Affordable Eating Options for Students in Canada: Studying in Canada as an international student comes with high tuition fees, accommodation costs, and other hidden living expenses that can quickly strain your budget. One smart way to save money is by choosing affordable eating options for students in Canada—especially those located downtown and easily reachable by public transport.
In this blog, we’ll help you explore budget-friendly food spots and practical tips to enjoy tasty meals without overspending. Whether you’re looking for quick bites or filling meals, there are plenty of options to keep both your wallet and taste buds happy..
This Blog Includes:
6 Affordable Eating Options for Students in Canada
Want to eat tasty food without spending too much? Here are 6 affordable eating options for students in Canada that are easy on your wallet and great for your busy student life.
1. Uncle Fatih’s Pizza
Uncle Fatih’s Pizza is a popular and affordable eating option for students in Vancouver, Canada. It is located in the University of British Columbia. Not just pizzas, students get to eat delectable macaroni and cheese with garlic bread sticks. This place offers classic Italian options (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian) without burning a hole in your pockets. Cooked with perfection, it offers deals like “B.C Pizza” on Tuesdays, offering unlimited cheese and toppings at just CAD 16 (INR 900).
| Timings | Days |
| 10 am to 1 am | Monday and Tuesday |
| 10 am to 2 am | Wednesday and Thursday |
| 10 am to 3 pm | Friday |
| 10:30 am to 2 am | Saturday |
| 10:30 am to 1 am | Sunday |
Also Read: Having a study abroad dream to pursue in Canada? Here’s what all students need to know about the hidden costs of living in Canada.
2. Sura Korean Cuisine
For an unbeatable CAD 15 (INR 900), you can have a wide selection of Korean dishes. Offering the best bibimbap, bulgogi, dumplings, and barbeque special dishes, this place is worth checking out for its affordability, tasty food, and vibrant atmosphere. They have a weekly special for college students using student housing in Canada providing budget-friendly food.
| Timings | Days |
| 11:30 am to 4 pm | Monday to Sunday |
| 5 pm to 10 pm | Monday to Sunday |
3. The Narrow Lounge
Located near the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, this place offers the best affordable eating options for students in Canada. The place offers the best tacos and nachos. It has special Mexican Monday deals which include 2 tacos and a side of rice and beans at CAD 7 (INR 400).
| Timings | Days |
| 5 pm to 1 am | Sunday to Thursday |
| 5 pm to 2 am | Friday and Saturday |
Also Read: Check the Top 5 Safest Cities to Live in Canada and make your living experience worry-free.
4. Mi Taco Taqueria
Mi Taco Taqueria is a chill-out spot serving some of the best affordable eating options for students in Canada with delicious Mexican street food. They offer tasty tacos, shrimp, beef, burritos, and crispy fried chicken. This place not only serves fresh and perfectly cooked flavorful food but also has a great ambience. Their tacos start from just CAD 4.5, so you can enjoy a satisfying meal for under CAD 10 (INR 600), making it a perfect budget-friendly choice for students.
Timings: Mon-Sun – 12 pm to 9 pm
5. Patties Express
This is one of the most affordable eating options for students in Canada to consider. Patties Express is all about saving money and filling the stomach. Students can buy a patty for just CAD 2.39 (INR 150). You can pick a combo of 2 patties and a coco bread at CAD 5.89 (INR 365). It has options in meat, beef, chicken, vegetarian, vegan and Jamaican patties. It’s a go-to place if you want to have a quick snack.
| Timings | Days |
| 9:30 am to 9:30 pm | Monday to Saturday |
| 10:30 am to 7:30 pm | Sunday |
6. Aunty Lucy’s Burgers
It’s a burger shop serving delicious burgers and chicken sandwiches. This place also provides vegan/ gluten-free options, with beef and chicken-certified halals. You can get a Kumasi burger starting at CAD 8 (INR 500) and soft drinks at CAD 2 (INR 120). The cheapest eating option available for students in Canada is the vegetarian Lucy’s grilled cheese (sliced bread with toppings of tomato, caramelised onion, roasted garlic seasoning and cheddar cheese slices) at CAD 6.25 (INR 390).
| Timings | Days |
| 11:30 am to 1 pm | Monday to Sunday |
| 9 am to 5 pm | Drive-through hours |
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Budget-Friendly Student Meals
When choosing budget-friendly meals as a student, it’s important to consider several key factors that help you save money while staying healthy and satisfied.
