Cheap Eats $10 Challenge!

For our final adventure we went to Macquarie Centre’s food court. Our challenge was to find the best meal for $10 and under. We went to find several different types of food under this tight budget and set ourselves a rule:

We decided to exclude fast food shops and Woolworths.

All group members contributed to planning our vlog, with tech savvy expert, Hansika, doing majority of the filming, and edited the video.   

This was really an enjoyable time doing this assignment with all group members. From the first time saying “hi” to the end, we achieved a lot, and it was not only because the topic interested us all, but also we found a useful and efficient way to spend a good time with food under $10-15. We found it amazing that various kinds of food can be selected to satisfy you. No matter a bowl of udon, baklava, a box of fish and chips, salad, Japanese snacks, iced apple tea and also Spinach feta pride. Individually, these were all under $10.

Most of our meals ended up costing far below the amount we set, we hope that our viewers will be as surprised as we are about the cost of the food. We hope our posts have given you insight into what food you can buy for under $15. Thanks for following us on our food journey!

Jonga Jip

Jonga Jip is a Korean restaurant that most foodies have heard of, which explains the obscenely long lines that form around it. It offers very good value and gives generous portions for what you pay for. Most people who go to this place often eat the overly large hotpots that can feed an army or for the Korean BBQ that seem to get meat that is so fresh that it seemed as if the produce teleported straight from the farm straight to the table. Although the initial price tag may seem high, the servings are so generous that after splitting the bill it would come to around 10 dollars per person. Which is great value in my book.
Image taken from:http://awifescharmedlife.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/jonga-jip-korean-bbq-restaurant.html

Aqua S

Wow, look at these colourful  cones!!!! The famous Aqua S ice-cream can't be missed!!! There are so many selections for you to add toppings like popcorns, marshmallow, cookies...and the flavour will be changed every two weeks except the classic and super recommended sea salt flavour. Other flavours like earl grey and tofu also strongly recommended. Every flavour costs you $ 3.8 and you also can choose the cone size and cup size. So come and taste the yummy and nice soft serve ice-cream at Aqua S!


The image was taken from: https://www.westfield.com.au/sydney/stores/new-stores

Queto

Queto is a Korean restaurant that is hugely popular with uni students. Due to its cheap and generous portions in a casual atmosphere. It serves simple noodle or rice dishes, but personally I usually go for either the Black Bean noodles or the Fried chicken noodles. I have tried the other dishes and most of them are delicious and they all offer great value. Prices vary from around 11 all the way to 20 dollars, which is very reasonable for the large portions they serve. To sum up Queto, it is a cheap eat for students on a tight budget. 

Image taken from: https://www.zomato.com/photos/pv-res-16566300-r_jU5MQNzMzMTk1M

Frango's

Double Fillet Original Chicken Burger with fries, the container continues out of the picture,  meaning the deliciousness does too!

Frango's is a well known Portuguese Chicken restaurant with branches in Petersham, Smithfield, Penrith and Bella Vista. For about $13 you can get a combo which consists of half a Portuguese chicken/Portuguese chicken burger/rice with chips, and a drink; might I say that the portions are absolutely massive. For the drinks you can choose water or your typical soft drinks, or you can live a little and try the Portuguese drinks on hand called Sumol which taste like paradise. Frango's food not only tastes amazing but is also very cheap for the quantity and quality provided, but on Friday's or the weekend, be prepared for a 10-15 minute wait, people adore this place! Oh by the way, they don't charge for extra sauce, that is a major plus point!

Bella Blue

Bella Blue is a cafe/restaurant located close to Lindfield station. There are numerous meals for $15 and under including gourmet sandwiches like the Crumbed chicken and Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, Tomato- BLAT ($13 each), Eggs Benedict ($15) and their entire dessert menu which ranges from $10-12. The Eggs benedict made for a perfect start to the day, especially in the relaxed, comfortable and quiet cafe. Their desserts include sticky date pudding, apple and rhubarb crumble, cheesecake and lemon & sugar crepes.

With the kitchen open all day, Bella Blue is the place to eat for a good price in a restaurant setting.
To see their menu click here

[Natalie's image]

Thai Curry

Sometimes the best food comes from the simplest places. This is very true about a small Thai restaurant in near West Ryde station called Thai Curry which has been family owned for SEVERAL years. The authenticity of the food along with their hospitality feels like you are in Thailand eating at someone’s home. Majority of the dishes on the menu are under $15 at full price, such as their Beef Green Curry coming in at $9.90 or Prawn Tom Yum for $9.90 also! Definitely a place to try, I am sure it will become a favourite.

