Favorite Meal Under $10?

[Jennalynn]

Saw this on another board thought it would be a great topic here.

And I could use some great new bargain eats.

Let's say under $10... tax and tip NOT included.

[RicRios]

Margarita's Place
103 East 7th Street Los Angeles, CA 90014‎
[phone]
Open 24/7.
As solid as it gets:
Costillas en salsa roja (o verde)
Mole
Menudo
&etc

All $6.00, delivered.
Best deal in town.
And I'm not shilling.

[mikkel obe]

samosa house - combo plate
mendocino farms - steak BLT
uncle bill's pancake house - omelette + pancakes + hash browns
bay cities - godmother w/the works
phillips bar-B-que II - beef ribs
mandarin house - potstickers (they are ginormous)

[raizans]

let's start another one of these threads. we have under $5 and under $10.

what would you say is the next price point or range?

under $15? or $15-20? maybe something else?

[westsidegal]

since food prices are rising, i second your idea.

[rcompton]

Zamzam market. Beef kabob or biryani and rice pudding. Still can't figure out why nobody knows this place.

11028 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232

[maxzook]

Maybe because you didn't link it ? ;p

-----
Zam Zam Market
11028 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

[meg3325]

Teriyaki House (across the street from Virgil Middle School) - teriyaki burger, fried rice and drink combo $6.00.

[Servorg]

Place link

-----
Teriyaki House
3560 W 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90004

[PommeDeGuerre]

How does this list get this big without mentioning Dino's Burgers? Get the El Pollo Maniaco Plate. Half a char-grilled chicken, a boat load of fries, all covered in a spicy vinegar based sauce, cole slaw, and three corn tortillas for $5.50, including tax. Delicious and enough food for two meals.

[Servorg]

Because I (and several other hounds) included it on the "Favorite $5 Meal" thread: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6961...

[PommeDeGuerre]

Like I said, why isn't it on the < $10 thread? That is actually an UNDER $5 thread, and last time I checked, 5.5 > 5, and with a drink the meal is more like 7.5, but thanks for pointing out that it's now on the right thread.

[monku]

Just discovered this bargain at Tapioca Express.
Who knew they served hot food cooked to order.

$5.99 for the Osaka pork and includes a regular size black or green iced tea. Huge curry pork tonkotsu on a large bed of rice with some cabbage and corn stir fried with garlic (see the pic).

They got an Osaka chicken and other combination plates available for $5.50. Includes a regular iced black or green tea.

Tapioca Express San Gabriel
800 W Las Tunas Dr. #100
San Gabriel, CA 91776
[phone]
http://www.tapiocaexpress.ws/

-----
Las Tunas Restaurant
3603 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

[ozhead]

The layout of appetizers at Hummus Bar & Grill in Tarzana (or maybe Encino? Who can keep them straight?) is an amazing bargain for $9.99.

[coffeebrownies]

I am glad this topic came back to life, because yesterday we had an astonishing feast at India's Sweets and Spices on Venice Blvd. for 4 people, for $28.00. The food was lovely, interesting, and fresh. I had never had jackfruit curry before!

[silverlakebodhisattva]

$10 at ISS (either Venice or Los Feliz) gets so much food that you can hurt yourself...

[maudies5]

Lovely, clean-tasting Ramen at Chabuya on Sawtelle. I believe it is $6.50. I believe most dishes are under $10.00. This restaurant never ceases to amaze me. It is so pristine; every dish is beautifully executed. I always leave Chabuya feeling quite satisfied and delighted by the bottom line on the check.

-----
Chabuya
2002 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

[westsidegal]

do yourself a favor and also try the jackfruit curry served at Samosa House (on washington near berryman, about 7 minutes southwest of india sweets and spices)

-----
Samosa House
11510 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA

[bulavinaka]

And don't forget to chase is down with a mango lassi. :)

[coffeebrownies]

Thanks--I will! I have to admit, though, that I preferred a paneer curry that I also had on Saturday at ISS--that one has me planning my return trip.

