DineSpin

Best Cheap Eats in Philadelphia

Find the best cheap eats restaurants in Philadelphia, PA. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Philadelphia's cheap eats scene runs on halal carts, family operations that have been doing the same thing for decades, and neighborhood institutions where the owners know your order. These aren't aspirational restaurants—they're the places that actually feed the city. The best ones charge under $10, move fast, and don't apologize for what they are.

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Best Cheap Eats in Philadelphia

1.

Halal Food Cart Famous Gyro

95/100

Famous Gyro is a highly-regarded halal food truck in Philadelphia, celebrated for its delicious and consistently high-quality food, generous portions, and excellent value. The friendly and hospitable service from the owners further enhances the positive dining experience.

Pro tip: Amazing food, affordable prices, generous portions, nice staff!

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, freshness, and satisfying flavors, with particular recognition for the lamb and falafel.

Absolutely delicious street food

👋Service92

Staff are frequently described as hospitable, friendly, kind, and accommodating, contributing to a positive customer experience.

Owners are hospitable, pleasant, welcoming

Vibe75

As a food truck, the vibe is casual and functional, with no specific ambiance details noted.

💰Value97

The restaurant offers outstanding value with generous portions and affordable prices, often including a complimentary drink.

Insane portion. These guys deserve the world.

📍 6191 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128, United States
4.9$PhiladelphiaMediterranean
Ideal for
Quick and satisfying lunchAffordable and filling mealsHalal food enthusiasts
2.

New York Gyro Truck

95/100

New York Gyro Truck is a highly-regarded food truck in Philadelphia, celebrated for its remarkably fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned halal food at great prices. The friendly and efficient service, coupled with consistent quality, makes it a standout destination for many.

Pro tip: Amazing food for a great price. The food is fresh.

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded for its excellent taste, fresh ingredients, and generous portions, with many calling it the best halal food they've ever had.

Out of this world everything is fresh

👋Service92

Service is frequently described as friendly, amazing, and attentive, with staff often remembering orders and serving with a smile, even when busy.

Great food, great service

Vibe75

The vibe is that of a busy, friendly food truck, with a focus on quick service and delicious food rather than a specific atmosphere.

Always hits especially after class

💰Value95

Diners consistently highlight the outstanding value, noting generous portions and low prices, often including a drink.

Best deal in town

📍 South 41st Street &, Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
4.9$Walnut StMediterranean
Ideal for
Halal food enthusiastsStudents seeking quick, affordable mealsDiners prioritizing fresh ingredients
3.

Zahid’s Kitchen

95/100

Zahid's Kitchen is a highly-regarded food truck in Philadelphia, celebrated for its remarkably flavorful and well-seasoned halal food, generous portions, and friendly service. It stands out for its unique spice blends and excellent value, making it a top choice for many.

Pro tip: Best halal food I ever had in Philly 💯💯

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded for its outstanding flavor, unique seasoning, and high quality, with many diners calling it the best halal food they've ever had.

Real taste of freshly cooked rice

👋Service92

Service is frequently described as friendly, nice, and awesome, with staff being accommodating and helpful.

The dude running it is an honest businessman

Vibe75

As a food truck, the vibe is functional and convenient, with no specific ambiance details provided.

💰Value95

Customers consistently find the portions generous and the prices very affordable, offering first-rate bang for the buck.

Drink included for $10 is unbeatable

📍 1501 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, United States
4.9$PhiladelphiaHalal
Ideal for
Halal food enthusiastsDiners seeking valueQuick, flavorful meals
4.

Halal Food Truck

92/100

This Philadelphia-based Halal food truck is well-regarded for its consistently delicious, fresh, and generously portioned food, coupled with remarkably friendly and professional service. It's a top choice for affordable and satisfying meals.

Pro tip: The best Halal cart in Philadelphia, hands down.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for being fresh, hot, and delicious, with standout items like falafel and chicken over rice.

Excellent food that is fresh, hot

👋Service95

Service is frequently described as friendly, professional, and great, with staff often noted for their positive interactions.

ALWAYS friendly, polite and professional

Vibe75

As a food truck, the vibe is functional and focused on quick service rather than a dining atmosphere.

💰Value95

Diners consistently find the portions generous and the prices affordable, offering outstanding value for money.

Perfect price, one of my favorite

📍 Washington Lane &, Chew Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19138, United States
5$Chew AveMediterranean
Ideal for
Quick and affordable lunchesHalal food enthusiastsDiners seeking generous portions
5.

Halal Cart

92/100

This Philadelphia halal cart is highly regarded for its delicious, fresh, and generously portioned food at very affordable prices. The staff are well-regarded for their friendly and efficient service, making it a top choice for a quick and satisfying meal.

Pro tip: Best Halal Cart in the city. Food is delicious and cheap.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its delicious taste, fresh ingredients, and generous portions, with many calling it the best halal cart in the city.

Best Halal Cart in the city

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, polite, and efficient, though there are a few mentions of inconsistency.

Super friendly and efficient service

Vibe75

As a food cart, the vibe is functional and convenient, catering to quick meals rather than a dining experience.

Super convenient to Drexel / market area

💰Value95

The cart is widely lauded for its excellent value, offering large portions and included drinks at very affordable prices.

Amazing price for the melt in your mouth lamb

📍 12 S 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
4.7$PhiladelphiaHalal
Ideal for
Quick lunches near DrexelLate-night cravingsBudget-conscious diners
6.

Thai Tonight

92/100

Thai Tonight is a highly-regarded Thai restaurant in Philadelphia known for its delicious and affordable cuisine, particularly its flavorful curries and excellent desserts. The restaurant offers great value and consistent quality, making it a popular choice for many diners.

