Houston’s culinary scene is a vibrant melting pot of global flavors, offering budget-friendly dishes that are as delicious as they are affordable. From food trucks to neighborhood gems, 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 Houston’s food culture.

1. Tacos Al Pastor from Tacos Tierra Caliente

  • Restaurant: Tacos Tierra Caliente

  • Description: Two soft corn tacos filled with marinated pork, pineapple, onions, and cilantro, served with salsa.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: This West Alabama food truck is a Houston favorite for authentic Mexican street tacos. Yelp reviewers praise the “juicy, flavorful” al pastor, with one saying, “Two tacos for $5 is unbeatable!” It’s a quick, delicious bite that showcases Houston’s taco culture.

  • Price: $5 (for two)

  • Location: 2003 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098

2. Bánh Mì from Don Café Sandwich

  • Restaurant: Don Café Sandwich

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

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Don Café in Houston’s Chinatown is a go-to for affordable Vietnamese fare. Yelp reviewers call the bánh mì “fresh and packed with flavor,” with one noting, “It’s a steal for $6.50!” It’s a perfect quick lunch that highlights Houston’s Vietnamese community.

  • Price: $6.50

  • Location: 9300 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036

3. Fried Chicken Biscuit from The Breakfast Klub

  • Restaurant: The Breakfast Klub

  • Description: A fluffy biscuit sandwich with a crispy fried chicken tender, served with honey or hot sauce.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: This Midtown soul food spot is famous for its Southern comfort food. Yelp reviewers love the “crispy, juicy” chicken and “perfectly flaky” biscuit, with one saying, “It’s a hearty breakfast for $8!” It’s a Houston classic.

  • Price: $8

  • Location: 3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002

4. Falafel Pita from Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine

  • Restaurant: Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine

  • Description: A pita sandwich stuffed with crispy falafel, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and tahini sauce.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Aladdin is a Montrose favorite for Middle Eastern fare. Yelp reviewers call the falafel pita “fresh and flavorful,” with one noting, “It’s filling and only $7.99!” It’s a great vegetarian option that reflects Houston’s diverse food scene.

  • Price: $7.99

  • Location: 912 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006

5. Ph? Gà from Ph? Saigon

  • Restaurant: Ph? Saigon

  • Description: A small bowl of Vietnamese chicken ph? with rice noodles, herbs, bean sprouts, and a fragrant broth.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Ph? Saigon is a Houston staple for authentic Vietnamese noodle soup. Yelp reviewers praise the “aromatic broth” and “fresh ingredients,” with one saying, “The small bowl is perfect for $9.50.” It’s a warm, comforting meal.

  • Price: $9.50

  • Location: 2808 Milam St, Houston, TX 77006

6. BBQ Brisket Taco from The Pit Room

  • Restaurant: The Pit Room

  • Description: A single taco with slow-smoked brisket, pickled onions, and barbecue sauce on a flour tortilla.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: The Pit Room is a Montrose gem for Texas-style barbecue. Yelp reviewers rave about the “tender, smoky” brisket, with one saying, “One taco for $5 is a great deal!” It’s a taste of Houston’s BBQ culture.

  • Price: $5

  • Location: 1201 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006

7. 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 street food to Houston’s Galleria area. Yelp reviewers love the “generous portions” and “addictive white sauce,” with one saying, “It’s a filling veggie meal for $9.95.” It’s a great value.

  • Price: $9.95

  • Location: 3821 Farnham St, Houston, TX 77098

8. Pupusas from El Salvador Restaurant

  • Restaurant: El Salvador Restaurant

  • Description: Two Salvadoran pupusas filled with cheese, beans, or pork, served with curtido (pickled cabbage).

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: This Southwest Houston spot is loved for its authentic Salvadoran cuisine. Yelp reviewers call the pupusas “crispy and cheesy,” with one noting, “Two for $6 is a perfect snack!” It’s a taste of Houston’s Central American community.

  • Price: $6 (for two)

  • Location: 9811 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77036

9. Bulgogi Bao Bun from Oh My Gogi

  • Restaurant: Oh My Gogi

  • Description: Two steamed bao buns filled with Korean-style bulgogi beef, kimchi, and scallions.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: This food truck turned restaurant is a Houston favorite for Korean fusion. Yelp reviewers praise the “tender, flavorful” bulgogi, with one saying, “Two buns for $7 is a great deal!” It’s a fun, affordable bite.

  • Price: $7 (for two)

  • Location: 2313 Edwards St, Houston, TX 77007

10. Crawfish Étouffée (Small) from BB’s Tex-Orleans

  • Restaurant: BB’s Tex-Orleans

  • Description: A small bowl of Cajun crawfish étouffée with a rich, spicy roux, served with rice.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: BB’s brings Louisiana flavors to Houston with its Creole dishes. Yelp reviewers call the étouffée “soul-warming” and “packed with crawfish,” with one noting, “The small portion for $9 is perfect.” It’s a taste of Houston’s Gulf Coast ties.

  • Price: $9

  • Location: 2701 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007

Houston’s food scene is a celebration of diversity and flavor, and these 10 dishes under $10 showcase the city’s culinary richness. From the sizzling tacos at Tacos Tierra Caliente to the soul-warming crawfish étouffée at BB’s Tex-Orleans, there’s something for every palate and budget. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a hearty meal, these affordable eats promise a delicious experience. Dive into Houston’s vibrant food culture and savor these must-try dishes!

Price Comparison Table

Dish Restaurant Price Location
Tacos Al Pastor Tacos Tierra Caliente $5 (for two) 2003 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098
Bánh Mì Don Café Sandwich $6.50 9300 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036
Fried Chicken Biscuit The Breakfast Klub $8 3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
Falafel Pita Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine $7.99 912 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
Ph? Gà Ph? Saigon $9.50 2808 Milam St, Houston, TX 77006
BBQ Brisket Taco The Pit Room $5 1201 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006
Veggie Combo The Halal Guys $9.95 3821 Farnham St, Houston, TX 77098
Pupusas El Salvador Restaurant $6 (for two) 9811 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77036
Bulgogi Bao Bun Oh My Gogi $7 (for two) 2313 Edwards St, Houston, TX 77007
Crawfish Étouffée (Small) BB’s Tex-Orleans $9 2701 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007