[westsidegal]

part of the menu at samosa house rotates, meaning that every dish is not available every day.
they offer a terrific paneer curry as part of the rotation.
the jackfruit, on the other hand, is always available.

can't remember if bawarchi also offers a paneer curry, but if they do, it is sure to be excellent.

another great rendition of paneer curry can be found in the south bay at al noor on inglewood blvd just north of the 405 freeway.

[coffeebrownies]

The funny think about our venture to ISS is that we were with a young Londoner and had just sworn that we wouldn't take him to eat Indian, and that our Indian food was not worthy. However, ISS had enough of the spirit and certainly budget that it was a merry meal (and it didn't hurt that it was less than a block from the Museum of Jurassic Technology, where we had spent the afternoon). But, on a less serendipitous outing, I will drag someone with me to Samosa House!

-----
Samosa House
11510 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA

[westsidegal]

the paneer tikka masala is being served today, 5/25 at samosa house.

[d_doubleyew]

Downtown LA workday lunches:

Starry Kitchen: Crispy Tofu Balls Banh Mi with Sesame Slaw
http://www.starrykitchen.com/

Sultan Chicken: Veggie Plate or Lula/Kofta Plate
http://www.sultanchicken.com/

Mendocino Farms: Lamb Sandwich or Highway 128 Sandwich
http://mendocinofarms.com/

Sandwich Shop: Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich
http://www.sandwichshopla.com/

Weeneez: LA Hottie
http://www.weeneez.com/pop.htm

Bottega Louie: Sandwiches and sliders to go
http://www.bottegalouie.com/

-----
Weeneez
500 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Sultan
311 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Sandwich Shop
531 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Bottega Louie
700 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Mendocino Farms
444 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90071

[bulavinaka]

That lamb sandwich at Mendocino Farms is really good. In fact, I've yet to be disappointed with any of their sandwiches. I think I've had a half-dozen different ones so far and they all delivered goodness an freshness at the same time.

[silverlakebodhisattva]

Tacos Guerrero, 8th and Broadway Chicken burrito and horchata: $5.50, including tax (no website at that price!) Get there before about 1:30 pm; they run out of the chicken "stew" sometimes...

[d_doubleyew]

Thanks for the tip, silverlakebodhisattva! I will try it out this week.

[Ginger9]

It's a chain restaurant, but Panera Bread has great, wholesome options all for under $10. I like their soup selections, good salads and great sandwiches. My favorite sandwiches: Napa Almond Chicken, and turkey artichoke Panini. Favorite soups: French onion and Pesto garden vegetable. I think they only have locations on the west side (Santa Monica, Marina, Westchester and Torrance).

-----
Panini Cafe
9601 Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

[maxzook]

According to their website there are at least twenty Panera outlets in L.A. County; I'm familiar with Studio City, North Hollywood, Glendale and Pasadena. I appreciate that unlike most chains, they tweak their menus on an ongoing basis to add new items. Personally I prefer their soups and salads, the bread for their sandwiches is freshly baked but a bit bland.

-----
Panera Bread
12131 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

[SauceSupreme]

I had some amazing al pastor tacos at the taco stand on Fletcher and Larga last night, setting me back $1 a piece.

Also, the huaraches at Azteca on York are only $2.50 each.

[raizans]

mostly a lunchtime affair, though i did get a very nice early dinner at bouzy on st. patrick's day (corned beef and cabbage with potatoes, carrots, and mustard).

bludso's - spare rib lunch with coleslaw. sometimes i'll add a side of collard greens.
ricky's fish tacos - two fish tacos, but they're $2.50 each.
ichimi-something - wakame soba. foster's freeze is next door. =)
santouka - chibi shio ramen.
jim dandy - five piece spicy fried chicken with fritters and onion rings.
flossie's - two piece chicken lunch with mac&cheese and collard greens.
busy bee market - beef dip.
sapp coffee shop - beef with curry paste and green bean, and boat noodles.
empanada's place - humitas and corn empanadas.
mom's burgers - chronic burger
havana mania - 1/4 chicken lunch special

sorely lacking in vegetables...good thing i don't eat out very often.

