty chicken bao, kolo mee with char siew gravy (Sarawak dry noodles with sweet pork), prawn dumpling noodle soup,  Sarawak laksa and braised pork belly rice — all for great prices. Whatever takes your fancy, rest assured that you’re in safe hands at Two Hands Noodle Shop.

Order the: The almighty bao buns.

Prices: Bao from $5.90, noodles from $11.50 

Adorned with framed, newspaper cutouts regarding the sensational bánh mì churned out of this Barrack Street eatery, it’s clear that Le Vietnam knows a thing or two about satisfying the hungry gobs of Perth – and in a cheap fashion too. The humble bánh mì is simple yet effective on any day of the week, but Le Vietnam is famed for their new-wave baguettes – they’ve even caught the attention of celebrities both near and far. The hefty $12 to $15 rolls attract mega crowds, and it’s not unusual to see lunchtime queues that line the street for a taste of what’s good. But service is efficient, and you might just be lucky enough to nab a seat street-side or inside. If not, the grassy Stirling Gardens is a mere three-minute walk down the road – inner-city picnics incoming.

Order the: Get your hands on bánh mì specials stuffed with the likes of Wagyu brisket, char siu pork belly burnt ends, honey-butter smoked turkey and considered vegan fillings, including teriyaki ‘chicken’, Peking ‘duck’, ‘lamb’ yiros and ‘beef’ rendang. 

Price: Banh mi from $12, salad bowls from $15 

With Cannington, Northbridge and Victoria Park outposts serving up big ol’ bowls of long, bouncy carbs, Qin’s Lanzhou Beef Noodle has fast become a go-to for some of the best cheap eats in Perth – and it’s a whole lot more than just beef and noodles too. The Chinese restaurant chain is a recent addition to the scene, but they’ve already proven to be queue-worthy venues with a side of entertainment – handmade noodle-pulling on full display – now that’s a meal and a show. Qin’s Lanzhou’s most expensive bowl comes in at $20.90 for the braised lamb dry noodles, and the cheapest at $17.99 for the youpo dry noodles with latherings of smoky chilli oil, heaps of garlic and crisp bok choy. But if you’re steering clear of gluten, the side dishes with a median price of $10 sure do pack a punch. How about the tangy wood ear mushroom salad or spicy chicken gizzards? Choose your player.

Order the: The beef noodle soup. 

Price: Sides from $8, mains from $20

Compared to its eastern seaboard counterparts, Greek food is somewhat scarce in Perth – but Filos and Yiros is here to save the day. Located in a neighbourhood nook of Perth City, Filos and Yiros conduct their Mediterranean dealings out of a hole-in-the-wall at Brika, the adjoining dine-in restaurant. As the name suggests, elite-level yiros are most definitely on the menu – a Greek street food classic of slow-cooked lamb, chicken or pork shaving, hand-cut chips, tomato, onion and the all-important tzatziki dressing wrapped soundly in warm pita. They’ve even added a vegan yiros to their list of offerings, and they start at a fair $17.

Order the: The ‘filos’. Expect spanakopita (spinach and feta pastry), tiropita (three-cheese pastry) and bougatsa (custard pastry) – they’re essentials – along with proper, Greek-style freddo cappuccinos and frappés.

Price: Wraps from $17

Whether you’re to the north, south, east or centre of Perth, a Chicken Rice Corner is awaiting your devouring expertise. With seven locations scattered across suburbia, the no-frills joints are a one-stop shop for hawker-style eats, heavily leaning towards Malaysian and Singaporean fare. Although Chicken Rice Corner is largely a takeaway hotspot, a few seats are up for grabs if you’re in no rush.

Order the: Savour generous, wholesome meals, including Hainanese chicken rice, nasi lemak curry chicken, Kuala Lumpur laksa and barbecue chicken wonton noodles.

Prices: All bowls between an honest $10 and $14.

There’s nothing quite like a hand-held lunch on the go that both fills the gap and happens to be ultra delectable too – and the team at Yalla Bala have perfected the craft. The Leederville hole-in-the-wall operates out of Servo’s quarters and whips up Middle Eastern eats that’ll have you scurrying back for more in no time. The sabich and shawarma are Yalla Bala’s hot hits that are packed with grilled chicken plus all the juices, extra verdurous falafel teeming with the freshest of herbs, and tender slices of eggplant that melt-in-the-mouth too – coupled with floods of house-made hummus, tahini, heat-loaded zhug and tart amba sauce.

Order the: The falafel pita pocket.

Price: Pitas from $17

Chin’s Noodle House has been a suburban favourite in Leeming for decades, backed by head chef Chin’s 38 years’ worth of culinary experience. Kick things off with small share plates, including spring rolls, chicken satay skewers and prawn toast. While Chin’s famous Peking duck is on the pricier side, you can keep things budget-friendly with classic stir-fried noodles and fried rice mains for under $30. Bring more friends, so you can try more dishes and still walk away without breaking the bank.

Order the: Dim sum selection.

Prices: Starters from $12, rice dishes from $19

If comfort meals are high on your radar, it’s hard to go past Govinda’s Hare Krishna Restaurant over in Northbridge. With 2011 beginnings, the non-profit vegetarian buffet has been dishing out humble Indian eats that will surefire take you straight to flavourtown. Heart-warming curries tickle the taste buds, while sizable samosas and pakoras satisfy those pesky deep-fried cravings. Govinda’s combo plates will set you back just $14, featuring a huge hunk of rice to soak up all those fragrant-laden gravies. Word on the street is that budget takeaway meals are available from 3:30pm through to 7:30pm too – it’s bang for your buck at its finest.

Order the: Any combo plate.

Price: Combo meals from $14 (or $11 for the vegan option)

Looking for affordable and yummy bites? Taka’s Kitchen is a go-to for speedy, wallet-friendly Japanese fare in the heart of the CBD. This no-frills favourite is famed for its fresh donburi bowls, warming miso soup, and crispy tempura, all without the wait or inflated price. Expect generous portions and dishes that pack solid flavour in a humble setting. The value for money here means it's always buzzing, as it's a favourite lunch spot for locals and students. 

Order the: Fresh donburi bowl.

Price: Teriyaki don from $9, ramen from $12.50