Image from

http://www.foodspotting.com/places/67029-thai-curry-west-ryde/items/1440659-stirfried-pork-with-oyster-sauce-and-cashew-nuts

Liana's Italian

Liana’s on Church Street is a great place for lunch to take off that Italian fix you have had for days. Their $10 lunch special for pastas or risottos is priced well for their large servings, and the $10 includes a soft drink or wine of choice! The quality of food is top notch and made me feel like I was back in the little café opposite the Colosseum in Rome. Great service, calm ambiance and a perfect place to bring friends and family!

Image from

http://www.foodspotting.com/places/200832-liana-s-licensed-italian-restaurant-parramatta/items/1518070-linguine-bosciola

Black Star Pastry

      Wow, black Star Pastry, Guess you are familiar with that name if you live in Sydney, Australia!
Even if you are not, that's okay, it's desserts are highly recommended for you!!!!! The picture shown above is the most hit dessert--- Strawberry Watermelon cake! There was only one shop in New Town and I still remember the first time I tasted it with my friends. The combination is so fantastic with Strawberry and Watermelon and you must enjoy them together with both cake and cream!!!! It will take away all your sadness if you feel upset. Now it had a branch shop in the city and located inside the Kinokuniya book store. Come to enjoy them no matter you are in a good mood or not!!!



The image was taken from: http://theunbearablelightnessofbeinghungry.com/2015/06/new-podcast-christopher-the-black-star-pastry/

The Paramount Coffee Project

Located in Surry Hills, the suburb known for good food, The Paramount Coffee Project offers stylishly plated and delicious meals. French Toast (above) is $12 and consists of brioche, banana custard, chocolate and pistachios. Avocado on Brickfield's bread with lime, chilli and cress, is for $10, similar to a hot dog served with chips (above), also for $10. They also have choc-chip and peanut butter & jelly milkshakes! The Paramount Coffee Project work with artistic projects that are often located in the coffee shop. Located in a spacious area, the Paramount Coffee Project makes for the perfect, breakfast, lunch or brunch!

To see some images of their meals click here and to see their menu click here

Photos from http://brunched.com.au/category/sydney/page/4/ , www.dailytelegraph.com.au/; www.reubenhills.com.au 

Jasmine 1

Eating at Jasmine 1 in Auburn feel like you are eating at home with restaurant quality food. Jasmine 1 is a Lebanese restaurant located near Auburn station. With a range of authentic Lebanese dishes available, you can find something for everyone, whether it be Chicken Shish Tawook, Kaftas, Falafel, Tabouli, or even probably the best hot chips I have had in Sydney all at affordable prices. With every order, you receive a salad plate filled with pickles, olives, onions and turnips, various dips such as garlic or tahini and a big bag of Lebanese bread, and they are all complementary! You could just order the Chicken Shish Tawook and receive all the salad, sauces and the bread too, all just for $12 which is the price of the dish. On top of all of this, their chilli sauce is bomb! Let me know how your experience was!

Mamak

Mamak is an Malaysian restaurant chain that specialises in street food in a fairly comfortable aircon surrounding with 2 convenient locations in the City and in Chatswood. This is a place that all foodies should make a pilgrimage to, especially foodies on a budget. Although the menu may not include a wide variety of choices, it does however deliver in taste. Personally I go for the Mee Goreng and the Chicken Satay, but the other options are also very enticing. The benefit of having a such a small menu is that they are able to serve their customers at a very fast pace. The price of all this comes to around 10-15 dollars. Overall this is a place that I would highly recommend for foodies on a budget or people that simply want a quick and delicious meal.

Image from: http://images.essentialbaby.com.au/2013/01/03/3927713/mamak-620x0.jpg

Hot Star Large Fried Chicken

Hot Star Large Fried Chicken is a Taiwanese icon that is as iconic as just about any other tourist destination that you can think of. In recent years Hot Star Fried Chicken opened up franchises all around Australia so that Australians could also enjoy some great fried chicken. Its namesake describes the best seller perfectly, it is one large piece of Chicken, freshly fried right in front of you. There are also other options for smaller chicken bites if a large piece of chicken is too intimidating or if you simply want a snack. Prices for all this chicken goodness starts from around 8 dollars all the way to 15 dollars if you want the sides.

Image taken from
http://sydneyfoodlovers.com.au/images/hot-star-large-fried-chicken-sydney-hot-star-large-fried-chicken-sydney-city616750212.jpg

Jamie Oliver's Restaurant

It always feels like an achievement eating gourmet food at a good price! At Jamie Oliver's restaurant in the Sydney CBD you can experience just that! The above image on the left is the Rigatoni Pomotoro for $14.50. All desserts are under $15 with the epic chocolate brownie (above) for $12.90. Other meals under $15 include Arancini balls, Nachos, Spaghetti Vongole with Pipis and Tagliatolle Bolognese (similar to spag bol). Save yourself from having to follow one of Jamie's recipes and visit his restaurant instead.