-----
Busy Bee Market
2413 S Walker Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731

Santouka Ramen
21515 S Western Ave, Torrance, CA 90501

Empanada's Place
3811 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Flossie's
3566 Redondo Beach Blvd, Torrance, CA 90504

Havana Mania
3615 Inglewood Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Mom's Burgers
336 W Alondra Blvd, Compton, CA 90220

Ichimian (Bamboo Garden)
1618 Cravens Ave., Torrance, CA 90501

Sapp Coffee Shop
5183 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Bludso's BBQ
811 S. Long Beach Blvd., Compton, CA 90221, USA

Jim Dandy Fried Chicken
11328 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90044

[kevin]

where's ricky's fish tacos?

[Mattapoisett in LA]

Usually found on weekend in Sunset Junction. More info on his twitter feed.

http://twitter.com/RickysFishTacos

[sel]

Made to order, about 2 feet in front of you. So good seconds out of the fryer!

[westsidegal]

although it's listed as a starter, the portion size is good enough for it to be a lunch:

the burrata starter at metro cafe in culver city

[J.L.]

The whole menu at that restaurant is a bargain!

[westsidegal]

but none of the entrees qualify for the criteria of 'under $10,"
so, i needed to go into the 'starter' category.
imho, nobody else in town does such a good job with burrata, although i plan to go to jar soon and will see if anything in their mozzarella monday lineup comes close.

[antob]

+1 for the Metro Cafe!

[soto i am]

Spicy salt shrimp at Seafood Town on Hawthorne, Torrance. Delicious AND the serving is big enough for four people

-----
Seafood Town
22922 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505

[Ciao Bob]

My current favorite sandwich at Huckelberry: Fried egg sandwich with Niman Ranch bacon, Gruyere, arugula & aioli on country bread - $9.50

[OC Mutt]

Bifteki pita bundle combo - Greek Island Grille. $7.95. Huge plate of fresh, delicious, satisfying home-made food.
http://www.thewholepita.com/

[J.L.]

Guilty pleasure: The Hawaiian Mixed BBQ Plate, at Ono Hawaiian BBQ (Santa Monica & Bundy) = $7.95

[maxzook]

A torta de pollo from Porto's Bakery (Burbank or Glendale). I think you can add a cup of soup and still make the budget, otherwise you can "downgrade" to a medianoche and you'll make it for sure.

-----
Porto's Bakery
315 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203

Porto's Bakery
3614 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

[maxzook]

The torta de pollo is $4.85 and a good serving of soup is $2.85 ... well within budget.

[Wolfgang]

Whole chicken or half a chicken with rice and beans at El Pollo Brasa at Western and 8th.
Large poorboy and chips from Bay Cities.

[westsidegal]

well under $10,
the AYCE buffet lunch at BOMBAY GROCERY on pch in lomita (east of narbonne)

[soto i am]

I think that pretty closely qualifies for the under $5 thread. Of course that"s proly if you don't get your custom dish? Keep em coming W S G

[mdpilam]

Cook's Tortas (finally had a chance to try this place, and man, I am never out in Monterey Park, but I will make trips out there just for them now!)

Al Pastor burrito at La Taquiza,

Tacos from El Chato or Chema's.

The Godmother at Bay Cities.

-----
Cook's Tortas
1944 S Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754

[Clinton]

I'd settle for a 17" pepperoni pizza @Costco for $9.95. That will feed a small family!

[wienermobile]

V-Burger (or any dish on the menu) at Veggie Grill.

-----
Veggie Grill
720 S Allied Way, El Segundo, CA 90245

[bad nono]

baked chicken & collard greens & rice at Chef Marilyn.
Most of the lunch specials at Con Sabor come right under 10

It's all very relative because I'm not a super big eater, and I can get very happy with the Port & Stilton burger at Umami for $9, without getting any sides or drinks.

