Finding cheap eats in Quezon City isn’t hard. This place is loaded with carinderias, takeout counters, and budget-friendly chains on every corner. The real issue is figuring out which ones are actually worth your money.
Price means nothing if the food tastes like it came from a reheated buffet tray. Some meals look fine from the sidewalk. Then you sit down, the sauce tastes like simple syrup, and the rice has been drying out since sunrise.
This list cuts through the garbage and points you to places where you’ll get a legit Filipino meal without walking away pissed off or still hungry. Some are famous, some are hidden restaurants, but all of them are worth checking out.
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Table of Contents
Cheap Eats in Quezon City: Rodic’s
Silog meals are everywhere in the Philippines, but few have the legacy Rodic’s brings to the table. If you’re starting a cheap eats in QC crawl, there’s no better way to kick it off than with one of the OGs.
Rodic’s built its name serving shredded tapa with rice and egg long before anyone was calling it tapsilog. Founded in 1949 on the UP Diliman campus, they’ve since expanded across the NCR, with several branches still operating in Quezon City.
The classic shredded tapsilog combo still holds up, and sells for less than ₱150 or $2.60USD. You won’t get presentation or fanfare. You’ll get garlic rice, sweet shredded tapa, and a fried egg in a paper box. I’ve eaten thousands of Silog meals during my time in the Philippines and Rodic’s is still one of my favourites.
There are plenty of places that try to copy that style now. But Rodic’s is still around because it doesn’t pretend to be anything else. They have grown larger and expanded their menu to include classic pinoy food like caldereta, menudo, and dinuguan, but the original silog meals are still the best sellers.
Location: Multiple branches throughout Quezon City
Palma’s Lugawan
Palma’s Lugawan isn’t a chain, hell, it’s not even a marked restaurant on Google Maps. This is the kind of place you only find if you live in the barangay or follow their Facebook page.
It’s tucked into a side street in Bago Bantay in Quezon City near SM North Edsa. It’s an open air establishment that’s open 24 hours a day with a steady line of people waiting to try lugaw, rice meals, goto, and even batchoy. Locals line the benches along the open bar to the kitchen for their turn at a plastic bowl filled with their favorite Filipino comfort food. This is exactly the kind of cheap eats in Quezon City that locals keep to themselves.
Prices start at around ₱60 ($1.05) for a bowl of filling porridge or soup. Even an all-in lugaw that includes isaw, puso, twalya, and chicharron can be had for as little as ₱110 ($1.92). Is it pretty? Absolutely not. Are your western sensibilities going to be offended? My God I hope so. Is it worth giving yourself a mild stroke because you have been coddled your whole life? You’re Goddamn right it is. If affordable meals in Quezon City mean something to you, I highly suggest finding this place.
Location: Corner of Bukidnon and Ilocus Sur in Bago Bantay
Andok’s
If you’ve been in the country for longer than 10 minutes, you’ve heard of Andok’s. Their specialty is lechon manok, which is roasted chicken. Nobody does it better. Andok’s started in Quezon City, and today they’ve got more than 300 locations across the Philippines.
The menu now includes lechon baka (roasted beef belly), liempo (grilled pork belly), and more. I have no idea what they’re doing to those roast chickens, but they come out stupid moist, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. You can still get a jumbo chicken for ₱360 ($6.25).
And if you’re a knuckle-dragging North American that lost your shit and sat in massive lines for Popeye’s crappy spicy chicken sandwich, wait until you try Andok’s Dokito Burger. Easily the best chicken sandwich in the world. It blows Popeye’s soggy mess of a spicy chicken sandwich out of the water. And the best part? It still goes for ₱85 ($1.48) in-store. Online, the Andok’s delivery site lists it at ₱89 ($1.55).
How’s that for cheap eats in Quezon City?
Location: Multiple branches throughout Quezon City
Grilled Scallops in Quezon City
Don’t worry, I’m not sending you on a wild goose chase. Grilled scallops in Quezon City is literally the name of the business. It’s run by Ate Patricia and her husband Jeff and this is all set up roadside in front of their house located in Brgy. Bagong Pag-Asa. They’re open 6 days a week from 6:00PM – 11:00PM and I’ll let you take a guess what they are serving.
