We’ve all been there. It’s getting towards the end of the month, payday is just that little bit too far away to see, and you’ve exhausted the supermarket basic range. Where now? Helen Payne and Elouise Hobbs explore Cardiff’s best places to eat on a budget.
BWYTA BWYD BOMBAI
Transalted as ‘Eating Bombay Food’, the name says it all. The team at 3Bs thrive to bring the authentic and tasty street snacks of Bombay to the heart of Cardiff, with prices between £2-9. It entices you in by making the restaurant a spectacle for all the senses, and they encourage you to eat with your hands. Fun and fresh.
High Street Arcade, Cardiff
Info: 029 2037 2352 / www.3bscafe.com
BOMBER’S
You’ll often see queues out the door for this independent lunchtime favourite. The menu changes daily and is posted on their Facebook page. It always includes massive pieces of meat marinated in homemade sauce. If you choose a sandwich or salad box, you definitely will not be left feeling hungry or out of pocket.
Guildhall Place, Cardiff
Info: 077 8637 4725 / www.bombers-sandwich-house.co.uk
VEGETARIAN FOOD STUDIO
This curry house located on Penarth Road stands out not only for their entirely vegetarian menu but also the incredible prices of their food. The Gujarati Thali Special, which costs less than £7, is a three-course meal with enough that there will be leftovers. It includes two starters, a curry, plain basmati rice, dahl, three breads, a poppadom, a side salad and a sweet side, chosen especially by the chef.
Penarth Road, Cardiff
Info: 029 2023 8222 / www.vegetarianfoodstudio.com
RESTAURANT MINUET
Opened in 1986, Restaurant Minuet has become a firm favourite in the arcades as the classic Italian restaurant serves homemade pizza, pasta and rice dishes at amazingly low prices. The small place has both seating and a small hatch where you can order takeaway; this coupled with the hearty dishes, all prepared and served with love, means that not only is it value for money but it is a great choice for authentic Italian cuisine.
Castle Arcade, Cardiff
Info: 029 2034 1794 / www.restaurantminuet.co.uk
CARDIFF CENTRAL MARKET
A tradition of Cardiff’s food scene is still going strong after many similar places have been forced to close. The massive indoor market offers alternative lunchtime treats that cost less than many high-street chains and also has the benefit of supporting local businesses. Favourite spots include Clancy’s, famous for their dahl, the Bull Terrier café who offer breakfast and a hot drink for £3.50 and Bakestones who cook possibly the best Welsh cakes in Cardiff.
St Mary Street, Cardiff
Info: 029 2078 5470 / www.visitcardiff.com