5 Cheap Eats in NYC for $2 or Less

Everything seems to be more expensive these days. Rent. Groceries. Toilet Paper. Coffee. Inflation sucks… amiright? But I have good news: There are still frugal finds to be had in New York City! I’ve featured some solid eats for less than $15, $10, and even $5. Now, I’m going to new Frugal Foodies extremes….

5 Cheap Eats in NYC for $2 or Less!!!!!

Let’s dive in.

1. Pineapple Pork Bun from Mei Lai Wah, $2

Mai Lai Wah is a beloved spot in Chinatown that serves up stupidly delicious pork buns at ridiculously low prices. (They were a mere $1.50 when I first went years ago… now I believe they are up to $2.) The pineapple pork bun consists of a fluffy bun topped with a crispy sweet topping. It’s filled with a saucy, flavorful roasted pork filling that’s nothing short from exquisite.

This is my favorite cheap eat in NYC for $2 or less, and I grab one whenever I’m in Chinatown.

2. Sel Roti from Bhanchha Ghar, $1.50

Sel roti is a traditional Nepali bread that’s made with rice flour, water, sugar, oil, and ghee. It’s made in a round shape, similar to a doughnut. It reminded me of a grittier, breadier mochi with a satisfying mouth feel and just enough sweet. The sel roti at Bhanchha Ghar comes with a spicy chutney, which makes for a wild flavor explosion that’s well worth the trip into Jackson Heights.

3. Sesame Ball From a Street Cart in Flushing, Queens, $1.75

Flushing, Queens is New York City’s other Chinatown. You’ll find all types of popular Chinese street foods, including sesame balls. Sesame balls are. We found this spot outside a mochi donut spot and it was perfectly chewy, not too sweet, and a mere $1.75. (Check out our Flushing Chinatown food crawl!!!)

4. Sponge Cake from Spongie’s Café: $1

A good sponge cake tastes and feels like you’re eating a cloud. They are soft, fluffy, and airy with a light sweetness that tickles the tongue. Spongie’s Café in Chinatown has been serving up sponge cakes for years. A must-try!

5. Cheese Slice from 2 Bro’s Pizza, $1-$1.50 depended on where you go

The $1 slice is perhaps the biggest casualty to inflation. While you might stumble upon a few $1 slice spots, most have upped their prices by a whopping 50%.

A $1.50 slice is still pretty darn cheap, and a great option if you are hungry, in a rush, and on a budget. 2 Bros Pizza serves up slices that are edible. Although I can’t say the cheese has much flavor or the crust is good. Some locales have upped their prices to $1.50. Others are still at $1.