Looking to explore Dublin’s top budget-friendly food spots? Student Ambassador Lavanya Jagadeesh Babu has you covered.
Discover where to enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank, from irresistible spice bags to tasty sushi bowls. Join her culinary journey and uncover the city’s tastiest hidden gems.
As a medical student with frequent exams, I often find myself needing a break from cooking, especially during busy study periods. Hence, I opt for takeout to get some variety in my meals and to treat myself. Now in my third year of living in Dublin, I’ve discovered some fantastic food spots that offer great value for money. Here are my top five favourite places to eat:
Xian’s Street Food
Firstly, we have an extremely popular option for many of my peers, tourists and other Dubliners! This restaurant is most famously known for their addictive, mouthwatering spice bags – consisting of chicken tenders, fries, onions, and a unique blend of spices. Additionally, they also sell a variety of dishes, offering halal options for those who need it, and portion sizes are quite big too. My go-to order is a spice bag paired with their flavourful Singapore noodles!
Dunnes Stores
This may take you by surprise, but Dunnes does an amazing salad bowl with a variety of toppings to choose from; you can build your own signature bowls! This is one of my favourite ways to get a balanced meal, and as the portion sizes are quite hefty, one bowl serves 2! During exam periods, I often eat half for lunch and save the rest for dinner, making it a convenient and nutritious option.
Thai Basil
Next on the list is Thai Basil: one of my favourite Thai food spots, where they do amazing tom yum fried rice and Thai milk tea. They offer fantastic lunch deals, which include a starter, main, and dessert or drink – making it both budget-friendly and satisfying. 
SuperAsia
Newly opened in October 2024, SuperAsia has quickly become a hit in the heart of Dublin 2. This unique spot blends a convenience store with a casual dining experience, offering a variety of Asian snacks, frozen foods, and ingredients alongside freshly cooked meals. You can order bubble tea, corn dogs, sushi bowls and even get your instant ramen made on the spot with additional toppings!
Hyderabadi Kitchen
Finally, I present to you Hyderabadi Kitchen, a favourite of mine when I crave Indian food. They offer a variety of dishes from biryani to thosai and parotta at an affordable price in Dublin. With food that is hearty and filling, I am sure that it won’t disappoint!
These spots have become some of my go-to places when I’m craving food from home or when I need a break from cooking. I hope this guide helps you discover some delicious, budget-friendly places to eat while living in Dublin.
Lavanya is studying at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland via Education in Ireland