Eating on a Budget – 5 Cheap Eats in Dublin | Study in Ireland

Looking for ways to eat well in Dublin without spending too much? Student Ambassador Yukta Kanoria proves you can enjoy great meals in the city on a student budget with her list of five must-try spots.

Eating on a Budget – 5 Cheap Eats in Dublin

Being a student usually comes with budgetary restrictions, especially in an overpriced city like Dublin. It is becoming increasingly difficult to balance spending between common student experiences such as eating out with friends, exploring the city and nights out.

It can feel as though prices are spiralling out of control, with even a casual meal with a friend costing €30 to €50. Fortunately, there are still places around the city centre that offer affordable meals with generous portions.

In this blog, I will introduce you to my five favourite finds this year, where you can enjoy a filling meal for around €10.

1. Chopped

With plenty of outlets across the city centre, Chopped is my go-to spot for a quick, healthy wrap when I am in a rush.

They offer a variety of salad bowls, smoothies, wraps and burritos. The wraps usually cost between €8 and €10, but do not forget to ask for a student discount which takes 10% off. The wraps are loaded with fresh vegetables, dressings and protein, with vegan and vegetarian options also available.

I highly recommend this place if you are looking for something healthy on the go.

2. KC Peaches

This is without a doubt the go-to place for Trinity students. It offers student discounts and a buffet-style arrangement with plenty of options. There is a salad bar and a hot food counter. You simply choose a box size, with three options available at different prices, and then fill it with whatever you like from the wide variety of dishes ranging from mac and cheese to beetroot and feta salad.

I opted for a medium salad bowl which cost me about €9. The food is of high quality and there is plenty of seating, with the lively ambience making it a great place to hang out.

As it is located very close to campus, takeaway is usually cheaper than eating in. If the weather is nice, it is a perfect chance to enjoy your food outside on the beautiful campus grounds.

3. Dunnes Food Hall – Salad Counter

This is the cheapest lunch option I have found so far in Dublin. It is similar to KC Peaches, but with more limited and less fresh options, although still tasty and with a good selection for vegetarians.

You choose from differently sized boxes, pay for the box, and then fit in as much food as you can. They have some excellent pesto and pine nut salad along with Mexican rice and mashed potato.

Boxes start from around €3 and go up to about €5. It is also worth getting a Dunnes card as it gives you further discounts and offers.

4. Tang

A sustainable food spot with a Middle Eastern twist, Tang is located on Dawson Street (near campus) and also has branches on Abbey Street and Fenian Street. Chances are you will find one nearby when out and about.

Their most popular dish is a flatbread wrap, with the bread made fresh in front of you. My friends love the Middle Eastern chicken wrap, but as a vegetarian, I can wholeheartedly recommend the crispy Lebanese bean wrap.

Do not forget to ask for the student discount.

Beware – wraps are not served at the weekend.

5. Boojum

This is the most popular Mexican-style eatery in Dublin, although not strictly authentic. Their burritos are a sell-out, with long queues during lunch hours. They offer a 10% student discount and a wide range of flavourful toppings.

It is a haven for spice lovers with hot salsa options (be careful with the naga chilli sauce) and a range of free hot sauces available at the condiment table. The burritos are very filling and can easily pass for a dinner-sized meal. With the student discount, I paid about €8.50 for a vegetable burrito. They also have a slightly more expensive vegan “pork” option, which has recently become my personal favourite.

The place has a cool, funky vibe and is perfect for testing your spice tolerance with friends.

Although Dublin can be expensive and often challenging for students on a budget, there are still plenty of affordable and delicious options worth exploring. These are just a few of the places I have grown fond of, and there are many more student-friendly spots across the city waiting to be discovered.

Yukta Kanoria is studying at Trinity College Dublin via Education in Ireland.