Kin’s Wok
7645 Granby st norfolk
757.423.2828

Located in a remarkably eclectic strip mall, Kin’s Wok is probably the freshest tasting and cheapest Chinese food I’ve ever eaten.

GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN LUNCH SPECIAL
Despite what’s been said about him, General Tso was remarkably brave and if you can match his mettle and order it extra-spicy, you’ll be in for a real treat. Note this is one of the more expensive lunch specials at a whopping $4.95—and that includes tax, fried rice, and your choice of soup or soda.

Del Vecchio’s
1080 W 47th st norfolk
440.9300

By far the most famous cheap eat on the menu. Ask any odu student where the bargains are and he or she will point you to del vecchio’s. Here they are well known for serving up don corleone-quality pizza at fredo prices.

SAUSAGE SLICE
The sausage is packed with fennel! The sauce is well-spiced and used in perfect ratio to the thin, yet chewy crust. Every day from 2-5 pm all slices are just $1. Tax included.

BITES Dining on a dime doesn't have to be bad.

Bayside Inn
2104 Pleasure house rd | VB
757.460.1593

If you’re in the mood for a dive bar, stop in to this hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese-owned redneck bar. Say hello to the full cast of colorful regulars—from shady rednecks to misanthropic youth and anyone trying to tie on a serious buzz.

TRADITIONAL PHILLY CHEESESTEAK
Best served with a cold PBR.

Great Saigon
5802 E VA Beach Blvd | Norfolk
757.455.5149

Although the low-priced dishes can reach as high as $7.00, they are served in practically inedibly large portions. Smells like victory! And cumin.

CURRIED SHRIMP LUNCH SPECIAL
It’s just awesome! The sauce is peppery and thick, like a good pork gravy, but with all the exotic flavors of the East and just a touch of the sea. It comes with crabmeat soup and a huge, soft spring roll for $7, tax included.

Mojito
300 28Th st | VB 757.233.6855

Founded by an ex-new york chef whose experience and eclecticism show though in every dish. While the prices may be steep for the average deal-seeker, the portions are huge and the dishes are world class.

CUBANO SANDWICH
A thick, grilled shredded-pork sandwich served with garlic sauce and extras including two kinds of plantain.

Mongolian Express
333 Waterside Dr, Norfolk
757.640.8616

Wow; we’ve arrived at the third Asian cheap eat. It seems immigrants from communist countries are naturals at keeping prices low. The staff at this Waterside eatery is no exception, with deals across the board from Chinese-style specials to traditional Mongolian barbecue. The achievement of this Zen-like balance of high-quality food and low cost is surely another victory for the proletariat.

BATTERED VEGETABLES
I usually get the “fried rice platter,” which is $3.25 and pairs its namesake with fried yam, fried broccoli, and two deliciously greasy egg rolls.

Tortilleria LA Morena Inc
11710 Jefferson Ave Newport News
757.594.6099

This is the quintessential food-find: affordable, surprising, and delicious. Oh, and find me another Mexican restaurant that makes fresh tortillas daily!

CHICKEN TOSTADAS
These are surely the best value; a classic tostada topped with three labored-over sauces. The most complex Mexican dish I’ve had at only $1.75 each.