THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN’S MAIN CAMPUS IS SITUATED ON TREATY 6 TERRITORY AND THE HOMELAND OF THE MÉTIS.
THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN’S MAIN CAMPUS IS SITUATED ON TREATY 6 TERRITORY AND THE HOMELAND OF THE MÉTIS.
Some delicious local bites that are budget-friendly and might have flown under your radar!
Saskatoon might not have the reputation of a foodie hotspot, but our humble city boasts the most restaurants per capita in Canada. With so many options, I’ve curated a list of my favourite cheap eats to help fellow students find the best bang for their buck. I know how rough student life can get, and a good meal always makes any day better!
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’ve scoured Reddit and Facebook groups for hidden gems, and I’m confident there’s something on this list for everyone.
Each spot on this list meets the following standards:
These are all places I’ve personally tried and would happily return to.
255 3rd Ave S
Number One Noodle House is one of my go-to spots for a satisfying and affordable meal. Located downtown, this unassuming family-owned restaurant serves up some of the best handmade noodles in the city. The noodles are made fresh in-house, sometimes with the help of a slightly eerie-looking robot in the back (yes, really).
The restaurant keeps things simple: menus are tucked under the glass tabletops, and there’s always an entertaining Chinese cooking show playing on the TVs. Unlike many Chinese restaurants that all serve the same basic dishes, Number One Noodle House specializes in authentic Shanxi and Chongqing-style cuisine, meaning you’re bound to try something new.
I highly recommend any of their noodle dishes, but my personal favourite is the cold steamed noodles with garlic sauce for only $10.99. The noodles have a perfect chewy texture, and the sauce is so good I could drink it straight from the bowl. On a hot day, this dish is incredibly refreshing.
626 Broadway Ave
Gangsters Italian Sandwiches serves, in my opinion, the best sandwiches in the city. Located on Broadway, this small but mighty shop offers high-quality, flavour-packed sandwiches at the same price as a mediocre Subway footlong. All of the sandwiches are under $13.
The owner’s passion for his craft is undeniable. If you walk in, there’s a high chance you’ll be greeted by him, and he’ll probably strike up a conversation. His enthusiasm for food and people is part of what makes this place so special.
Their menu is simple, featuring a handful of classics plus a rotating weekly special and a vegetarian option. A fan favorite is the classic meatball sandwich for just $11, made using the owner’s great-grandmother’s recipe. Anything with their signature basil mayo is also a winner.
Gangsters’ Instagram bio perfectly sums up the vibe: “There is nothing better than family, friends, and good food. If what I cook can make someone smile, then that is better than any paycheque.”
2105 8th St E
For delicious, affordable Indian food close to campus, Tamarind Restaurant is a top choice. Located on 8th Street and Preston, they offer all the classic Indian dishes you’d expect, plus a standout selection of dosas.
Dosas, a popular dish from Southern India, are thin, crispy crepes made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often filled with spiced potatoes and served with curry. At Tamarind, you can get a masala dosa with two small curries for just $12.49. They also serve Oothappam, a savory pancake topped with onion and tomato, at only $7.99 for two.
And let’s not forget their mango lassi for just $3! A house-made drink under $5? That’s almost unheard of these days.
255 2nd Ave S
I haven’t actually tried the beer at Shelter Brewing Company, but I have tried the tacos—and that’s why it made this list.
Dylan and Cam’s Taqueria, which started as a food truck, now operates out of Shelter, bringing fresh and flavorful Mexican-inspired eats to the space. The ambiance is cozy, with warm lighting, plenty of plants and an indie playlist setting the mood.
They offer five taco varieties: carnitas, birria, chicken asado, papas (soy protein and potato) and sweet potato. Each taco is just $3.50, and every order comes with two house-made salsas. If you visit on Taco Tuesday, you get a buy-three-get-one-free deal.
The tacos are fresh, flavorful and nothing like the overly Westernized versions you’ll find elsewhere. If you’re extra hungry, their burritos, which slightly exceed the budget at $15 are highly praised, especially the birria one. And if you’re looking for an affordable drink, their 473ml in-house beers are just $5, which I definitely need to go back for.
1205 22nd St W
Bannock Express is one of the only places in Saskatoon serving Indigenous cuisine. This local, Indigenous-owned business specializes in bannock burgers with creative flavors, including vegetarian options.
Founder Rachel Smith is a passionate entrepreneur and mother who turned her love for cooking into a thriving business. She also runs a prepaid meal program where customers can buy a meal for someone in need for just $6.50. These meals are posted on a bulletin board, allowing anyone in need to claim one, which is her way of giving back to the community.
All of their burgers are $10 or under, and they are hefty. Standouts include the Auntie Burger ($7.75), featuring spicy Saskatoon berry jam, and the Bannock Mac ($10), a play on McDonald’s Big Mac but with bannock instead of a bun.
613 8th St E
Japashack brings a Japanese twist to fast food, operating from the first floor of Oreno Japanese BBQ on 8th Street as a takeout-only spot.
Their burgers feature Japanese-style meats like Kobe beef and karaage, paired with pickled carrots, lettuce and house-made sauces. They also offer fries with unique Japanese flavours that are just as popular as the burgers.
The Volcano Burger is a fan favourite, and at just $7.95 you can grab it as a combo with fries for $10.45. Their vegetarian option, the Vege Kakiage Burger, is topped with crispy vegetable tempura. No matter what you order, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings!
Whether you’re a Saskatoon native or just moved here for school, I hope this guide helps you discover some amazing local eats without breaking the bank. Bon appétit!!
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