If you’re on the hunt for the best cheap eats in Manchester for students, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a fresher exploring the city or a postgrad on a tight budget, Manchester is brimming with affordable, delicious food options that won’t break the bank.
Why Manchester is a Student Foodie Heaven
Manchester isn’t just known for its buzzing music scene, iconic football clubs, and rich history—it’s also a paradise for student foodies. With thousands of international students calling the city home each year, the food scene has evolved into a melting pot of global flavours. From Asian street food stalls to classic British cafes and quirky vegan joints, cheap eats in Manchester cater to every taste and dietary preference.
1. Bundobust – Indian Street Food & Craft Beer
📍 Oxford Street
💸 Average meal price: £6 – £10
Bundobust offers a modern twist on Indian street food in a casual setting. Their student-friendly prices, shared platters, and combo deals make it ideal for groups. Try their famous Vada Pav, Okra Fries, and Bhel Puri.
Why Students Love It:
- Vegetarian/vegan friendly
- Great atmosphere
- Fast service and cheap cocktails
2. Almost Famous – Dirty Burgers, Big Flavours
📍 Great Northern Warehouse
💸 Average meal price: £8 – £12
Burgers here are anything but basic. Think cheese-stuffed patties, waffle fries, and epic milkshakes. They often have student discount deals and loyalty perks.
Top Picks:
- Triple Nom Burger
- Bacon Bacon Fries
- Boozy shakes on a budget
3. This & That – The Curry Café Everyone Loves
📍 Soap Street (Northern Quarter)
💸 Average meal price: £4 – £6
Hidden in the backstreets, This & That is a Manchester legend. Their “rice and three” deal is famous—choose three curries (meat or veg) over rice, all for under a fiver.
Student Must-Know:
- Bring cash or use minimal-contact payment
- Rotating menu keeps things fresh
4. Archie’s – Pink Vibes and Affordable Burgers
📍 Multiple locations (Oxford Road, Piccadilly, Trafford)
💸 Average meal price: £6 – £10
Instagrammable interiors and affordable gourmet burgers are the name of the game at Archie’s. Their Cheesy Tots and Buttermilk Chicken Burgers are hits among students.
5. Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza
📍 Peter Street & Ancoats
💸 Average meal price: £7 – £9
Rudy’s is often rated as one of the best pizzerias in the UK. Pizzas are made fresh with imported Italian ingredients—and they’re incredibly affordable.
Pizza to Try:
- Margherita (just £6.90!)
- Calabrese with spicy nduja
6. Pancho’s Burritos – Quick Mexican Fix
📍 Arndale Market
💸 Average meal price: £5 – £8
Customisable burritos, quesadillas, and tacos loaded with your choice of fillings and sauces. Perfect for a filling lunch between lectures.
7. Go Falafel – Healthy & Hearty
📍 Oxford Road
💸 Average meal price: £4 – £7
Go Falafel offers fresh falafel wraps, hummus boxes, and smoothies at student-friendly prices. It’s also a great choice for vegan and halal diets.
8. V Rev – Vegan Junk Food Heaven
📍 Edge Street
💸 Average meal price: £6 – £10
Forget what you know about vegan food. V Rev serves vegan fried chicken, loaded mac & cheese, burgers, and donuts.
9. Jerk Junction – Caribbean Comfort Food
📍 Hulme
💸 Average meal price: £6 – £9
This hidden gem brings authentic jerk chicken, rice & peas, plantain, and patties to the heart of Manchester. Warm vibes and flavour-packed plates await.
10. Pieminister – British Pies on a Budget
📍 Church Street
💸 Average meal price: £6 – £9
Serving hearty pies with mash and gravy, Pieminister is perfect for those cold rainy days. They also offer student discounts and meal deals regularly.
11. Yard & Coop – Buttermilk Fried Chicken
📍 Northern Quarter
💸 Average meal price: £8 – £12
Known for juicy chicken dishes and huge portions. Look out for their Student Coop card for extra perks.
12. Tampopo – Pan-Asian Street Food
📍 Corn Exchange & Albert Square
💸 Average meal price: £7 – £10
With dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Japan, Tampopo offers a quick bite bursting with flavour.
13. Northern Soul Grilled Cheese
📍 Church Street
💸 Average meal price: £5 – £8
This quirky spot specialises in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches loaded with mac n cheese, BBQ pulled pork, and more.
14. Eighth Day Café – Vegetarian Wholefoods
📍 Oxford Road
💸 Average meal price: £4 – £7
A chilled co-op café offering wholesome vegetarian/vegan meals, soups, and sandwiches with a health-conscious twist.
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15. I Am Pho – Vietnamese Comfort Bowls
📍 George Street
💸 Average meal price: £6 – £9
Craving a warm bowl of pho or a fresh banh mi? This is the place to be. Great value and full of authentic flavours.
How to Eat Cheap in Manchester – Student Tips
🤑 Student Discount Apps
- UNiDAYS
- Student Beans
- TOTUM
📆 Meal Deals & Happy Hours
Many restaurants offer lunchtime specials or happy hour menus—perfect for saving money.
🍱 Meal Prep
Supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Tesco Express offer cheap ingredients for home cooking.
Top 10 Vegan Restaurants in London (Menus Included)
Cheap Eats Around Manchester Universities
📍 Near University of Manchester
- Go Falafel
- This & That
- Eighth Day Café
📍 Near Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)
- Bundobust
- Archie’s
- Rudy’s
📍 Near University of Salford
- Honest Crust Pizza (near MediaCity)
- Sugo Pasta Kitchen (Altrincham – short tram ride)
Best Markets and Food Halls for Cheap Eats
🍽️ Mackie Mayor
A trendy food hall with shared tables and options under £10 if you know what to order.
🌮 Arndale Market
From burritos to Chinese to bubble tea—cheap, cheerful, and always buzzing.
Local Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
- Cafe Marhaba – Another curry café near Piccadilly Gardens.
- Jasmine Grill – Middle Eastern shawarma and wraps near Rusholme.
- Falafel Express – Cheap and fast Lebanese food near Oxford Road.
Final Thoughts: Best Cheap Eats in Manchester for Students
Finding the best cheap eats in Manchester for students doesn’t have to be hard. With an exciting mix of local legends, global cuisines, and student specials scattered across the city, you’ll never go hungry on a budget. Manchester is the kind of city that proves good food doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
So next time you’re short on cash but big on appetite, skip the supermarket sandwiches and head to one of these student-friendly spots. Your wallet—and your stomach—will thank you.
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FAQs
Q1: What’s the cheapest place to eat in Manchester for students?
This & That café and Go Falafel are among the cheapest, with meals under £5.
Q2: Do these places offer student discounts?
Many do! Always ask or use apps like UNiDAYS or TOTUM.
Q3: Where can I get halal food on a budget?
Try Archie’s, Go Falafel, and Jasmine Grill for halal options.
Q4: Is there good vegan food for students in Manchester?
Absolutely. Check out V Rev, Eighth Day Café, and Bundobust.
Q5: Where can I eat near the University of Manchester?
Bundobust, Go Falafel, and This & That are all within walking distance.