-----
Chef Marilyn's
2638 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

Con Sabor Restaurant
5239 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

[westsidegal]

the small-size truffle pizza they serve at the bar at cafe del rey
and
any of the items of the special LUNCH-TO-GO menu at il forno caffee on ocean park in santa monica.
and
the weekday AYCE lunch combination served at rahel

[Bob Brooks]

The lamb tongue sandwich at Canary.

The banh xeo at Van's.

Fish kidney curry at Jitlada.

[ipsedixit]

I think $10 is too easy.

Cut off should be $5.

That said, my whims change hour to hour, but right now I think my favor $10 under meal would be a hot dog, churro, and Vanilla ice cream bar from the Costco food stand.

[westsidegal]

if $5 were the cut off, i fear that the dread 'PORTION CONTROL' might rear it's ugly head. . . .

[Jennalynn]

I picked $10 because I wanted a real meal... something that might count as a dinner out.

Also that price point could include some higher end restaurants if you stick to apps.

Though all the answers so far, be they drive thrus or stands or restaurants are very welcome and I'm excited to try them.

[wienermobile]

Big Mista's BBQ brisket sandwich. Gosh is that good.

[Emme]

Monte Alban - mole verde or chilaauiles or sopa azteca or...
Mario's Peruvian - chicken fried rice; ceviche ($11); chicken in wine
The Local Yolk - omelettes... esp after a hearty surf session
Greenleaf Chop Shop - make-your-own-salad -- i know not everyone here likes it, but i find the ingredients always fresh, the service really great, and a good value
Gilbert's El Indio - albondigas; machaca; breakfast burrito; enchiladas suizas, etc.
Mariscos Chente - ($11) ceviche
Jitlada - shrimp, seafood pad thai
Eat Well - Buddha Bowl
Falafel Arax - Schwarma, Kebabs, Hummus, Tabouleh
Pann's - waffles and wings
Babalu - fish tacos
Kreation Kafe
Cafe Flore - Hearts of Palm and Artichoke Salad; Pancakes; Omelettes; French Toast

-----
Jitlada
5233 1/2 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Monte Alban
11927 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Pann's Restaurant & Coffee Shop
6710 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Local Yolk
3414 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Eat Well
3916 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Babalu
1002 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Mario's Peruvian
15720 Imperial Hwy, La Mirada, CA 90638

Gilbert's El Indio
2526 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Falafel Arax
5101 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Mariscos Chente
4532 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Cafe Flore
214 S Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

[westsidegal]

if we raise the budget to $11, you not only can get the ceviche at mariscos chente, you can get over over 95% of their menu items.
since mariscos chente is my favorite restaurant, i'd support this. . . .

[soto i am]

Siam I Am, P.C.H & Torrance blvd. Redondo Beach Everything under $10 All day. great lunch specials about $4.99. Best tom ka kai and kao soi around! get it thai spicy.

All Indian Sweets and Snacks, Hawthorne & Torrance blvd. in the N.E. strip mall. Lunch specials all day @ $3.99 for vegetarian (3 veg choices, rice and chapati) $1 more for each meat choice (lamb, chicken, goat). Can recession busters be this delicious? YES!

-----
Siam I Am
215 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

[Rizza]

I'm posting under you, Soto, to keep some Torrance suggestions together. Pupusas at the Torrance Farmer's Market make it in the $5.00 and under category. And for the very hungry...tofu soup at Cho Dang Tofu in Torrance. I prefer the mushroom. Yum!

-----
Cho Dang Tofu
22549 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505

[tednugnt]

i live in the area so thanks much for these tips.

[Jennalynn]

I'm thrilled people!

Keep 'em coming. We'll have enough options to get us through the recession.

[wienermobile]

Large Godmother sandwich with the works at Bay Cities Deli.

-----
Bay Cities Italian Deli
1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

[Sam D.]

Boat noodles at Sapp;s Coffee Shop in Thai Town. $5.50
Fish plate w/ fries & cole slaw at Fisherman's Outlet downtown. $8.50
Pastrami dip w/fries & drink at Dino;s in Pico. About $7
2 hamburgers-animal style & drink at In N Out. About $5

[bulavinaka]

Just about any standard meal in the San Gabriel Valley.