These aren’t just any scallops, these are grilled scallops stuffed with a sweet chili oil and topped with cheese. Ate Patricia and Kuya Jeff are slinging more than 2000 of these bad boys daily and they’re worth every centavo. And here is the best part, these babies work out to ₱12 ($0.20) each. Hell, they were at ₱10 each until early June 2025.
But it doesn’t begin and end at scallops. They also throw balut on the grill for ₱30 as well as Hungarian sausages and cheesy grilled potatoes for ₱60. For very little money you can have yourself a Filipino food feast in the heart of Quezon City with two of the most genuine and kind Filipinos you will ever meet.
Location: 140 Rd 1, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Morning Sun Carinderia
Carinderias are the Philippines version of a working class cafeteria and you will find them in every barangay of the country. Often times set up as an attachment on someone’s home. Really good ones will have grilling and frying stations and their sole purpose is to feed their communities familiar Filipino dishes at an affordable price.
Morning Sun Eatery in Project 4, Quezon City just so happens to be one of the best. Filipino chef JP Anglo even called this his favorite carinderia in Metro Manila. In my opinion, this place qualifies as one of the best restaurants in QC, not just carinderias. It’s small, it’s hectic, and there is food everywhere. I had dinakdakan here for the first time, and it was so good I was kicking myself for not trying it sooner. It’s the kind of cheap restaurant that proves Filipino food doesn’t need a bougie setting to be memorable.
The menu will often change daily, but you will always be able to find their signature Ilocano dishes like sinanglaw, kilawin kambing, and papaitan. Ulam or viands will run between ₱70–₱100 ($1.20-$1.75) and serving sizes are generous. And there’s an awesome sari-sari store next door if you’re craving a cold alcoholic beverage for a round of pulutan. Morning Sun Eatery may be my favorite spot on this entire list of cheap eats in Quezon City.
Location: 120 J.P. Rizal, Project 4, Quezon City, 1109 Kalakhang Maynila
Where to Stay in Quezon City
Luxury Accommodations: – Solaire Resort North↗ – Solaire Resort North in Quezon City offers luxury and adventure with its stunning architecture and world-class amenities. Enjoy waterparks, boutique shopping, wellness facilities, and live performances in one vibrant destination.
Mid-Range Accommodations: – Seda Vertis North↗ – Seda Vertis North offers upscale comfort with room service, club lounge, outdoor pool, spa massages. Enjoy cuisine at Misto’s restaurant and views at ‘Straight Up’ rooftop bar.
Budget Accommodations: – The Wesfame Suites↗ – The Wesfame Suites is ideal for two travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Guests can unwind at the outdoor pool or enjoy delicious meals at the on-site restaurant
Looking for other great places to stay in Quezon City? Use the search bar below to find more options!
Read Next: Where to Eat in Quezon City: 11 Must-Try Locations
Bak’s Tapsilugan
If you base your cheap restaurant experiences off of Google reviews you won’t want to go here. I on the other hand trust a Google review about as much as I trust an anti-vaxer, Donald Trump, and flat earthers combined. So for me, Bak’s Tapsilugan is a no brainer when I’m in the area
They serve multiple rice meal sets like tapsilog, tocilog, and lechonsilog that start at ₱85 ($1.50). And they also serve more classic Filipino dishes like kare-kare, chicken tinola, pancit, and many more starting at ₱160 ($2.80). But the reason you’re going is their coco sisig kineme.
This is a combination of two classic Filipino dishes. Bicol express and sisig. You still get the usual crispy pork edges from the sizzling plate, but now you also get the added coconut milk and chilies. It seems bizarre to me that nobody else is doing this because it works so well. An order of coco sisig kineme with rice and egg easily fits in your cheap eats in Quezon City budget.
