Where To Find A Cheap (And Tasty) Lunch In The Perth CBD
You start the week confident that yep, really, this week is different and you’re actually going to bring lunch every day. Sure, Jan. We know (all too well) the lunchtime panic when hunger strikes but your pockets aren’t that deep. (Also, and we stand by this take: meal prepping suuuuuucks!)
The Royal
The PIOK office needs no introduction to the Royal’s enticing, rotating selection of specials. Wednesday and Thursday is when lunchtime really gets exciting: each Wednesday, their weekly feature burger (plus chippies) will only set you back $12 – and you can throw in a schooner for another $5. Thursdays are a particular treat, with the very tempting, crumbed and golden chicken schnitty atop a sea of creamy mash and gravy (only $15).
531 Wellington Street, Perth
Hifumiya
It’s a testament to the quality of Hifumiya’s offerings that – in spite of its hidden location down a laneway running between Murray and Wellington Streets – it’s become a cult favourite amongst Perth noodle lovers. Their udon are frankly out of this world and incredibly reasonably priced, but if you really want to save your coins you can grab one of their small bowls of donburi, kare, teriyaki beef or miso pork don for well under $10 – some are only $5.50!
Maclean Lane, Shop 2, 100-104 Murray Street, Perth
The Deli by Greenhorns
Tucked away in the 160 Central food court, stumbling upon the Deli is like learning a secret cheat code for lunch. They’ve got a mind-boggling selection of rolls, wraps and salads, but their daily hot food specials are the real drawcard – including $10 chicken schnitties with chips or salad, every day!
160 Central Arcade, 811 Hay Street, Perth
Taka’s Kitchen
Ah, a beloved old faithful. Taka’s has long been a go-to spot for the cash-strapped and hungry, serving up heaping plates of teriyaki, karaage and katsu (plus sashimi, udon and a ramen option) – almost all of which won’t set you back ten bucks. While we like to get fancy every now and then, there’s a good reason this spot has become an institution!
150-152 Barrack Street, Perth
Tokyo Food Mart
Evoking the 7-Elevens and convenience stores of Tokyo, Tokyo Food Mart is packed with tasty treats to ward off your hunger. Hot, cooked meals will only set you back $10.50 for most, but you can also browse their well-priced range of sushi, onigiri and conbini-style packaged sandwiches (only around $5!) and various sweet treats.
43 Barrack Street, Perth
Chicken Rice Corner
Chicken rice is always comforting, but when you can get it at a bargain? Well, that’s even more delicious. Chicken Rice Corner is a reliable favourite for the Hainanese comfort food, with a price that’s just as comforting: a big serve of chicken and rice will only set you back $8.80. They’ve got stores in both Allendale Square and Raine Square, too – so you’re never too far away from a good lunch.
Raine Square Shopping Centre, Shop 6.1, 300 William Street, Perth
Allendale Square Underground, Shop 4, 77 St Georges Terrace, Perth
Mr.bun
Murray Street’s Mr.bun may be perhaps better known for its handmade noodles and xiao long bao, which are both not only delicious but extremely well-priced – but if you’re really strapped for cash, their $6.50 “Chinese burger” is the perfect salve to any afternoon’s hunger pangs.
148 Murray Street, Perth
Tiny’s
If you’re looking for a bargain bargain, this won’t be one for every day – but as an occasional treat, we definitely don’t mind Tiny’s hot rooster roll. Don’t mind it one bit! $18 with chips or a salad and worth every penny – or, if you’re a non-chicken-eater, you can get onto their mixed mushroom lasagne. The ideal balance of bougie and budget-friendly.
QV1, Corner Hay & Milligan Street, Perth
Wildflower
Ok, this might sound absolutely ludicrous, given the other options on this list and (and the fact that Wildflower’s regular tasting menu can easily run into the hundreds of dollars…) But – hear us out. If your wallet doesn’t quite allow for the full dinner experience, lunch is when you’re able to try out the fine dining restaurant’s uniquely West Australian menu. Wednesday to Friday, you can enjoy a $56, two course lunch perched atop the luxurious State Buildings. It may not be a feed for under a tenner, but if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to try out the lauded restaurant, this may be it.
Subscribe to our free newsletter!
State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Avenue, Perth
Bobby’s BBQ Truck
We’re happy for any excuse to eat breakfast all day, and a visit to Bobby’s is perhaps one of the better excuses around. Parked out the front of the Pan Pacific, the truck is slinging bacon and egg rolls for only $6.50, as well as steak sangas for only $8.50. Not only are they a bargain, but all the profits from the food truck’s sales go to RUAH Community Services to help find homes for rough sleepers, and you can also pay it forward and purchase a meal for someone who can’t afford it themselves.
207 Adelaide Terrace, Perth
–
Header image: Tiny’s