Welcome to Manchester, a city that blends history, culture, nightlife — and most importantly for students — incredible food at student-friendly prices. Whether you’re studying at the University of Manchester, Manchester Met, or Salford, your student budget doesn’t mean you have to survive on instant noodles and toast.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best cheap eats in Manchester that deliver big on flavour without draining your wallet. From sizzling Asian street food to comforting pub grub and vegan wraps, Manchester is full of hidden gems and go-to favourites for students across the city.
📍 Where to Find Affordable Food in Manchester
Before we explore the food, let’s take a look at the top areas packed with cheap and tasty dining options:
- Oxford Road – Heart of student life and fast food central
- Curry Mile (Rusholme) – Legendary for South Asian cuisine
- Northern Quarter – Hipster cafés, hidden eateries, and eclectic menus
- Ancoats & Piccadilly – Trendy bites and street food
- Fallowfield & Withington – Classic student neighbourhood haunts
🌮 1. Bundobust – Vibrant Indian Street Food
📍 Piccadilly Gardens
💷 Most dishes under £7
This vegetarian spot is a favourite for a reason. Bundobust serves up bold Indian street eats and craft beers in a lively, canteen-style setting. Think chole, vada pav, okra fries, and more.
🎓 Best Deal: Vada Pav + Mango Lassi combo
🌱 100% Veg | Vegan options available
🕐 Visit during lunch hours for better value
🍕 2. Slice Pizzeria – Pizza by the Slice
📍 Stevenson Square
💷 Slices from £3
A quick bite doesn’t get better than Slice in the Northern Quarter. Serving giant rectangular Roman-style pizza slices, it’s perfect for lunch, a snack, or post-night-out munchies.
🎓 Student Favourite: Courgette or Chorizo Slice
⭐ Great combo offers in the afternoon
🍔 3. Archie’s – Iconic Burgers & Shakes
📍 Oxford Road
💷 Burgers from £4.99
With its eye-catching pink interiors and celebrity endorsements, Archie’s is as famous as its food. Their juicy burgers and over-the-top milkshakes are student staples, especially with halal options available.
🎓 Try: Cheesy Does It Burger + Waffle Fries
🕊️ Halal-friendly | Student discounts available
📸 Instagram-worthy interiors
🍛 4. Mughli Charcoal Pit – Authentic South Asian Grills
📍 Curry Mile, Rusholme
💷 Mains from £6.95
An icon on the Curry Mile, Mughli delivers flavour-packed, charcoal-grilled dishes and rich curries. Portions are big, bold, and ideal for sharing with housemates.
🎓 Top Pick: Chicken Karahi + Fresh Garlic Naan
🔥 Spice levels customisable
🌍 Excellent for groups or dinner out
🍱 5. Wasabi – Japanese Bento & Curry Boxes
📍 Oxford Road & Piccadilly
💷 Meals from £5.95
Need a quick, hot meal on campus? Wasabi is your friend. From sushi rolls to steaming chicken katsu curry, it’s fast, flavourful, and reliable.
🎓 Student Pick: Chicken Katsu with Miso Soup
🥡 Great for takeaway
⭐ Fresh, filling, and budget-conscious
🌯 6. Go Falafel – Fresh, Fast & Vegan
📍 Piccadilly Gardens & Deansgate
💷 Wraps from £3.95
Affordable, fresh, and filling. Go Falafel makes some of the best wraps in town, fully loaded with falafel, hummus, pickled veg, and sauces — with amazing fresh juice combos.
🎓 Value Meal: Regular Wrap + Smoothie for around £6
🌱 100% Vegan
⭐ Great alternative to greasy takeaways
🥐 7. Greggs – The Reliable Classic
📍 Multiple locations
💷 Sausage rolls from £1.20
No student guide is complete without mentioning Greggs. Whether it’s a quick breakfast, lunch on the move, or a post-night-out snack, this high-street hero always delivers.
🎓 Best Value: Breakfast Deal (Butty + Hot Drink) under £3
⭐ Use the app for freebies
🌱 Vegan options available
🥘 8. This & That Café – Manchester’s Hidden Curry Secret
📍 Soap Street, Northern Quarter
💷 3 curries + rice for £6.50
Tucked away in the Northern Quarter, This & That Café is a canteen-style eatery that’s legendary for its flavour-packed, home-cooked curries at bargain prices.
🎓 Go For: Keema, Daal, and Potato Curry combo
🌶️ Rotating daily specials
💼 No-frills, authentic flavours
🥪 9. 42nd Street Café – Student Union Eats
📍 UoM Students’ Union
💷 Meal deals from £2.99
Located inside the University of Manchester’s SU, 42nd Street Café serves toasties, paninis, and budget bites tailored for students on the go.
🎓 Grab: Ham & Cheese Toastie + Coffee for under £4
📶 Free Wi-Fi & chill study vibe
💡 Great pre-lecture pit stop
🍜 10. Nudo Sushi Box – Japanese Favourites
📍 Oxford Street
💷 Noodles from £5
A rising favourite among students and young professionals, Nudo is the place for warm noodle soups, poke bowls, and fast sushi — all made fresh daily.
🎓 Recommended: Sweet Chilli Chicken Udon + Juice
🥢 Speedy service | Loyalty card available
🥡 Ideal for lunch breaks
🥗 11. Eighth Day Café – Healthy Veggie Options
📍 Oxford Road
💷 Meals under £5
Part café, part health food store, Eighth Day is a long-time favourite for vegetarian and vegan food near campus. Soups, bakes, and fresh salads at prices that fit your budget.
🎓 Student Special: Lentil Soup + Wholemeal Bread under £4
🌱 100% Vegetarian
♻️ Eco-friendly & compostable packaging
🥟 12. Viet Shack – Affordable Vietnamese Street Food
📍 Arndale Market
💷 Bao from £3.50
Located in Manchester Arndale’s food court, Viet Shack is a hit for those craving something spicy, quick, and filling. Their sticky wings and bao buns are a must.
🎓 Combo Idea: 2 Bao + Fries for £7
🥡 Great for food court dining
🏆 Award-winning street food vibes
🎖️ Bonus Mentions
- Big Hands (Oxford Road) – Cheap drinks and quirky bar snacks
- Tibetan Kitchen – Handmade momo dumplings for under £8
- Wholesome Junkies – Vegan comfort food with a twist
- Ziya Grill – Affordable buffet options for students
- Eastern Bloc Café – Coffee, vinyl, and toasties
💰 Student Savings Tips
🎓 Always carry your student ID – Many eateries offer 10–20% discounts.
📱 Download money-saving apps like Too Good To Go, UNiDAYS & TOTUM
🕑 Eat at off-peak hours – Many places offer lunchtime specials
👯 Split meals with friends or opt for sharing platters
📍 Check local food markets for affordable international options
✨ Wrapping It Up
From crispy falafel wraps to spicy curry plates and loaded burgers, Manchester’s cheap eats scene is as diverse as its student population. This city makes it easy to eat well on a budget — if you know where to look.
So ditch the instant noodles. Grab your mates. And treat yourself to something proper — without the guilt of overspending.
📲 Explore More on JobsBudy.com
Looking for more student eats in Manchester or other cities?
Browse menus, discover food deals, and explore dining options at:
- [Best Vegan Spots in Manchester]
- [Halal Food Near You]
- [Student Meal Deals in the UK]
- [Budget Eats in London, Leeds, and Birmingham]
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