5 of the Best… Budget Eats in South Wales
Hungry student on a budget? You’re in the right place. Alice Hughes explores some of south Wales’ best places to help make your student loan last until the end of term.
CARDIFF MARKET
An epicurean paradise for those with big appetites and small change, Cardiff Market’s food stalls could easily fill this whole list. Standouts include Clancy’s, for cheaper-than-chips vegetarian snacks, and Thai Asian Delish for sensational pad thai. It’s half the price of Wagamama and twice as delicious. Still hungry? Head to Bakestones for the best Welsh cakes in town, fresh off the griddle and a steal at 10 for £3.
49 St Mary Street, Cardiff
www.visitcardiff.com
GOVINDA’S
This not-for-profit vegetarian café made headlines earlier this year when comedian Russell Brand treated his entire theatre audience to tasty treats from its kitchen. Brand has good taste, as Govinda’s serves some of the most delicious Indian food in Swansea. At £4.95, their all-you-can-eat weekday offer is seriously good value, and their sumptuous homemade cheesecakes are the perfect accompaniment to a hard day’s studying.
8 Craddock Street, Swansea
01792 468469 / www.govindas.org.uk
QUAY STREET KITCHEN
Bored of eating the same old Prêt sandwich for lunch every day? QSK is an independent alternative to the high street giant, offering a delicious array of homemade salads, wraps and baguettes, most coming in at under a fiver. Their salad boxes, bursting with fresh, unusual ingredients, are an affordable £4.50.
18 Quay Street, Cardiff
07913 873233 / www.quaystreetkitchen.co.uk
SHAAM NIGHTS
While City Road is chock full of inexpensive eateries, Shaam Nights is arguably the jewel in the crown. Portions are generous at this authentic Syrian restaurant, and with big tables and a laidback atmosphere, this is an ideal venue for a cheap meal out with a large group of friends. Order the katayef (syrupy, cream-filled pancakes) for dessert – you won’t regret it.
116 City Road, Cardiff
029 2048 2824 / www.shaamnights.com
GOWER SEAFOOD HUT
Summer may be over, but you can still enjoy a day at the seaside, especially when the food is this good. Overlooking Swansea Bay, Gower Seafood Hut serves high quality street food at affordable prices, from juicy chilli prawns to crispy deep-fried whitebait. New to Wales? Give the laverbread a go, a local delicacy and a snip at £2.50.
Promenade Terrace, Mumbles, Swansea
twitter.com/gowerseafoodhut