Best bets for a cheap lunch in Chinatown
These eateries in Vancouver’s diverse Chinatown neighbourhood offer delicious meals for under $10 each: ideal for quick and satisfying lunches on the go.
Ovaltine Cafe
251 Hastings St E, Vancouver, BC V6A 1P2One of Vancouver’s oldest restaurants, Ovaltine has been serving up affordable Canadian fare since 1943. Today, the now-restored café’s unbeatable cheeseburger – featuring a handmade patty – and clubhouse sandwich can still be washed down with fries and a milkshake for less than $10 each. Located on East Hastings just past Main, this retro café is well worth the short trek from Gastown at lunchtime.
Bale Sandwich Shop
638 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2V3The talented folks at Bale stick to what they know: crafting authentic Vietnamese subs that consistently delight all those who frequent this tiny sandwich shop. Spilling over with traditional ingredients, hearty subs range from lemongrass chicken to plain ol’ shrimp and noodles, and they’re all less than $5 each. For a quick and filling sandwich with plenty of flair, Bale is your best bet this side of Main. This spot is cash only so be sure to stop at an ATM beforehand.
New Town Bakery & Restaurant
148 Pender St E, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3Newtown’s Chinese and Filipino steamed buns, sticky rice rolls, and pastries are all light and fluffy, yet satiating enough to last you through the afternoon. Choose from savoury rice or flour buns of barbecue pork, ham, egg, or vegetables for yourself, but be sure to surprise your coworkers with a parcel of sweets for later, which may feature sweetened black bean paste or lemon curd. And the best part? All are under $3 each; ideal for mixing and matching.
Bestie
105 Pender St E, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T6This German-inspired eatery offers a selection of gourmet street fare at half the price you’d pay across the pond. For less than $10, enjoy currywrust with crispy fries, or the famous pretzel board accompanied by melted cheese and cured delights of all kinds. Indecisive patrons can combine two $4 items for a hearty meal, such as the new potato salad with the warmed sauerkraut, or grab a pint and a large pretzel for a traditional German snack that doubles as a light lunch.
Matchstick Coffee
639 15th Ave E, Vancouver, BC V5T 2R6Known for its seriously good coffee (thanks to baristas who are serious about coffee) Matchstick Café also offers a wide selection of warm and relatively cheap lunch plates. One of the few coffee shops in the area with an in-house baker, Matchstick’s trademark fresh bread provides a foundation for most dishes, and all are on the affordable side of the current gourmet toast trend. Choose from toppings that include cured meats, sausage, cheeses, and homemade jams and more spreads – and finish off with a twice-baked almond croissant or another deliciously sweet treat.