To see the rest of the menu, click here
Images from: http://is.asia-city.com  and http://www.pintrest.com

Karaage chicken Curry Don

The Karaage Curry Don costs only $ 8.9

Karaage is the gorgeous Japanese style fried chicken and you will never believe how could it be so delicious when fried chicken combined with curry! Although the bowl looks a bit small but it is so satisfactory even when you are starving. And there are various extra dishes for you to select, flavoured seaweed, eggs, Gyoza (dumplings), beef, chicken...The homemade apple iced tea only cost you $2.10, so fresh and perfect match with Curry! The shop not only provides with Curry, but also various udon(one kind of Japanese style noodles), salad, Don topped with other dishes.

So why not come to the shop locaters at Macquarie center's food court and treat yourself with a nice meal?

The photo was taken from: https://gastronomousanonymous.com/2011/05/15/menya-sydney/

Lantern Wagaya

Japanese restaurant Lantern Wagaya sells the cheapest bento boxes I've seen! (Please comment below if you've paid less!) Bento boxes are $9.90 and include miso soup, rice, salad, teriyaki chicken or beef and more. Some other items under $15 are homemade dumplings, sushi rolls, curries, beef hotpot, ramen and udon noodles. To see Lantern Wagaya's extensive menu, click here. The restaurant is located on George Street in the Sydney CBD and is open until 2am! As well as their delicious food, you can even have a sing in their karaoke rooms! Spend $20 or more and you can receive 2hrs of FREE karaoke! 

Image from http://www.curiousxcharlie.blogspot.com.au

Koi Dessert Bar

This is Koi dessert bar located at 42-44 Kensington Street, Chippendale, Sydney, NSW.

The lovely dessert will never let you down and the bar will provide different flavours (strawberry, coconut, coffee, mango and more).

And strongly recommend is the green one which is made of mango. The name is Mango Yuzu,

a mango mousse, with yuzu curd and salted almond sable, so refreshing! Yuzu is the Japanese word of Grapefruit. You will taste a more sour flavour than sweet, so the sweetness won't be so strong! It costs $9.

And the pink strawberry one is also worth tasting. Koi means be in love in Japanese, So come and find your love and become dessert lover at Koi Dessert Bar!!!!

The image is taken from: http://www.vogue.in/content/why-everyone-is-going-crazy-over-rainbow-burgers-and-were-not/

Mappen Sydney

Mappen Sydney is an noodle house that all foodies should visit at some point in life, especially foodies on a budget. This place specialises in Japanese udon and soba at a really reasonable price. Prices for the noodles ranges all the way from 4 dollars all the way to 10.50. There is also the option to add side dishes for a few extra bucks (ranges from 3-6 dollars) in order to make it a heartier meal if the noodles aren’t enough. Overall Mappen Sydney is one of the best places in Sydney for a cheap meal and the long lines that form to get in is proof of this.

Image taken from:
http://www.finnprojects.com.au/commercial.php?c=3&p=49&page=1

Grab your Turkish Ice-Cream at Mado Café!

You may not think that $7 for ice cream is cheap, I thought the same, until I realized what I was in for. Turkish ice cream, a treat for the mouth and a fun experience is available at Mado Café in Auburn for $7 for a dine in serve! What makes Turkish ice cream so special is that it is the only ice cream in the for you have to eat with a knife and fork, you can lick it, but it would take a while to finish because it has a harder consistency than ice cream. Thanks to its consistency, it doesn’t melt as quickly! Head on down to Mado Café in Auburn for a cold treat that will also tingle to your senses!

Image from http://s3.amazonaws.com/foodspotting-ec2/reviews/1020715/thumb_600.jpg?1320672195

Grill'd

Known for their delicious burgers, Grill'd offer a variety of fillings including beef, chicken, lamb and veggie. Their famous thickly cut and seasoned chips are also available, as well as sliders. A range of buns are offered including traditional wholemeal, gluten free and a low carb superbun. The Almighty (pictured), is $13.80, regular sized chips are $4.80 and sliders are $15 for 3, or $12 for 2. Grill’d also support their local community by donating money to organisations and groups, another reason to eat there. If you're a burger lover, once you've tried Grill'd you'll definitely be back for more! For more information on their menu click here 

Image from http://theconcourse.com.au/visit/restaurants/

Short intro

This is the group (Natalie, Hansika, Joshua and Ying, from the left to the right) and we will have our first blog about cheap eats!

In this site, we are going to introduce various kinds of delicious cheap food under the price of $15.

They can be burgers, ice creams, soups, and more than you can imagine.

Please look forward to the following posts !

This is the picture of the site sketch~