[monku]

What is a "standard meal"?
You mean their lunch specials?

[bulavinaka]

I consider a standard meal to be a typical breakfast, lunch or dinner meal that the average SGV eater would have. Most dim sum places, noodle houses, dumpling places, banh mi, HK cafes, Taiwanese cafes, congee places, etc.

-----
noodle house
46 W Las Tunas Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007

[monku]

Got it.

[bulavinaka]

No Hong Kong-style seafood extravaganzas or Beijing duck courses in this category. :)

[soto i am]

Specifics? as per O.P. (Favorite Meal Under $10? )
see "westsidegal" e.g. heh

[bulavinaka]

Can't promise a rapid-fire version of Westside gal's barrage of <$10 delights, but here's some recent ones:

- Xiao long bao and leek pork dumpling at Dean Sin World
- Pork rice ball, peanut w/ seaweed, and noodle dish w/ bamboo, tofu (name?) at Dean Sin World
- Banh mi thit nuong, com bi nem nuong, ca phe sua da at Banh Mi My Tho
- Chicken congee and fried steam bun at Sheng Ji Noodle House
- Salty soy milk, yu tiao, and "Taiwanese" hamburger at Yi Mei Bakery

-----
Dean Sin World
306 N Garfield Ave # 2, Monterey Park, CA

Banh Mi My Tho
304 W Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91803

Noodle House
18219 Gale Ave, City of Industry, CA 91748

[westsidegal]

since there is no geographical overlap to our recommendations, our posts end up being very complimentary!

[bulavinaka]

But I bow to thee...

[westsidegal]

no, i bow to THEE.
(especially for those times that my car finds itself being driven east of la cienega blvd)

[JThur01]

Good post bulavinaka. As I mentioned, the SGV is an embarrassment of riches in this category. There are places where every menu item is under $6. Someone mentioned that one could order the entire menu at Dean Sin World and only spend about $30...and that's not much of an exaggeration.

The one thing that usually adds to the price is the cost of a drink. Old Country Cafe has drinks for $2-2.50, but free refills.

-----
Old Country Cafe
2 E Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801

Dean Sin World
306 N Garfield Ave # 2, Monterey Park, CA

[bulavinaka]

Thanks. Been spending more time in SGV lately and this area is filled with what seems to be a limitless amount of choices that are embarrassingly light on the wallet. I honestly feel guilty at times getting the quality and quantity of food for so little. Even dim sum at Elite can be done for around $10, depending on how many are in your group and what is ordered.

[JThur01]

You too?, I also feel guilty at times over the quantity and quality for such a low price. I've literally had enough for two filling meals spending as little as $5. I could probably come up with a better list, but, seriously, it's almost every place in the SGV...my brain goes into overload and shuts down. Makes it hard to pick when I'm in that area :-)

[JThur01]

I'll second the SGV, literally hundreds of options. An overabundance of choices.

[raytamsgv]

That is so true. I think one would be hard-pressed to find another place in the US that is even comparable in terms of price, quality, and quantity.

[degustateur]

10 tacos at Omana's in either South El Monte or Pomona, including tax! Choice of adobada, asada, buches, cabeza, camarones, carnitas, chicharron, frijoles, pescado or tripas.

Enough for three meals.

All damn good!

-----
Omana's
1050 W Holt Ave, Pomona, CA 91768

[OCSteve]

YES! I used to have an office across the street from there years ago. Man, I miss that place. Back then, the only drink they offered was orange soda.

[happybaker]

Zankou chicken, with garlic sauce and pita. Yum! (Also Alwazir, the half chicken if you are in Hollywood. Chicken and rice pilaf and a salad and garl,ic sauce and pita for $6 - last I ordered.)

Going into Yum Cha Cafe and coming out with more shrimp dumplings than I can eat in a day for way less than $10. (Not the most elegant dim sum, but very decent and cheap.)

Going to Portos in Glendale - or burbank - getting a sandwich (cuban, roast pork with garlic and lime or the tomato and feta), fried plantains and a coffee for less than 7 dollars. Leaving me plenty of change for baked goods to take home!