Location: 133 Bukidnon, Bago Bantay, Quezon City, 1105 Kalakhang Maynila
Nano’s Tsiken Inasal
Chicken Inasal is a Filipino dish that originated in Bacolod in western Visayas and is now found throughout the country. There are countless inasal joints scattered all over Quezon City, but one in particular deserves a special mention: Nano’s Tsiken Inasal.
Nano’s got its start in Valenzuela but has now made QC its home. The family has roots in both Cebu and Luzon, and their version of inasal is unlike anything else you will find. You have the classic marinade of vinegar, soy sauce, annatto etc. But Nano’s inasal has a beautiful lemongrass undertone and strong peppery flavor. It’s unlike any inasal I have ever had.
The menu isn’t large and consists of Filipino rice meals built around a grill. Inasal, pork bbq, and liempo to name a few. They also make their own homemade hot sauces and vinegars which are fantastic. Individual meals start at ₱79 ($1.38) and top out at ₱149 ($2.60). It’s one of the most affordable meals on our list of cheap eats in Quezon City.
Location: 21 Rd 8, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Albeth Bakehouse
You can find Filipino bakeries every time you turn around in Quezon City, but I’m writing this post, so I am talking about my favourite: Albeth Bakehouse. They have locations throughout Metro Manila with several in QC. Albeth is far from being the biggest name in the baked goods game, but with that comes more affordability.
You will find all of the usual suspects. Ensaymada, hopia, Spanish bread, and pianono. But I highly recommend trying their kalahim and egg pie. Two of my favorites from Albeth when they are available. Everything is made fresh daily and everything on display will be between ₱5–₱50 ($0.08-$0.87), so if you’re broke or just hungry between meals, this is one of the best cheap eats in Quezon City.
Location: Multiple branches throughout Quezon City
Nanai Vicky Carinderia
Nanai Vicky is a tiny carinderia located near Grass Residences in Quezon City. The chances are that even if you live in Grass Residences, you have no idea of its existence. They have no online presence and no physical address. Nanai Vicky doesn’t exist for all intent and purposes.
Grass tends to be a magnet for foreigners looking for long term stays in QC, so I highly suggest you seek this place out. Walk out of gate two or three. Ask the security guards where Nanai Vicky is, and they will point you to her. If you’re local and want to give it a shot, she is located on Nueva Viscaya almost directly across the street from gate 2.
Her food is as solid as can be and everything she sells is an affordable meal. Added bonus that she is also the sweetest woman you will ever meet. Her ulams range from ₱55–₱90 ($0.96–$1.57), and on my last visit I had three dishes, steamed rice, and a bottled water for less than ₱170 ($3). Does that qualify for cheap eats in Quezon City to you?
Location: On Nueva Viscaya across the street from Grass Residences Gate 2
Pares Retiro
Pares Retiro isn’t some secret hole-in-the-wall. It’s a fast-casual Filipino restaurant chain with multiple branches, and the one on Retiro (N.S. Amoranto) is the flagship.
They built their name off sizzling plate meals. Everything comes out smoking, literally. Sisig, lechon kawali, chicken barbecue, and bone marrow, served with rice, egg, soup, and atsara. Every individual meal lands between ₱99–₱230 ($1.73–$4.02), which makes it a go-to if you’re looking for solid Filipino food without spending much.
The vibe inside feels like a cafeteria on steroids. Lots of seats, fast turnover, and a staff that keeps it moving. You’re not here for luxury. You’re here to eat a hot meal, get full, and bounce. Pure McDonald’s vibes but the food is actually good.
It’s not the cheapest spot on this list, but for what you get, it’s still one of the top-value meals in Quezon City.
Location: Multiple branches throughout Quezon City
Ben’s Halo-Halo Ice Cream
Halo-halo is the most famous Filipino dessert for a reason, and if you’re hunting cheap eats in Quezon City, Ben’s gives you a version you won’t forget. Here they do a spicy version with chopped and whole Thai chilies. Not into heat? Most locals aren’t either. So they’ve got the classic version too.
