If there’s anything better than great food, it’s great food that’s cheap.
On those days and nights when the fridge is empty and the very thought of a trip to the supermarket plunges you into melancholy, I've got you covered. There’s no need to spend a small fortune when you can smash a hearty meal in Ōtautahi Christchurch for the calm price of that spare shrapnel janglin' in your jeans' pocket (if that’s even a thing anymore).
Here are 22 of the best cheap eats Christchurch has to offer, including eats for:
$5 & Under
Dumplings On Riccarton
113 Riccarton Road, Riccarton
"Under $5, but how?" you scream with hunger.
Well, firstly, one must give thanks to this certified institution: Dumplings on Riccarton.
For 36 years, they've been serving 250g of rice with veggies, eggs, and gravy for just $2. Yep $2. Why? 'Cause owner Mary Kaywah is that much of a g. That's why.
What a way to pull the middle finger to the cost-of-living crisis.
Fresh 4 Less
501 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch Central City
And secondly, word on the street is Fresh 4 Less on Moorhouse Road slings three hot samosas for $5. On my way with an empty stomach to verify now...
Curletts Fresh Fish
17 Curletts Road, Sockburn
Image credit: Author
There's something magical about a classic Kiwi FnC hamburger. It's about as simple and honest as the graphic depiction on the wrapper. Truly an icon for cheap eats, and Curletts Fresh Fish remain a bastion of the good 'ol days by still slinging theirs for $5.
$10 & Under
Bison BBQ
13 Tidal View, Ferrymead
Image credit: Bison BBQ | Facebook
Bison BBQ's Monday madness helps you start the week right with their $1 smokey BBQ chicken wings from 11.45am to close.
They then follow up the delicious frugality with $15 lunch deals on Thursdays and Fridays.
Mr Sushi
The Colombo Mall, Sydenham
For the perfect post-workout snack (The Colombo Mall has recently opened a very pristine Flex Fitness), hit up Mr Sushi for the early afternoon discount rates.
$3 long rolls and $6 sushi balls bigger than your fist.
The Butcher's Pie Shop
86 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City
Image credit: The Butcher's Pie Shop | Facebook
The Butcher's Pie Shop—nestled in one of the Riverside Laneways—offers some of the softest pastry-filled excellence in all Canterbury—big fan of the pork and apple sauce. If you're on a budget, they offer yesterday's pies at a decent discount, and there's nothing wrong with that. They bang either way.
$15 & Under
Bacon Bros Burgers
255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch CBD
It’s all about happiness at Bacon Bros. Four brisket wontons for just $11. A Lil Jim smashed patty, or a Happy or Woody Bacon Burger, for just $14.
Chanakya South Indian Cuisine
Shop 5, 68 Brighton Mall, Hawke Street, New Brighton
Image credit: Chanakya South Indian Cuisine | Facebook
An absolute hidden gem of an Indian Restaurant is Chanakya South Indian Cuisine out in New Brighton. Sub $20 curries for dinner and an absolute showstopping sub $12 arrangement for lunchtime, 11.30am-2.30pm.
The Loft Bar
93 Cashel Street, Christchurch City Centre
Sometimes the best meals and the coldest brews come from a sports bar. It's a well-known fact. An axiom, even. So it would logically follow that the very best meals and the very coldest brews come from the very best sports bars—such as The Loft Bar.
They throw down a $12 smash burger on a Monday, a two-for-one pizza on a Tuesday, $1 wings on a Wednesday and a $25 roast on a Sunday. Yeehaww.
Sushi Ball House
Various Locations
A magnet for local students, Sushi Ball House, does the biggest rice balls in Ōtautahi, and they’re an absolute steal. So next time the hunger pangs strike, sort yourself out with a rice planet of teriyaki chicken and mayo, crispy chicken, tuna, or all of the veggies. And, if you’re extra hungry, consider levelling up to a box with seaweed salad, sushi, and dumplings.
BB Vietnamese Street Food
Hereford Street, Christchurch City Centre & Centaurus Road, Huntsbury
If you're in town and after a quick, tasty budget lunch, then BB Vietnamese in the BNZ Pavilion is your spot. They're also operating out in Huntsbury. Either way, you can score a crispy pork roll for $13.
How good's a bánh mì, and how good is that deal?
Indian Pearl Restaurant
352 Colombo Street, Sydenham
Fancy Indian again? Indian Pearl Restaurant on Colombo Street (Sydenham end) do a $15 lunch deal—curry main—every day from 11.30am-2pm.
