Boston’s culinary scene is a vibrant blend of global flavors and New England classics, offering budget-friendly dishes that are as delicious as they are affordable. From bustling food trucks to cozy delis, the city is packed with options for those looking to eat well without spending much. Below, we’ve curated a list of 10 must-try dishes under $10, backed by customer reviews and local food guides. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these affordable eats will introduce you to the heart of Boston’s food culture.

1. Clam Chowder from Boston Chowda Co

  • Restaurant: Boston Chowda Co

  • Description: A creamy New England clam chowder served in a bread bowl, packed with clams, potatoes, and herbs.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Boston Chowda Co is a go-to for authentic New England fare, and their chowder is a city staple. Yelp reviewers praise its “rich, creamy texture” and “generous clam portions,” with one saying, “It’s the perfect Boston experience!” At $7.95, it’s a warm, comforting classic.

  • Price: $7.95

  • Location: 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199

2. Falafel Wrap from Amsterdam Falafel

  • Restaurant: Amsterdam Falafel

  • Description: A warm pita wrap filled with crispy falafel, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and tahini sauce.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Amsterdam Falafel is a Harvard Square favorite for Middle Eastern street food. Yelp reviewers call the wrap “fresh and flavorful,” with one noting, “The falafel is perfectly crispy and the sauce is amazing.” At $7.50, it’s a hearty vegetarian option.

  • Price: $7.50

  • Location: 65 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138

3. Tacos from Taquería Jalisco

  • Restaurant: Taquería Jalisco

  • Description: Two soft corn tacos filled with your choice of carne asada, al pastor, or veggies, topped with onions and cilantro.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: This East Boston gem serves authentic Mexican street food. Yelp reviewers rave about the “juicy, flavorful” tacos, with one saying, “Two tacos for $6 is a steal!” It’s a quick, delicious bite that showcases Boston’s Mexican community.

  • Price: $6 (for two)

  • Location: 291 Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128

4. Pastrami Sandwich from Sam LaGrassa’s

  • Restaurant: Sam LaGrassa’s

  • Description: A half-size pastrami sandwich with lean pastrami, mustard, and Swiss cheese on rye bread.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Sam LaGrassa’s is a Downtown Boston legend for its deli sandwiches. Yelp reviewers describe the pastrami as “melt-in-your-mouth tender,” with one noting, “The half sandwich is plenty for lunch!” At $9, it’s a classic deli experience.

  • Price: $9

  • Location: 44 Province St, Boston, MA 02108

5. Veggie Combo from The Halal Guys

  • Restaurant: The Halal Guys

  • Description: A small platter with falafel, rice, pita, lettuce, tomatoes, and white sauce.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: The Halal Guys bring their famous New York-style street food to Boston. Yelp reviewers love the “generous portions” and “creamy white sauce,” with one saying, “It’s a filling vegetarian meal for under $10.” At $9.95, it’s a great value.

  • Price: $9.95

  • Location: 1370 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

6. Bánh Mì from Phuoc Hoa

  • Restaurant: Phuoc Hoa

  • Description: A Vietnamese sandwich with pork, pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and mayo on a crusty baguette.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Phuoc Hoa in Dorchester is a go-to for authentic Vietnamese fare. Yelp reviewers call the bánh mì “fresh and flavorful,” with one noting, “It’s the best deal in town for $6.50!” It’s a perfect quick lunch.

  • Price: $6.50

  • Location: 1356 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02122

7. Pizza Slice from Galleria Umberto

  • Restaurant: Galleria Umberto

  • Description: A large slice of Sicilian-style cheese pizza with a thick, crispy crust.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: This North End institution is famous for its cash-only, no-frills pizza. Yelp reviewers praise the “perfectly cheesy” slices, with one saying, “One slice is enough for a meal!” At $2.50, two slices are a steal.

  • Price: $2.50 per slice (two for $5)

  • Location: 289 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

8. Empanadas from Vejigantes

  • Restaurant: Vejigantes

  • Description: Two Puerto Rican empanadas filled with beef, chicken, or cheese, served with a side of salsa.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Vejigantes in the South End celebrates Puerto Rican cuisine with its crispy empanadas. Yelp reviewers describe them as “flaky and packed with flavor,” with one noting, “Two for $7 is perfect for a quick bite.”

  • Price: $7 (for two)

  • Location: 57 W Dedham St, Boston, MA 02118

9. Lobster Roll (Small) from Luke’s Lobster

  • Restaurant: Luke’s Lobster

  • Description: A small lobster roll with fresh Maine lobster, mayo, and a touch of lemon butter on a toasted bun.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Luke’s Lobster offers a taste of New England’s seafood tradition at a budget-friendly price. Yelp reviewers call the small roll “fresh and delicious,” with one saying, “It’s a great deal for lobster in Boston!” At $9.50, it’s a luxurious yet affordable treat.

  • Price: $9.50

  • Location: 75 Exeter St, Boston, MA 02116

10. Chicken Shawarma Pita from Boston Shawarma

  • Restaurant: Boston Shawarma

  • Description: A pita sandwich filled with marinated chicken shawarma, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and garlic sauce.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Boston Shawarma in Allston is a favorite for Middle Eastern street food. Yelp reviewers praise the “tender, juicy” chicken and “addictive garlic sauce,” with one saying, “It’s a filling meal for a great price.” At $8.95, it’s a flavorful option.

  • Price: $8.95

  • Location: 315 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115

Boston’s food scene is a celebration of diversity and flavor, and these 10 dishes under $10 showcase the city’s culinary richness. From the creamy clam chowder at Boston Chowda Co to the crispy falafel wrap at Amsterdam Falafel, there’s something for every palate and budget. Whether you’re craving a quick taco or a hearty lobster roll, these affordable eats promise a delicious experience. Dive into Boston’s vibrant food culture and savor these must-try dishes!

Price Comparison Table

Dish Restaurant Price Location
Clam Chowder Boston Chowda Co $7.95 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199
Falafel Wrap Amsterdam Falafel $7.50 65 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Tacos Taquería Jalisco $6 (for two) 291 Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128
Pastrami Sandwich Sam LaGrassa’s $9 44 Province St, Boston, MA 02108
Veggie Combo The Halal Guys $9.95 1370 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Bánh Mì Phuoc Hoa $6.50 1356 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02122
Pizza Slice Galleria Umberto $2.50 per slice (two for $5) 289 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113
Empanadas Vejigantes $7 (for two) 57 W Dedham St, Boston, MA 02118
Lobster Roll (Small) Luke’s Lobster $9.50 75 Exeter St, Boston, MA 02116
Chicken Shawarma Pita Boston Shawarma $8.95 315 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115