Times are tough and money is tight. We expect moths to fly out each time we open our wallets at the moment. But we’re probably not the only ones feeling the pinch; the cost-of-living crisis has affected us all. Even so, we all still deserve to treat ourselves now and again.
So we’re desperate for cheap eats in Birmingham. Luckily the city has some brilliant food spots to dine at that won’t break the bank. So we’ve rounded up some of the very best cheap eats in Birmingham. Every one of these cheap restaurants is worth visiting no matter your budget.
1. Tiger Bites Pig
Sometimes the easiest way to keep prices down is to keep things simple. Tiger Bites Pig does just that, but without short-changing you on flavour. These Taiwanese bao buns are great for a midday snack, while two or three make for a fantastic meal. Red braised pork belly, buttermilk fried chicken and crispy duck are our favourites. But vegans should try the equally ‘meaty’ tofu and oyster mushroom. If that doesn’t sound enough, Tiger Bites Pig’s hearty rice bowls topped with a protein of choice, spicy veg, house pickles and a cured egg yolk also feel like a steal.
34 Stephenson St, Birmingham B2 4BH
2. Shokupan
Staying with the Asian influence, Shokupan (formerly GupShup) is one of our favourite cheap eats for sandwiches in Birmingham. It uses soft and fluffy Japanese milk bread – called shokupan – and is a far superior lunch option to Britain’s iconic supermarket sandwich. Fan favourites include the classic katsu chicken with harissa slaw and the cheese with picklennasie sandos. Bear in mind, Shokupan is currently only operating as a dark kitchen on delivery apps. Just while we wait for its brick-and-mortar location to open in March.
3. Damascena
Mezze-style is ideal for cheap dining. Tweaking what you order by price budget is made simple and delicious. And with five spots around Birmingham, you’re never far from these halal restaurants either. Snack or fill up on plates of kofta, halloumi, vine leaves, falafel and much more at Damascena. See more here.
5-7 Temple Row West, Birmingham B2 5NY
103 High Street, Birmingham B17 9NR
Heritage Court, 17-21 Warstone Lane, Birmingham B18 6HP
133 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8JP
Lyndon House, 62 Hagley Road, Birmingham B16 8PE
4. Habanero’s
Having operated in Birmingham for over nine years, Habanero’s know a thing or two about quality Mexican food. At low prices too! While making everything fresh from scratch every day. Simply choose your dish of choice: burrito, taco, nachos, burrito bowl or salad. Add your favourite fillings – such as carnitas pulled pork, chilli beef brisket and roasted veg. Then finish with a wide variety of toppings and sauces. With a new combination to test every visit, we’ve yet to become bored of this Birmingham cheap eats joint.
Unit 3 Great Western Arcade, Birmingham B2 5HU
5. Peacer
A whole pizza at Peacer will set you back close to £30. Not exactly cheap eats in Birmingham is it? But we doubt many could finish one of these ginormous 20” pizzas all by themselves. Instead, Peacer does things New York City style by selling pizza by the slice. The classic tomato sauce with mozzarella and basil sells out fast; while the spicy version with chillies and hot honey is our favourite. From something funkier, there’s a garlic and mushroom slice and a blue cheese slice to choose from. There is a vegan option too. All sell at £4.25 and should be more than enough to fill you up. But no one is stopping you from going back for more!
4 Woodbridge Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8EJ
6. The Indian Streatery
For cheap Indian street food, look no further than The Indian Streatery. What started as a street food trader in Birmingham, now serves traditional yet modern Indian cuisine in its restaurant. Still at affordable prices! Expect Indian twists on modern classics like Pakora fried chicken wings, masala fries and a minted lamb burger. While more traditional Indian offerings are also on the menu, such as pakoras, samosas, and dhals. To learn more head here.
21a Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5QP
7. Grand Central Kitchen
Often considered Birmingham’s best breakfast, we’re very grateful for Grand Central Kitchen in the centre of town. This tiny and reliable eatery, situated next to the Grand Central tram stop, has saved us time and time again from splurging all our money in the morning. While also being incredibly tasty. On top of breakfasts, you can also get some brilliant burgers, soups and pizzas at great prices too.
7 Stephenson St, Birmingham B2 4BL
8. Wok Chi
The family-run Wok Chi in Harborne serves a wide selection of all our favourite Chinese and South East Asian dishes. Fill your table with small plates of spring rolls, wontons, five-spice wings and more to share with friends and family. Or selfishly devour a huge bowl of ramen noodle soup all by yourself. Whatever your plans, whatever your price range, Wok Chi can service your needs. Its open kitchen guarantees freshness too. So you can see there are no cut corners to produce these cheap eats in Birmingham.
135 High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NP
9. Zindiya
A fun and vibrant Indian eatery and bar in Moseley, Zindiya is as close as you will come to stepping into eh backstreets of New Delhi in Birmingham. Whether drinking chai or Limca, eating chaat or gol gappe, it is a colourful experience with some low prices to boot. To keep your bill even lower, we suggest focusing on the vegan and vegetarian options. But that’s the great thing about Indian food – there’s so much flavour, you rarely miss the meats. Zinidya also does an amazing and unique afternoon tea worth checking out.
21 Woodbridge Rd, Birmingham B13 8EJ
10. Gorilla Cafe
Gorilla Cafe in Kings Heath isn’t just a coffee shop. It is also home to a bicycle workshop and cycle club. But with a brilliant selection of breakfast and brunch options, it’s also a fantastic spot for cheap eats in Birmingham. Order classics such as a full English or shakshuka to cure all hangovers. While ‘light bites’ like the pulled pork and fried egg breakfast bun are equally filling. Just jump on your bike and head on over!
1a, 1b Drayton Rd., King’s Heath, Birmingham B14 7LP