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$20 & Under
Thai Container & Thai Box
Various Locations
Image credit: Thai Box | Facebook
Hot favourites with locals, nearly the entirety of each of Thai Box and Thai Container’s menus clock in at $20 or less. The quintessential pad Thai, tom yum soup, green curry, and larb are all well represented here, and the Massman curry is one of Christchurch’s best. There’s also a massive selection for gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan diners.
Dimitris Greek Food
86 Riccarton Road, Oxford Terrace
Another of the best cheap eats in Christchurch is Dimitris, a local hero serving up the best souvlaki in town. The tender meat (choose between lamb, chicken, or beef) and falafel, wrapped up with salads, zesty sauces, and warm pita, hit the spot every single time. The serving size is also pretty massive—your souvlaki will be packed to the very last bite—so you get a lot of bang for your buck.
Steampunk Laboratory
270 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central
For takeaway Korean at a steal, head to Steampunk Laboratory and get your mitts on a cupbop, a satisfying BBQ bowl of steamed rice, sauteed onion, scrambled eggs, fresh slaw, and sauces. Their Korean Fried Chicken, with volcano-level spice, is just as worthy a meal. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are happily catered for.
The Afghan Restaurant
318 Lincoln Road, Addington
The Afghan Restaurant is one of those ‘if you know, you know’ type of spots. Tucked away on Addington’s main street, you’ll smell the smoky aroma from a block away. The opening hours are sporadic, but this inside joke made famous Facebook group will keep you in the loop. The menu is unique in the sense that there isn’t one—you don’t even need to order. Here’s the go: to dine in, simply take a seat, wait for the guys to check how many are in your party, and let the magic happen.
Jumbo Food Centre
252 Colombo Street, Sydenham
Ahhhh, Jumbo Food Centre.
No website, no socials, no nothing. Truly an IYKYK joint. And some of the best Chinese takeaway in town is served out of a pastel pink establishment that belongs somewhere along the neon-lit infamy of Route 66. You've probably driven past it 100 times. Next time, stop and gobble up the sweet and sour pork.
$25 & Under
Riverside Market
96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central
Image credit: El Rancho | Facebook
Riverside Market is the answer if you’re feeling hungry yet indecisive. Perfect for busy office workers and mates' outings alike, the market houses some of the best cheap eats in town, both on the go and dine-in. Piquing the senses with international flavours, from El Rancho’s killer burritos to the flavourful banh mi at Hanoi Alley, Riverside boasts some of the tastiest treats the city has to offer.
Ramen Ria
112 Oxford Tce, Riverside Market Lane Way, Christchurch City Centre
Speaking of, Christchurch ramen royalty—Ramen Ria—is your go-to for noody goodness at Riverside Markets. What's more, all their ramen bowls, including the specialty options, come in at under $25. What's more-more is that they're currently running a Huge Ramen Challenge 'til the end of September. Finish the behemoth that is four times their usual-sized ramen in 10 minutes and get your meal for free plus a limited-edition t-shirt. Record the fastest time, and you'll be crowned supreme ramen overlord of 2025 and receive $100 to boot (which you can then use to buy even more ramen!)
Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar
Various Locations
Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar is a dumpling connoisseur with handmade dumplings in varieties such as Pig in Chive, ‘Beef’ Root, and Vego Dump. Six for $12 or 12 for $22. Auspicious.
Empire Chicken
96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central
Image credit: Empire Chicken | Facebook
From drumsticks to tenders, Empire Chicken is top-tier if you’re after some crispy chook. Not only is their range of burgers, boxes, and sides endlessly moreish, it’s as guilt-less as fried chicken can be—locally sourced, free-range, completely hormone and antibiotic-free. Even their supporting ingredients, like buttermilk and hot sauce, are made locally. And to top it all off, you can score one of their original burger combos for $22.50.
Grizzly Baked Goods
Various Locations
Image credit: Grizzly Baked Goods | Website
If Grizzly isn’t already considered legendary, it will be very soon. Brimming with all things sourdough, with some delightful sweet treats to boot (and by that we mean shove in your face hole), it makes this list specifically because of its lunchboxes. For just $25, you can score a sandwich, pastry, granola bar and drink, with vegan options as needed. Hallelujah.
Want more Christchurch goodness? Check out:
- Your 2025 Guide To Christchurch’s Riverside Market
- Christchurch's Most Brunch-Worthy Cafes
- All The Things To Tick Off Your South Island Bucket List
Main image credit: Sushi Ball House | Door Dash.
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