By Jaz Hook
“At least it was only seven dollars,” I said to my classmate who sadly stared at the cold chicken sandwich she’d just bought from the cafeteria.
The pickings were slim, it was either that or a $14 bagel. Were we game enough to venture out past campus lines to discover better, tastier (dare I say delicious) meals?
Three minutes later I was smack bang in the middle of Chinatown. A warm ginger cat guards one of the many fruit markets. As he smooches my hand and poses for photos, a local tells me his name is Boss. It’s clear he’s a community favourite.
Now, back to food.
Here you’re spoilt for choice. To start you have Chinese noodle house up on Thomas St; it’s an institution, pumping out their famous braised eggplant and an array of dumplings all under $20.
In the same complex a few levels above there’s Caysorn Thai featuring a menu packed with cheap eats; some noodle dishes come with the option to add fresh vegetables from their self-serve salad bar for under $20 also.
I chose Kura Kura. They have a great indoor Japanese restaurant, but the real gem is their street stall on the side, which sells a wide range of rice bowls ($10), bento boxes ($15) and onigiri ($4-$5).
I sat in the surprisingly warm sun and ate my miso beef and tuna mayo onigiri while Boss made sure no seagulls entered the fruit market.
Why should we have to choose between fulfilment and being economical?
Next time you find yourself about to eat the world’s saddest sandwich, just remember there’s some of the city’s best (and cheapest) eats just down the road.
Featured image: Boss the cat and onigiri from Kura Kura. Photos: Jaz Hook