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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Chinatown, Houston

Cheap eats

Made for those who believe that a satisfying meal should never require a significant financial sacrifice.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
Tainan Bistro image 1
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Taiwanese restaurant

Taiwanese restaurant serves authentic flavors like oyster omelet and braised pork at low prices. Atmosphere feels like an old university cafeteria, cozy but basic. Self-service and quick hot table make dining casual and easy.

Prices stay low while the food remains delicious. Meals offer great value without sacrificing taste.

People are saying

"The Taiwanese food here is so authentic, it reminds me of home."

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially the oysters and clams."

"I found the food here to be cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

The lunch bento is a great value at $8.00.

2

Portions are generous, often enough for two people to share.

3

The menu features a wide variety of authentic Taiwanese dishes.

02
Iwa Ya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Affordable sushi shines with fresh sashimi and cheap bento boxes. Enjoy complimentary miso soup in a homey atmosphere that welcomes large crowds with simple decor and friendly energy.

Bento boxes offer a great variety at a very cheap price. Sashimi comes fresh and affordable, focusing on simple, good sushi without extra flares.

People are saying

"You can get free, unlimited refills of the miso and red bean soup."

"The sushi here is surprisingly affordable and good quality."

"I found the sushi and sashimi to be good and affordable."

Good to know

1

Cash payments receive a 10% discount, so bring cash for savings.

2

Parking is ample and usually not an issue for diners.

3

Expect large portions at very reasonable prices.

03
Six Ping image 1
Chinese bakery

Small bakery shines with affordable prices and authentic Taiwanese bread. Soft, fluffy milk bread pairs well with unique animal-shaped pastries. Clean, well-kept space adds to the charm, making it a great spot for cheap, tasty treats.

Lots of cheap desserts stand out here. Prices stay low even with a good amount of goodies offered.

People are saying

"I always went here for birthday cakes."

"The Taiwanese style pastries here are amazing and affordable."

"I found lots of good, cheap desserts here."

Good to know

1

They do not accept Amex cards.

2

There is a $5 minimum on all card purchases.

3

Most items cost $2.50, and credit cards are accepted.

04
Hokkaido image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy Japanese-themed spot offers cheap eats with good quality hand rolls. Enjoy a relaxed vibe with no loud music and complimentary miso soup. Affordable sushi provides good value for casual dining.

Offers cheap eats with good quality hand rolls. Sushi is adequate for the price and serves its purpose well.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and tasty."

"The sushi here is consistently tasty and the service is wonderful."

"I found the sushi to be cheap but good quality."

Good to know

1

During lunchtime, they offer a lunchbox special.

2

Expect wait times of over 30 minutes on Friday nights.

3

They provide complimentary miso soup and tea with meals.

05
Star Snow Ice & Teriyaki image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Crowded spot with a loud vibe and self-service setup offers fast, authentic Taiwanese food. Prices stay really cheap while portions remain large. Budget-friendly teriyaki and shaved ice stand out for quick, satisfying meals.

Prices stay really cheap while portions stay large and food remains authentic Taiwanese. The place draws crowds for its good, cheap eats.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and the portions are large."

"I found the food to be good and cheap with incredible portions."

"I loved the milk teas and fruit teas loaded with real fruits."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of about 15 minutes during busy periods.

2

The prices are very reasonable for the portion sizes offered.

3

Star Snow Ice & Teriyaki does not accept Discover cards.

06
Midnight Kabob and Seafood image 1

Enjoy a lively party atmosphere with karaoke and multiple TVs. Drinks stay cheap, especially beers during the 9 pm happy hour. The place offers a family-friendly setting with grilled meat and seafood aromas filling the air.

Drinks stay cheap here, especially beers during the 9 pm happy hour where prices drop to $2.50 or $3. Prices remain relatively low compared to other spots in town.

People are saying

"The seafood here is super fresh and delicious."

"This late night spot has the most tender and flavorful kabobs."

"The beers are cheap during happy hour."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 9pm to 1am with cheap beer options.

2

Prices for beer during happy hour are only $12 for any kind.

3

The restaurant is open late until 1am for night owls.

07
King Bakery image 1

Old-style bakery offers fresh pineapple bun and char siu bao at low prices under $2. Handwritten menus and cash-only policy add to the authentic Hong Kong vibe. Locals gather here for simple, tasty treats in a rundown but genuine setting.

Pricing stays consistently low with pastries under $2. Everything feels surprisingly cheap compared to other spots.

People are saying

"This bakery's Hong Kong-style bread, like the pineapple bun, is so good."

"You have to try the curry bun; it's amazing."

"The pineapple buns are warm, fluffy, and crispy."

Good to know

1

King Bakery is a cash-only bakery, so bring cash for purchases.

2

Egg tarts are ready at 9:30 AM daily; arrive early to avoid sold out items.

3

Parking can be busy, but there's a garage next door.

08
Alan's Deli image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Cafeteria-style counter serves generous portions at affordable prices. Space is clean and quiet, perfect for quick takeout. Popular spot with lines during lunch and dinner for budget-friendly meals.

Lunch offers insane portion sizes at a cheap cost. Suitable for broke college students or workers needing a quick, affordable meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really delicious and fresh."

"This lunch spot's duck is so juicy and flavorful."

"The food here is cheap and the portions are insane."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is to go only and has no frills.

2

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially for lunch.

3

Parking is notoriously bad due to shared spaces with other restaurants.

09
Black Ants Gaming Lab image 1

Internet cafe offers affordable prices around $5-6 per hour with high-end PCs and comfortable chairs. The space is dimly lit with colorful RGB lighting and chill music, making it a relaxed spot for gaming and hanging out.

Prices stay around $5-6 per hour depending on the computer. It offers a cheap spot to hang out with computers ready to use.

People are saying

"The chairs here are super comfy for gaming."

"The staff here are so cool and make you feel welcome."

"It's a cheap and great place to hang out."

Good to know

1

The price is $5-6 per hour depending on the computer chosen.

2

They offer an all-night special on weekends.

3

The internet connection is often unstable, causing delays.

10
Tao Rice Roll image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small space with compact seating suits quick visits. Prices stay affordable, though some items feel pricier. Busy vibe mimics a Taipei alleyway, best to order ahead to skip delays.

Prices stay affordable overall, making it a cheap option. Some items feel less cheap considering their price.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very tasty and authentic."

"I loved their rice rolls for a tasty breakfast."

"I thought the portion size was not large for how cheap it was."

Good to know

1

The restaurant gets very crowded on weekends, so expect longer wait times.

2

Parking at Tao Rice Roll is difficult; consider alternative options.

3

Reservations are not accepted; order ahead to avoid long waits.

11
Craft Land Claw Machine image 1

Claw machine arcade shines with affordable prices and easy-to-win claws. Colorful lighting creates a fun atmosphere loved by families. Plush prizes feel like dollar store quality, matching the low cost but keeping the vibe playful.

Prices stay consistently super cheap throughout. Prizes often feel like cheap junk, with plushies resembling dollar store quality rather than authentic items.

People are saying

"The claw machines here are so much fun and easy to operate."

"It's a great place for kids to have fun."

"I thought the prizes were super cheap and worth the money."

Good to know

1

Each game costs $1 to play, requiring two tokens.

2

The arcade offers a good selection of plush prizes.

3

Tokens received are generous compared to other arcades.

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Chinatown, Houston

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