Cheap Eats in Montreal
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Satay Brothers
Southeast Asian restaurant · Saint-Henri
"Satay Brothers' Pork Buns Better than Momofuku's—there, I said it! Everything they make here is delicious! Ready my full review here: http://willtravelforfood.com/2012/07/23/satay-brothers-montreal/ By Mayssam Samaha"
Wilensky's Light Lunch Inc
Family restaurant · Mile End
"One of the Oldest Diners: Wilensky's Wilensky’s is sort of an institution in the Mile End. Family-owned since its opening in 1932, the place is famous for its extremely cheap snacks, no-nonsense approach, and retro decor. Pressed tin ceiling, Kik Cola clock, ring-up cash register, old-fashioned soda fountain—this place sometimes feels like a time warp or, at the very least, a museum. Perhaps what makes Wilensky’s so special is, incidentally, the Special ($3.90): “All-beef salami with all-beef baloney grilled to mouth-watering perfection on a tasty roll with a hint of mustard.” But don’t try to change anything in it—the owner, Ruth, will not have it. The Special is what it is, and no amount of money will make Ruth change it. Hell, she even wrote a poem about it: When ordering a Special, you should know a thing or two. It is always served with mustard; it is never cut in two. Don’t ask us why; just understand that this is nothing new. This is the way that it’s been done since 1932. Amen to that."
RESTAURANT MAÏS
Permanently Closed
"Cheap Tacos in the Mile End This newcomer to the Montreal restaurant scene has nothing to envy of others. With chefs like David Schmidt, William Cody, and Gil Macnutt, diners are in good hands. The menu is a mix of tacos and other Latin-inspired fare, most of which are gluten-free or vegetarian, but also, and most importantly, quite cheap. Tacos range between $3 and $4.50. And they only buy from the best local, organic, and sustainable producers. Sounds heavenly, no? Quality food for a fraction of the price. And the creations are surprising and original. A must try!"
Aux Vivres Plateau
Vegan restaurant · Mile End
"The Best Vegan Restaurant in Town What started out as a blink-and-you'll-miss-it hole in the wall became a full-blown hype restaurant where masses gather to celebrate the joys of vegan cuisine. Thanks to the savoir-faire of brothers Michael and Liam Makhan, eating healthy can be its own reward when the food tastes so good. They use only local ingredients, according to the seasons, to create flavorful dishes that aim to once and for all destroy any myth about vegetarian or vegan food being tasteless. They are famous for their chapati sandwiches, which are cooked to order."
Qing Hua Dumpling - (ChinaTown & Boul. St-Laurent)
Chinese restaurant · Downtown Montreal
"Get Your Dumpling On In Chinatown No, Qing Hua is not a fancy place. The ceiling is covered in harsh neon lights and the walls could use a decor upgrade. And the furniture? Nothing to write home about. Indeed, nothing at Qing Hua is fancy. But who needs frivolity when you can get what is, hands down, the best dumpling in the city? Isn't it what you came in for? Whether you opt for the fried or steamed version of this Chinese dish, you won't be disappointed. There are plenty of vegetarian options, and in fact, the tofu dumpling is one of their best-sellers. Treat yourself to an honest, simple yet extremely flavorful meal at Qing Hua. Your wallet will be thankful, and so will your taste buds."
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Pho Bang New York
Vietnamese restaurant · Downtown Montreal
"Get Your Pho on in Montreal While the map says it's located in Montreal 's Chinatown, do not let yourself be scared of labels. The area is more of a melting pot of several Asian cultures rather than the Chinese alone—luckily for us, if I do say so: the more the merrier! Pho Bang is one of the best Vietnamese eateries I've been in North America, and I'm positive it will rock your socks too. The decor, as in most Asian restaurants, is simple and even a little bit corny, but what does it matter when you are about to have the best pho of your life, right? Make sure to order #33—you can thank me later. The nems are out of this world! Insider's tip: Avoid the rush at lunch hour by arriving before 12 or after 1 in order to not be rushed by busy office workers."