- Choose meals with affordable ingredients and focus on inexpensive staples like rice, pasta, beans, and eggs.
- Aim for balanced meals that include proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables to stay healthy.
- Pick meals that are quick and simple to make, especially with fewer ingredients and minimal cooking skills.
- Use ingredients that are easy to find locally or in bulk, and preferably items with a long shelf life.
- Plan meals that can be cooked in bulk and saved as leftovers to save time and money.
- Choose ingredients that can be used in multiple dishes to avoid buying too many different items.
- Consider how much time you have—quick meals are better when you’re busy studying.
- Think about what kitchen tools you have available like a microwave, stove, or oven.
- Make sure the meals fit any dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, or allergies.
- Even budget meals should taste good to keep you motivated to cook regularly.
Tips for Balancing Nutrition and Cost While Eating on a Budget
When trying to eat healthy without overspending, keeping a good balance between nutrition and cost is key. Here are some helpful tips:
- Plan your meals ahead to avoid impulse buys and reduce food waste.
- Buy whole foods like grains, beans, and fresh vegetables instead of processed items.
- Use seasonal and local produce, which is often cheaper and fresher.
- Incorporate plant-based proteins such as beans, lentils, and tofu to save money.
- Cook at home as much as possible to control ingredients and portion sizes.
- Shop in bulk for staples like rice, oats, and nuts to get better prices.
- Limit eating out or ordering takeout since it’s usually more expensive and less nutritious.
- Use frozen fruits and vegetables, which are affordable and retain most nutrients.
- Avoid buying single-use packaged snacks; instead, prepare your own healthy snacks.
- Keep hydrated with water instead of sugary drinks, which adds unnecessary cost and calories.
FAQs on Affordable Eating Options for Students in Canada
Students spend around CAD 600-1000 per month (INR 37,500- 62,000) on food in Canada. The basic cost of a single meal is CAD 10-15 per person (INR 600- 900).
Some mobile apps like FlashFood, Olio, and Sauvegaurd can help buy affordable eating options for students in Canada.
Average breakfast in Canada costs between CAD 10-30, lunch costs CAD 15-35, and dinner costs CAD 25-60. The total cost of CAD 50- 100 (INR 3000- 6000).
Sura Korean Cuisine, Uncle Fatih’s Pizza, The Narrow Lounge, Mi Taco Taqueria, and Aunty Lucy’s Burgers are some of the most popular and affordable eating options for students in Canada.
Toronto, Montreal, Nova Scotia, Calgary, and Quebec are some of the cities offering cheap eating options for students in Canada.
Focus on whole foods like beans, rice, frozen veggies, and seasonal fruits, and cook at home as much as possible.
Yes, many Canadian stores and restaurants offer budget-friendly vegetarian and vegan products like beans, tofu, and plant-based milks.
Affordable proteins include eggs, canned tuna, beans, lentils, peanut butter, and chicken thighs.
Focus on whole foods, limit processed snacks, and learn simple cooking techniques to make cheap meals nutritious.
Yes, canned and frozen foods are often cheaper, last longer, and keep most nutrients intact.
This was all about the affordable eating options for students in Canada. Students can find a variety of Mexican, Jamaican, Korean, and traditional American food at budget-friendly restaurants. Eating at these places will make their stomach and wallets scream- Happy. Students can work in these part-time employment opportunities in Canada and earn a handsome amount of money. This can help them earn extra and manage food and other expenses in Canada worry-free.
For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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