Your wallet will love this list of great-value eats as much as your tastebuds will; take advantage of weekly offers, great value set menus and don’t forget your student card, says Alice Bennison
Chai Walla, 42 Monmouth Street
This delicious Indian street food outlet is the perfect place for a hearty lunch for under a fiver. On the menu you’ll find falafel, onion bhaji wraps and (my favourite) chickpea chaat; a lightly spiced curry served with rice and a torn samosa scattered on top. Since opening in April, his takeaway joint has already built up a great rep; it’s not uncommon to see people queuing out of the door.
The Cork, 11-12 Westgate Buildings
The team at this laidback pub will be the first to tell you that they ‘don’t do fussy food’ but you can still find some delicious, comforting grub, such as their generously sized posh kebab: cumin, pomegranate, roasted lamb shoulder, summer slaw, aioli and Sriracha. Main meals range from £6.50-£11 and they have a selection of small plates and sides. Try the black pepper and panko fried calamari with lemon and Szechuan mayo (£4). You’re probably going to need something to wash all that down with, and The Cork offers discounts on selected drinks for anybody with a valid student card.
Hong Kong Bistro, 33 Southgate
Take away or sit at the noodle bar in Hong Kong Bistro, this place won’t win any awards for fancy décor or five-star service, but if you’re after delicious Chinese food, generous portions and great value, then look no further. The huge rice and noodle dishes average at about £8; the pad Thai with a bubble tea (hot or cold milk tea with chewy tapioca balls) is highly recommended as a fun and inexpensive treat.
Same Same but Different, 7a Princes Buildings, Bartlett Street
Having been highly commended at the Bath Good Food Awards, this cosy café serves a range of cooked-to-order breakfasts until 11.30am. Same Same but Different may have borrowed its name from a Thai idiom but the breakfast menu is decidedly British. A full English or vegetarian breakfast will set you back £7.50 – not a bad price, especially considering it comes with unlimited tea or Americano and toast. If that doesn’t tickle your pickle, they’ve all kinds of eggs, from boiled with marmite soldiers (£4.50) to Poached Picante: An English muffin topped with a poached egg, bacon, chorizo, melted cheese, tabasco and hollandaise (£6.50).
The Stable, 1-3 Westgate Building
All day Sunday-Thursday students can gobble a pizza and pint for £10, while on Tuck in Tuesdays, anyone can grab a pizza, side salad and half a pint of cider for the same price. True to its West Country beginnings, The Stable has dozens of ciders to choose your pint from, or for £7.50 you can get a tasting board of five local varieties, ranging from sweet to dry. They also serve vegan cheese and can make pizzas gluten free on request.
Yak Yeti Yak, 12 Pierrepont Street
Back in 2004 Bath was lucky to gain Yak Yeti Yak, the UK’s first Nepalese restaurant. Since then it’s become a local favourite. If you’re not familiar with this joint, it’s worth a visit to discover the underrated cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, decorated with yak bells and jungle art, where customers can sit outside or on the floor with cushions. A great value set menu is available every day from 12pm-2pm and 6pm-7pm, which offers three courses for as little as £10.50. Included is steamed pork dumplings served with fresh achar (spicy Asian pickles), crispy, cheese balls and milk chocolate ice cream infused with chilli and ginger.
Where are your favourite cheap eats in the city?