Ben’s is located in the La Loma area and they also serve pastas, salads and other pika-pika food. You can make this a one stop shop for lunch and dessert with halox2 starting at ₱105 ($1.83) with pasta and sandwiches also starting at ₱105. Pika-pika items start at ₱50 ($0.87).
Location: 159 Kanlaon St, Santa Mesa Heights, Quezon City, 1114 Metro Manila
Original Pares Mami House
This branch claims to be the original. So do two other branches nearby with the same name. Only one of them is the original, and it’s not this one. But the food is still solid.
Pares is an extremely popular Filipino street food and that’s what they do here served with garlic rice. They also do pares mami. the mami version is a clear beef broth soup with noodles that they add pares beef to. I must say, it is very respectable
Pares meals start ₱175 ($3.06). The actual Original Pares Mami House on the same street has identical pricing. So if pares is on your list of cheap eats in Quezon City check one or both of them out.
Location: Metro Manila 441 North, 443 N.S. Amoranto Sr. St, Santa Mesa Heights, Quezon City, 1114 Metro Manila
Burger Machine
If you see one of these colorful roadside burger stalls you have to stop if only for the experience. They’ve been around since the early 80’s and were the first 24 hour food establishment in the Philippines. Burger Machine has fed generations of broke students, cab drivers, and random night owls who think ₱50 still gets you dinner. And somehow, it still does.
The burgers are the farthest thing from gourmet you will find, but that’s how it’s supposed to be. Frozen paper thin patties slapped on a griddle in their makeshift stall, a little bit of condiments, then slap it in between a couple pieces of almost laughable bread. Sounds ridiculous and looks even more ridiculous. But surprisingly they are actually tasty ass burgers. You will never sing their praises, but I promise you will never forget them and will probably even crave them from time to time.
You wanted cheap eats in Quezon city? Here it is. Double chicken burger for ₱50 ($0.87). You thought they were done? GTFOH, take two of those damn chicken burgers for ₱50. That’s right, buy one take one. Craving a jumbo cheeseburger? Boom, take two of them for ₱71 ($1.24). Hungry, broke or just a late night drunk craving, Burger Machine has an affordable meal for you.
Location: Multiple branches throughout Quezon City
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Cheap Eats in Quezon-Honorable Mentions
Not every cheap eat in Quezon City needs a full write-up. Some spots didn’t make the main list because of limited footage or because they only serve one dish worth mentioning. But they still deserve a quick shout out.
Buen Comer Poquellas: Located in Maginhawa this open air establishment serves a kare-kare burrito that you’d punch a child for. At ₱318 ($5.56) it’s definitely pricier than all of our other cheap eats in Quezon City, but totally worth it
Campfire Burgers & More – Sct Limbaga: This isn’t the cheapest burger joint in Quezon City and why it lands in honorable mentions. But plenty of meals can still be had for under ₱200 ($3.49). Campfire grills real patties, loads up fresh toppings, and offers rice meals and sausages too.
Cheap Eats in Quezon City-Final Verdict
This list barely scratches the surface of cheap eats in Quezon City. From sizzling street-side pares to a burger stand that somehow still sells two for ₱50, this list proves solid Filipino food doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Whether you’re a student, night owl, or just tired of overpriced food with stupid names, QC has your back.
Got your own favorite budget meal spot in QC that didn’t make the cut? Drop it in the comments. Just don’t get cute and say Jollibee.
Cheap Eats in Quezon City-FAQ
What counts as cheap eats in Quezon City?
Anything under ₱200 fits the bill here. A few spots stretch a bit higher, but the value still makes them worth mentioning.
Are these restaurants sit-down or takeout only?
Some are full dine-in setups, others are street stalls or roadside counters. Each one earned its spot for the food, not the furniture.
Where exactly are these places located?
I’ve listed specific address info when possible. For stalls or chains with multiple branches, I noted that too. No scavenger hunts here.
Is this list ranked or in any order?
Nope. These aren’t ranked. They’re grouped to cover variety. Try one or try them all depending on what you’re in the mood for.
