A Broke Girl Guide: 10 of the best spots in Canberra for a cheap dinner
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I get it – in this economy, you just want to spill the tea over dinner without breaking the bank.
Here’s the real tea – Canberra is serving plenty of affordable options so you can all feast without dipping into your savings!
And by the way, there’s absolutely no shame in trying to budget and saving your hard-earned money, because let’s face it, we don’t have much of a choice! And if you’re anything like me – a broke young person trying to be financially responsible and with plans to buy a future home – it can be tough to even think about how much you might end up spending on a dinner out with the girls. But gone are the days where you’ll feel this dread, because this list will ensure catching up with your mates over dinner won’t mean you’ll have to eat instant noodles until payday!
So you may be wondering, how did the following restaurants make the cut on my broke girl list? To put it simply, I thought: “If the gang and I could easily have a filling and delicious dinner at these spots for under $30 per person, it’s going on the list!”. Of course, you very well could spend more than $30 each at these mouthwatering spots, but just do what your foodie heart desires and check your bank account before you do so (please spend responsibly)!
Now, shall we dig in?
Malatang ZhangLiang (multiple locations)
This is THE affordable dinner spot for when my bank account is looking a little sad. But don’t get it twisted, this meal is guaranteed to fill you up and satisfy your taste buds. I often spend $20 or less for my delicious bowl of noodle soup, and that is enough to send me into a food coma!
And if you’re unfamiliar with Malatang, it is a wonderful concept that originated in Sichuan, China, where you have the freedom to fully customise your bowl of noodle soup. All you need to do is grab a large bowl and tongs and choose all your favourite vegetables, meat, fish balls, seafood, and noodles . Then you simply choose your favourite type of soup, have your bowl weighed to determine the price, and simply wait for the kitchen to bring your noodle soup dreams to life. Doesn’t this sound amazing?!
My order: Bok choy, potato slices, shiitake mushrooms, rice cakes, beef slices, tonnes of quail eggs, Chinese doughnut, and egg noodles in tomato soup.
Located in Gungahlin, City, and Phillip | @zhangliang_malatang
Polish White Eagle Club (Turner)
If you’re looking for a reason to meet up with the girl’s mid-week, the Polish Club offers Pierogi & Pint every Wednesday night. In case you’re wondering, pierogi are Polish-style dumplings filled with meat, cabbage and mushroom, or potato and cheese. And for just $22, you can order six of these freshly made dumplings with a side of sour cream, fried onion, and bacon, plus a decent portion of vegetables AND your choice of beer, wine, or cider to quench your thirst.
Race over to the Polish Club with your group of friends next Wednesday, because you’re in for a for a treat!
My order: Three potato and cheese and three meat pierogi with a Somersby Apple Cider.
38 David Street, Turner | polishclubcanberra.com.au
Stuffed (Casey)
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This gem of a spot is perfect for meeting up with one friend, or ten! And the best part is these wood-fired pizzas and burgers are absolutely rave-worthy without the heavy price tag!
So, look no further than Stuffed for an affordable dinner with the girls, and of course, (as the name suggests) you’ll be walking out of there on the verge of a food coma with all of you saying in unison: “that was SO worth it!”.
My order: Gravy bacon fries with chicken salt to share and The Schnitt Burger for myself.
Casey Market Town, 3/15 Kingsland Parade, Casey | @stuffed.cbr
Raijin (McKellar)
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This humble little Japanese restaurant ticks all the boxes when you’re in need of a wholesome, flavourful, and affordable dinner with your mates. And personally, I love tucked-away dinner spots like this because it feels like you and your friends are the only people in the world when you step through the door. Be warned, the gossip sesh doesn’t stop here until the sign at the door changes from open to closed!
My order: Fried gyoza to share and a chicken karaage with ramen for myself.
Unit 3/6 Bennetts Close, McKellar | @raijinjapaneserestaurant
Kita (Narrabundah)
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If you haven’t tried Kita with the girls yet, you are GENUINELY missing out! This PM to AM Indo-fusion Canberra hotspot is a no-brainer for a late-night feast or a comfort meal after an intense night of clubbing. But just a heads- up, they’re open Tuesday through to Saturday and only accept walk-ins, so be prepared to wait about 15 to 20 minutes during peak dinner time because it can get packed.
If you haven’t suggested this in the group chat, this is your sign to do it now!
My order: House-made chips to share, and Soto Ayam or the curry of the week with an iced milo for myself.
