5 Cheap Eats in NYC for Under $5

New York can be exorbitantly expensive. High rent, expensive activities, and costly dinners can eat up your paycheck before those dollars even touch your checking account.

New York can also be extremely affordable. (In fact, I SAVED $10 shy of  $4,500 in a mere 35 days. Click HERE for the journey!) There are countless free events, plenty of eats and giveaways being handed out on the street as companies vie for brand recognition, and loads of cheap food. If you know where to look that is…

I live for frugal finds, and I have sniffed out some excellent deals as of late.

Here are 5 cheap eats in NYC for under $5 that you need to check out.

Cheese Slice from Joe’s Pizza: $3.25

When it comes to a solid New York slice, look no further than Joe’s. Perfectly thin crust and the ideal cheese to sauce ratios. The ingredients are fresh and flavorful, and for $3.25, this is one of my favorite cheap eats in NYC.

Any Empanada from Empanada Mama $4-$5

Empanadas are like little pockets of happiness, and Empanada Mama sure does know how to make them. You can get both classic and creative concoctions ranging from cheese to curried chicken. In the mood for seafood? Try the Viagra  Feeling adventurous? Give the mac and cheese a try.  Be sure to ask for extra green  sauce… you  can thank me later

PS there’s a happy  hour too!

Aloo Masala Roll from the Kati Roll Company: $4.95

If you’re looking for cheap, flavorful Indian fare, head to the Kati Roll Company. A kati roll is traditional Indian street food that consists of a flat bread (usually paratha) with filling. The paratha from the Kati Roll Company has that perfect doughy, soft, slightly flakey texture and the fillings are superb. I went with the aloo masala, a traditional potato dish, and it had a delightful earthiness with loads of spices without palate-destroying heat.

Fish Taco From Los Mariscos: $3.95

Tucked away in Chelsea Market, Los Mariscos serves up some out of this world fish tacos. The fish is crunchy, flakey, and juicy with just enough salt and that “fresh out of the ocean” flavor. A handful of lettuce adds a freshness and the red sauce packs a serious slow burn heat. Wrap it all up in a house made corn tortilla and you’ve got one hell of a taco. (Check out my Chelsea Market taco crawl HERE!)

Baked Pineapple Bun from Mei Lai Wah Bakery: $2

Mei Lai Wah Bakery’s baked pork pineapple buns are one fo the best things I’ve eaten in a while. The pineapple bun is feathery soft on the inside with a nice crunchy top.  A slight sweetness pairs perfectly with the juicy  pork filling. Chef’s kiss, 10/10. (Click HERE for more chinatown cheap eats)

Eating out in NYC doesn’t need to break the bank. These 5 cheap eats in NYC with satisfy your taste buds without burning through your wallet.