5 Cheap Eats in NYC for $5 or Less

New York City is the 7^th most expensive city in the world to live in. Hong Kong is #1, and Ankara, Türkiye, brings up the caboose as #227. (Check out the map below for a look at the most expensive and least expensive cities).

Being a Frugal Foodie living in the most expensive city in the United States is no easy task. I have searched far and wide for some of the city’s best cheap eats in NYC for $5 or less. (Check out Part 1 and Part 2 for devilishly delicious bites that are sure to impress.)

You’ve spoken, I’ve listened, It’s HERE!

5 MORE Cheap Eats in NYC for $5 or Less

1. Jianbing from Eight Jane $5

Jianbing is crepe filled with egg, cilantro, scallion, a crispy fried wonton, and perhaps a healthy slather of chili for fellow heat lovers. It’s a popular street food in China that’s usually eaten for breakfast, and you’ll find jianbing stalls everywhere in China and Taiwan. A good jianbing is greasy, crunchy, filling, and CHEAP! I snagged this jiangbing on a Flushing food crawl, and it (almost) tasted like I was back on the street of Kaohsiung.

2. Birria Taco from Birria-Landia, $3

Birria has become quite a #trendy item here in New York City, and Birria-Landia is THE birria taco spot for an authentic taste of Mexico. What’s birria you might ask? I’d love to tell you! Birria is a meat stew that is chocked full of chilis and seasoning. It’s made in a broth, called consome, that you can order on the side to dip your taco into.

The birria from Birria-Landia does not disappoint. It’s mega tender with warm, not spicy, seasoning. The cilantro and onions add a much needed freshness and crunch. I will say that something was missing…. I can’t pin a taste bud on what….

3.Chicken Sandwich from Tiki Chick, $5

Tiki Chick is a classic corner establishment with cute, photogenic decor and overpriced cocktails. Skip the $19 cocktails served in adorable tiki glasses, and get right to the chicken sandwiches. Each one is a mere $5. Someone call the cops, because that’s a steal!!!! I tried the hot honey chicken sandwich. It had a bit of heat, a bit of sweet, and who doesn’t love a sweet Hawaiian roll? It’s not the best chicken sandwich I’ve had in my life, also not the worst. And for $5, how can I be mad?

4. 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, and whoa baby is it delicious! 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.

5.Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop, $4

If you’ve been following the Frugal Foodies, you know I’m obsessed with pizza. And the slices from Paulie Gee’s slice shop do not disappoint! The crust is fresh, chewy, and perfectly thin and the cheese tastes fresh. It’s a classic NY slice, and a must-try for pizza lovers.

These 5 Cheap Eats in NYC for $5 or Less Are Sure to Impress!

Stay tuned for more cheap eats to come.