Best Cheap Eats in Kingston: 10 Under $10

By Jordan Whitehouse

Who says you have to break the bank to get some seriously good food around Kingston? Likely no student — or frugal foodie — who has downed a late-night slice at Bubba’s, spring rolls at Saigon Delights or sushi at Sima. Here are 10 options under $10 that have to be on your K-Town cheap eats list. 

  

 

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1. Saigon Delights

272 Bagot St.   

Chia Gio Spring Rolls (3) $7.96 

Since 1992 this much-loved Vietnamese restaurant has sold over 1.5 million of its spring rolls. Made daily from rice paper, they’re filled with a minced pork and shrimp mixture and deep fried until they have a perfectly bubbly-crunchy exterior that only slightly softens when dipped in Nuoc Mam, a light fish sauce. 

 

2.Mike Mundell’s Surf & Turf  

235 Gore Road – Unit 3 

Haddock (2) and Fries $9.95 

The journey to this popular east-end seafood shop in a strip mall is well worth it for the fish and chips alone. Unlike some beer-battered fish “experts,” the exterior on these haddock pieces are crunchy all the way through. Inside, the fish is flaky and not overly cooked, while the fries are just as they should be — thick and golden with a slight crisp. 

 

3. Sima Sushi

66 Princess St.

Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll $8.95 

It’s no wonder SIMA Sushi is one of the busiest sushi restaurants in Kingston: you simply can’t find Japanese food this fresh, delicious, and affordable in town. The lunch menu has eight combo options under $10. We recommend the Spicy tuna roll featuring crispy tempura bits, cucumber, and beautiful tuna.   

 

 

 

4. Mio Gelato

178 Ontario St.  

3 Scoops $7 

A few doors down from White Mountain, this gelato shop gives the Ontario Street ice cream haven a run for its money. There are almost 30 gelato flavours, six sorbettos and four yogurts to choose from; you can’t go wrong. All are made onsite with local ingredients whenever possible, and each is as thick and decadent as those found in your summer dreams. 

  

 

5. Baja Craft Kitchen

235 Ontario St. – Suite A  

Single Tacos $6 to $8 

Sometimes Old El Paso tacos just won’t do! If you are looking for the perfect taco, look no further than Baja Craft Kitchen. All single tacos are under $10 and with their 8 different flavors it’s sure to smother that craving! We recommend the Tinga de Pollo, which comes with mouthwatering chipotle tomato chicken, cilantro, queso fresco, and corn tortilla. They have a taco for everyone including tuna, mushroom, battered fish, chorizo, and brisket.  

 

 

6. Namaste

178 Ontario St.  

Samosa Chaat $9.99 

Samosas are a gift to this earth! Namaste is serving up flavourful Indian cuisine at a reasonable price, they are the perfect place to go if you are looking for the best bang for your buck. The samosas are crispy, soft, and full of flavour. This dish is perfect for wanting to feel full and satisfied! These are vegetarian samosas served on a bed of curried chickpeas with a trio of sauces. Who doesn’t love sauce options?! 

 

 

7. Original Bubba’s 

349 King St. East 

Poutine: Onion Ring $8.85 

If you have been in Kingston long enough, you know there is no poutine like Bubba’s. They don’t scrimp on the curd or the gravy. It’s the perfect late-night treat or for survival purposes the next day. Bubba’s is known for its hangover-curing magic! Not only can you get 4 different kinds of poutine, but you can also get burgers for under $10. Although the original poutine gets all the attention, we suggest trying this truly unique onion ring poutine. Hopefully, you don’t have plans after because a nap is more than likely required.  

 

 

8. Otter Creek Kitchen 

2792 Princess St.  

Lil Otter $9  

We can’t not have a burger on this list! There is no burger quite like the ones Otter Creek is serving up. They raise their own Angus Wayu cows, giving us a truly wonderful burger eating experience. The Lil Otter may be smaller in size, but it packs that beef and cheese flavour you are looking for in a burger. This 3 oz patty is served with your choice of topping and all the greasy love in the world. It’s the perfect size to fill you up without slowing you down.  

 

 

9. Pan Chancho 

44 Princess St.  

Calabrese Sandwich $9.50 

Pan Chancho’s Deli is the place to go when you’re looking for something quick to grab for your lunch. Their earlier hours make it easy to stop in on your way to work to grab what you need. The Calabrese sandwich is what you want! This Italian sandwich is served on a beautiful fresh chewy calabrese bun with prosciutto, capocollo, genoa, calabrese, asiago cheese, drizzled with olive oil, roasted red peppers, olives, garlic, and capers. Not craving a sandwich? No worries their deli is filled with different salads and soups, we recommend trying the Dragon Noodles! 

 

 

10. Paradiso Pizza & Subs

887 Division St.  

4 Topping Personal Pizza $7.99  

Pizza is such a personal food. There are so many topping options, crust thickness, and debates on how much sauce to use. Paradiso has you covered with a build your own 4 topping 9” pizza, you are totally in control! These pizzas are made fresh, which beats out the option of walking into a pizza parlor to grab a slice. This is made 100% for you by you. Some toppings to consider are; pepperoni, ham, black olives, green peppers, mushrooms, and pineapple, but it’s completely up to you!  

 

We can’t forget about the Doubles! 

Sally’s Roti Shop  

203 Wellington St.  

Doubles $3.50 

How can we not offer one more option to this list? Sally’s is the perfect place to get some doubles for under $10. Made with delicious curried chickpeas between two pieces of roti, it’s extremely comforting. Two doubles will definitely be enough to fill you up for the night.