The Village by the Grange vendor branched out to this new outpost at Bathurst and Queen this year, where the entire menu of dim sum and steamed buns is priced under $5. Standouts on the menu include siu mai ($3.80) and substantially sized pulled pork bao dressed with apple slaw ($3.50).

The brand-new chippy on St. Clair West dishes up crispy, battered fish and chip dinners starting at $11 for one piece of haddock or cod with a hefty pile of fries with dips and slaw, or fishwiches on puffy, fresh buns from $10.

The Armenian pizza joint in Scarborough specializes in lahmajun topped with things like zaatar, feta, red pepper sauce, minced meat or soujouk (Armenian sausage). Order full sized pies, have the flatbread wrapped into sandwiches, or try the mini-'jouns priced $10 for a dozen.

Adding to the quick service options at Richmond and Spadina, this wholesome, home cooking-inspired lunch counter is serving up oven-baked quiches ($5), ham and cheese sandwiches ($8.50), and soup and salad combos ($6).

This Caribbean bistro in Scarbourough also serves shawarama and is an ideal destination to fill up on the cheap. The menu offers jerk shawarma wraps for $5.95 while hearty whole dinners with chicken, rice, peas and veggies come in under $9.