Cheap Eats in Brisbane CBD: 3 Lunches Under $16
Working or studying in Brisbane on a budget? These three CBD lunch spots appear in Brisbane's official dining guide (May 2026) and usually cost less than $16.
1. Govinda's Pure Vegetarian (George Street)
A Brisbane favourite for filling vegetarian food. The guide lists a regular feast meal for $12.
2. Steamed (Turbot Street)
A good pick if you love dumplings. Mix and match six dumplings and one bun for $12.
3. Vege Rama (Post Office Square)
Quick, healthy and handy for office workers. A medium hot dish and salad combo costs $15.90.
More cheap options
The same guide also mentions The Bagel Boys on George Street (chipotle chicken bagel, $12.50) and the Brisbane City Markets on Queen Street, with some options under $10. Time Out Brisbane (January 2026) adds Roti Place in the CBD, with roti from $12.40, and Vietnam House in Fortitude Valley, with lunch noodle and rice dishes from $13.
Getting around for less
The Spring Hill Loop and City Loop buses are free. The City Loop runs every 10 minutes on weekdays.
Translink fares are a flat 50 cents across all zones and modes.
Tips for eating well on a budget
Go at lunch. Many city spots offer lunch deals that cost less than the same dish at dinner.
Share and mix. Dumplings, rotis and rice dishes are easy to share, so you can try more for less.
Carry a water bottle. Free water is easy to find, and you'll skip $4–5 bottles.
Plan your week. Pick one or two cheap lunches out and cook the rest. Your savings add up quickly over a Working Holiday.
Follow your favourites. Many small venues post daily specials on social media.
Before you go
Prices and opening hours change, so check the venue's own page or social media before you head out.
More cheap eats
In Sydney? Try our Thaitown cheap eats guide.
Sources
Brisbane City Council dining guide, "Lunch for every budget" (dine.brisbane.qld.au, 20 May 2026)
Time Out Brisbane, "The best cheap eats in Brisbane" (21 January 2026)
Translink, "Bus, train, ferry and tram". Visit Brisbane, "Getting around Brisbane"
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