This story is a part of our “Causes to Love Houston” bundle, revealed within the Spring 2025 challenge.
Some days, cooking simply feels inconceivable. However on this economic system, the considered spending cash on a restaurant meal may be daunting. Fortunately, Houston is the place to be for budget-friendly bites. Listed here are a few of our favorites, all beneath $10.
Banh mi from Khang Vietnamese Sandwich Café
$6, Asiatown
It’s no shock that we’ve got a few of the greatest banh mi, and at this Asiatown restaurant you will get a sandwich for the worth of a elaborate latte.

BLT from Lankford’s
$8.50, Midtown & Bellaire
Lankford’s is considered one of Houston’s oldest family-owned eating places, and once we’re balling on a finances we like to elevate up our native spots.

Breakfast tacos from La Mexicana
$2.95–6.95, Montrose
This beloved Montrose restaurant gives breakfast tacos all day. And with the hefty dimension, two is sufficient to fill you up.

Rooster salna from Kumar’s
$8, Mid West
Houston is flush with nice, reasonably priced Indian meals, like this rooster dish made with a skinny coconut-based curry and many spices.

Chopped brisket sandwich from Pete’s Fantastic Meats
$2.19, Uptown
At beneath $3, this juicy sandwich is well worth the hype with a value that may’t be beat. When you’re there, take a look at the market’s unique meats like alligator and wild boar.

Dan dan noodles from Mala Sichuan Bistro
$8.99, A number of places
With 5 Mala places within the Houston space, it’s straightforward to deal with your self to this dish made with wheat noodles, spicy Sichuan peppercorn sauce, and sesame paste, topped with floor pork, greens, and inexperienced onions.

Gordita from Tacos Doña Lena
$5.50, Spring Department & Heights
Excellent for penny pinchers, the handmade gordita is stuffed together with your alternative of meat, in addition to refried beans, lettuce, mozzarella, and queso fresco.

Gyro from Al Fast Cease
$8.99, Montrose & Heights
In the event you’re on the go and want some protein to fill you up, this wrap full of each beef and lamb hits the spot. There’s now an Al Fast Cease within the Heights in addition to the unique in Montrose.

Pink beans and rice with sausage from Ragin’ Cajun
Cup $5, Bowl $9; A number of Places
We love our Cajun meals, however it may be costly. That’s why we’re fortunate that even after over 5 many years of service, Ragin’ Cajun retains issues reasonably priced for Houstonians.

Tremendous tacos from Villa Arcos
$4.25, Second Ward
Villa Arcos gives quite a lot of supersize tacos, made together with your alternative of sausage, ham, potatoes, chicharrón, chorizo, or bacon.