59 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah | kitakafe.com.au
Pho Hub (Belconnen)
This is one of my go-to spots for pho in Canberra because not only is their pho packed with flavour, but there is the option to order a regular or large bowl. You read that right – a LARGE portion of pho! And there’s one treasure on their menu that I always order – the prawn and zucchini fritters. This entrée features prawns wrapped in rice noodles and strips of zucchini that are incredibly crisp and served with a sweet side of fish sauce. You might even tear up a little because of how delicious and inexpensive this dinner is.
Of course, they also have loads of other options on their menu such as stir-fried noodles, rice dishes, vermicelli noodle salad with a protein of your choice, and laksa for mostly under $20 per dish. That’s a steal if I’ve ever heard one!
My order: Prawn and zucchini fritters to share, large beef noodle soup, and a coconut juice.
39 Benjamin Way, Belconnen | phohub.com
Dumpling Social (Phillip)
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This is the perfect place to go for a group of four or more people, because they are serving up bangers left, right, and centre and you’ll want to try it all! In addition to their delicious and succulent dumplings, you have an array of options for entrees, rice and noodle dishes, large plates that feature pork, beef, chicken, or duck, as well as flavour-forward desserts for your hungry tummy. And to top it off, it’s all reasonably priced!
My order (with a group of four or more people): Roasted corn ribs, salt and pepper lightly fried tofu, and/or salmon ceviche to start. For mains: Mushroom dumplings, spicy pork and prawn wonton, crispy Peking duck, old town twice- cooked sticky pork belly, and pulled duck fried rice.
9 Bradley Street, Phillip | dumplingsocial.com.au
Classic Indian (Weston)
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Since I’m a northside girl, I consulted my good friend, Jules, for this mouthwatering option located in south Canberra. Classic Indian spoils you with so many curry options that no matter what your preferences or dietaries are, you are guaranteed to find a curry you’ll love. But not only that, but their selection of naan is out of this world, and they offer both couple and family deals that will knock your socks off, so stop reading and get eating!
Jules’ Recommendations: Butter chicken, lamb saag, and chicken tikka with garlic naan.
Whitney Place, Weston | classicindianrestaurant.com.au
Multi Yummy (City)
Looking for a wholesome Asian meal that won’t break the bank? Well, Multi Yummy has you covered! This humble restaurant located in a little nook on Marcus Clarke is one of my favourite discoveries this year, and the way I found it was when I was on the hunt for a decent congee in Canberra (because I take my cravings VERY seriously).
You’ll find Japanese curry, spicy beef vermicelli soup, Korean fried chicken bao, teriyaki chicken rice bowls, and so many more yummy options on their menu that are mostly under $20. So, if a catch-up with the girls has been long overdue, your favourite meeting place may become Multi Yummy…
My order: Golden prawns to share and preserved egg and pork congee for myself.
34 Marcus Clarke Steet, Canberra City
Yumko (City)
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I don’t know about you, but I love the idea of ordering lots of different kinds of dishes and everyone sharing them, particularly when you’re having dinner with a larger group! If you’re nodding in agreement, then you’ll love Yumko.
Picture this: A simmering hotpot sits in the middle of the table, and surrounding it is an array of food such as stir-fried noodles, Korean fried chicken, kimchi pancake, tteokbokki (stir-fried spicy rice cake), and chicken fried rice on a sizzling plate. Does this sound like a dream to you? You’d be crazy not to say “yes”!
My order (to share with a group of four or more people): Kimchi fried rice on a sizzling plate, snow cheddar cheese chicken, Korean sausage army hotpot, stir-fried spicy pork with rice, and stir-fried sweet potato noodles with veggies (Japchae).
15 Garema Place, Canberra City | @yumko_korean_restaurant
Tak Kee Roast Inn (Dickson)
Growing up I used to dine at Tak Kee with my family on occasion, and those days were always considered a good day in my mind. Why? Because I knew exactly what to order and that it would be satisfying every single time.
Experience Tak Kee the right way by ordering the wonton noodle soup, where you can expect the most meat-filled, juicy wontons swimming in a savoury broth and accompanied by bouncy egg noodles. I’d also recommend ordering the barbeque pork or roast duck alongside it to complete the meal!
It’s alright, organise your next gatho with the girls at Tak Kee first, and thank me profusely later.
My order: Pork and prawn spring rolls to share and wonton noodle soup with roast duck for myself.
10 Woolley Street, Dickson | takkeeroastinn.com.au
Feature image: Kita. Via Instagram.