Pro tip: The food is worth the price, completely affordable and tastes amazing!

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its delicious flavors, freshness, and well-balanced spice levels, with particular recognition for the curries and a standout coconut caramel cookie.

Tastes amazing!

👋Service85

Service is generally positive, with mentions of friendly recommendations and efficient delivery, though noted dry chicken wings.

I highly recommend eating here!

Vibe75

The atmosphere and vibe of the restaurant were not specifically detailed in the provided reviews.

💰Value95

The restaurant is frequently highlighted for its affordability and generous portions, offering outstanding value for the quality of food provided.

Worth the price, completely affordable

📍 1308 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123
4.7$PhiladelphiaThai
Ideal for
Affordable weeknight mealsDessert loversExploring Thai curries
7.

Nafi Food Express

92/100

Nafi Food Express is a highly-regarded food truck in Philadelphia, celebrated for its excellent, fresh, and customizable Indian cuisine offered at unbeatable prices. The owners are well-regarded for their friendly service and dedication to quality, making it a standout option for a quick, delicious, and affordable meal.

Pro tip: Amazing food for amazing prices. Definitely coming back next time!

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its outstanding flavor, freshness, and authentic Indian cuisine, with many dishes customizable to spice preference.

Chicken Biryani, without sauce and extra spicy is phenomenal.

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as friendly, kind, and personable, with owners often recognized for their warmth and attentiveness.

Amazing food and staff!

Vibe75

As a food truck, the vibe is functional and focused on quick service, lacking a distinct atmosphere.

💰Value95

Customers consistently highlight the first-rate value, with generous portions and high-quality food offered at very affordable prices.

Amazing food for amazing prices.

📍 3400 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
4.8$PhiladelphiaIndian
Ideal for
Quick and affordable lunchesSpicy food enthusiastsDiners seeking authentic Indian flavors
8.

Northwest Halal Food Truck

92/100

Northwest Halal Food Truck is a highly-regarded food truck in Philadelphia, celebrated for its remarkably delicious and fresh halal cuisine, generous portions, and outstanding value. The friendly and efficient service contributes to a consistently positive dining experience.

Pro tip: Food is the best halal I have ever gotten from a food truck.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its excellent taste, freshness, and quality, with many diners highlighting tender chicken and flavorful lamb.

Food is the best halal

👋Service90

Customer service is frequently described as outstanding, friendly, and welcoming, with staff often remembering repeat customers.

The guys running the truck were awesome

Vibe80

The food truck atmosphere is generally positive, characterized by friendly interactions with the staff and a sense of community.

A true neighborhood staple

💰Value95

The restaurant offers first-rate value, with generous portions and reasonable prices frequently cited as major advantages.

Huge portions and price is right

📍 North 4th Street &, 401 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, United States
4.9$401 Spring Garden StMiddle Eastern
Ideal for
Halal food enthusiasts — top-notch taste and freshnessValue-conscious diners — generous portions at low pricesQuick lunch seekers — efficient service and wait times
9.

Yellow Bicycle Canteen

92/100

Yellow Bicycle Canteen is a highly-regarded vegetarian and vegan cafe in Philadelphia, celebrated for its remarkably delicious and creative dishes, fresh ingredients, and outstanding value. Well-regarded for the friendly service and cozy atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Pro tip: Amazing food and incredibly friendly staff. Out of all vegan/vegetarian places I’ve been to in Philly, this sits far above the rest.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its unique flavor combinations, fresh ingredients, and delicious execution, with many dishes highlighted as excellent.

Genius that questions my tongue experiences

👋Service90

Staff and owners are frequently described as friendly, kind, helpful, and conversational, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.

Staff are awesome

Vibe85

The atmosphere is often described as cozy, cute, and homey, with a relaxed and welcoming feel.

Yellow-painted fever dream

💰Value95

Diners consistently find the food to be affordable, with generous portions and high quality for the price.

AMAZING AND AFFORDABLE FOR VEGANS

📍 930 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
4.9$$PhiladelphiaVegetarian/Vegan
Ideal for
Vegetarian and vegan dinersThose seeking unique flavor experiencesBudget-conscious lunch and breakfast patrons
10.

Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles

88/100

Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles is celebrated for its authentic and delicious hand-pulled noodles, dumplings, and Chinese hamburgers, offering excellent value. However, the dining experience is significantly marred by extremely rude management, particularly the female owner, and issues with billing transparency and unexpected charges.

Pro tip: The food is incredible! We ordered both kinds of the pork dumplings, and they were the best I've ever had.

🍽️Food92

The hand-pulled noodles are well-regarded for their authentic flavor and texture, with many dishes like the beef brisket and lamb noodles receiving high marks. Dumplings and Chinese hamburgers are also frequently highlighted as delicious.

The food is incredible!

👋Service70

Service is generally described as friendly and quick, though some diners have encountered language barriers or inattentive staff. A few diners mention automatic gratuity charges.

Service was good.

Vibe65

The atmosphere is typically described as casual, simple, or cozy, with some noting it's not a primary draw. The space can feel cramped, especially for larger groups.

The inside of the restaurant where we ate was nothing special

💰Value95

The restaurant is well-regarded for its generous portions and affordable prices, offering outstanding value for money.

Big portions. The best

⚠️Heads Up
  • Unexpected charges and potential double tipping (5x mentioned)
📍 935 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
4.1$$PhiladelphiaChinese
Ideal for
Noodle enthusiasts seeking authentic flavorsDiners prioritizing value and generous portionsQuick, casual meals

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