5 Eats in NYC for $15 or Less

I despise the feeling the diner’s remorse. Swiping my credit card for a dollar figure that’s far too high for food that’s far too average gets my blood boiling. It’s not just the money, it’s the opportunity cost. What amazing food could I have filled my belly up with instead?!?!

For me, the potential for diner’s remorse begins at the $10 mark. If it’s less, I can shrug it off with a casual, “Eh…. it wasn’t even $10!” If it’s more, the stakes start getting higher. But here’s the thing, pushing up your New York foodie budget up just $5 opens up a whole new world of culinary opportunity!

Here are 5 eats in NYC for $15 or less that won’t leave you with diner’s remorse.

1.Nashville Sandwich from Namkeen, $12

Namkeen serves up fried chicken sandwiches with a unique Pakistani flare. The chicken is absurdly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it some of the best fried chicken in the city. Plus, you get to customize your heat level, ranging from naked (calm & ready) to mild (palms sweaty) to medium (knees weak) to HOT (blaow!)

The Nashville Sandwich has fried chicken, pickles, coleslaw, and chipotle aioli all nestled between a brioche bun. It’s one of those fried chicken sandwiches that you’ll eat in silence as your brain goes into a tizzy on how it can taste so damn good.

2.Doritos Quesadilla from Harlem Public, $12

Harlem Public is a Hamilton Heights institution with a rotating line up of craft beers and drool-worthy entrees. While the peanut butter burger and fried chicken sandwich are legendary, the Dorito quesadilla is a shining star. It features chicken breast, cheese, Dorito cream cheese spread, AND crunched up pieces of Doritos!

3.Deluxe Sandwich from Nish Nush, $11

Nish Nush serves up vegetarian Mediterranean fare that’s both delicious and affordable. You can score 7 different pita sandwiches in the $9-$11 range. I tried out the deluxe sandwich, which has 3 different falafel flavors, hummus, Israeli salad, white and red cabbage, pickles, eggplant and tahini. The falafel itself is delightfully crunchy on the outside while being soft on the inside. All the vegetable toppings are fresh and crunchy while the hummus is smooth and creamy. Everything fits snuggly in the pita, which is just thick enough without being too bready.

For just $11, you’ll leave feeling full and happy.

4.Chicken Shawarma Bowl from DuZan, $12.99

Duzan in Astoria has some of the best eats in NYC for $15 or less. They serve up middle eastern cuisine with all types of pitas, bowls, and dips. The shawarma bowl is something special. You get a massive serving of juicy chicken shawarma, 2 sides, AND pita. A total steal for $12.99.

Pro Tip: Get an order of falafel on the side ($4)… trust me!

5. Yum Kai Hua Pli Sandwich from Thai Diner

The Yum Kai Hua Pli sandwich consists of spicy rotisserie chicken and banana blossom salad, with cashews, shallot, lemongrass, and a roasted chili dressing. All the ingredients meshed together to create flavors my palate has never experienced. There was a tickle of acidity from the lemongrass, a lovely crunch from the cashew, and a pop of sweet from something hidden in the mix. Everything was amplified by a sophisticated slow burn heat that slowly engulfed my mouth with a warm hug, rather than a karate chop.

Check out my full review HERE!

These 5 eats in NYC for $15 or less are guaranteed to leave you feeling full and happy.