Philippes downtown. Love the sandwiches, killer mustard and cheap coffee.

Vinh Lo Tofu in reseda - everything is under $10 and is GREAT.

http://www.vinhloitofu.com/

Fortune Inn in Glendale or Hu's on the westside for their lunch specials.

Oh and q-cina in north hollywood has lots of truly tasty stuff for under $10.

http://www.q-cina.com/page2.html

Maybe we need to make this more location specific? Because luckily and happily, this town has tons of good cheap eats :

)

-----
Fortune Inn
117 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205

[flylice2x]

Hokaido AYCE Lunch Buffett Long Bch and Mr. Lee's BBQ House in Artesia, both under 10 bucks...

[bsquared2]

4 Banh Mi sandwiches from Banh Mi Che Cali. I would give the "free" ones to a friend.

I could probably think of 8 more ideas, but I am still full after the 4 sandwiches.

[wienermobile]

Italian Beef sandwich with cheese and sweet peppers at Portillo's.

-----
Portillo's Hot Dogs
8390 La Palma Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620

[wienermobile]

49'er Flap Jacks at The Original Pancake House in Redondo Beach.

-----
Original Pancake House
1756 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

[orythedog]

BRAVO wienermobile BRAVO. The 49'ers are indeed $6.95 and a very good choice.

[wienermobile]

Hickory Burger and fries at The Apple Pan.

-----
Apple Pan
10801 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

[LuluTheMagnificent]

that's not under $10 is it?

[wienermobile]

Hickory Burger with Cheese $6.70, fries $2.

[Mr Taster]

The Apple Pan's slogan should be "Inflation Forever!"

In-N-Out burger with your own added BBQ sauce, $2.

Mr Taster

[LuluTheMagnificent]

Is the steak burger the same price? I always avoid AP because for some reason I think it's over $10.

[ipsedixit]

I believe the steak burger is about the same price as the hickory burger, definitely no more than $7.

[taiwanesesmalleats]

It's slightly cheaper, by 50 cents or something.

[kevin]

burger, fries, and a soda with tax and tip will run you at least 15 bucks.

[westsidegal]

3 slices of pizza at abbots pizza in venice
OR
any of the lunch specials served at THAI BOOM (they serve their lunch specials all day till closing)

[westsidegal]

the veggie burger served at the counter in el segundo.
or
any of the dishes on the FROM THE WOK section of the menu at AYARA THAI CUISINE.

[J.L.]

8 separate posts in rapid succession, westsidegal?

[westsidegal]

as i thought about the subject, more and more kept coming to mind.
each time i posted, i thought "that's all" but then i thought of more.
i eat out everyday, so budgetary issues are important to me.

i'll stop if it's bothering you.

[ns1]

alternatively, there is an edit button ;)

[nachosaurus]

omg. ewww.

[monku]

Your proclivity is showing...

[J.L.]

Not at all! You're a very enthusiastic hound - I like that.

[westsidegal]

the topic of this thread would be my one of strongest JEOPARDY categories if i were to play. .

[J.L.]

"I'll take 'Broke but Hungry on the Westside' for $400, Alex..."

[Ciao Bob]

That's so funny, I was thinking that you "ran the category" as I read it, and I heard Alex saying, "Nicely done, westsidegal!"

[westsidegal]

any of the omelets served at Sauce on Hampton

[westsidegal]

any of the sandwiches or salad combination plates served at M cafe de chaya

[westsidegal]

the combiination meal served at bawarchi

[westsidegal]

the combination meal served at samosa house

[westsidegal]

the weekday lunch buffet served at Jaipur on pico in west LA.

[westsidegal]

the falafal sandwich at the Hungry Pocket in santa monica.
(actually, this is less than $5)

-----
Hungry Pocket
1715 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

[westsidegal]

any of the weekday lunch specials at shamshiri grill

-----
shamshiri
1712 Westwood Blvd, Westwood, CA 90024

[westsidegal]

anything on the menu at taqueria sanchez on centinela.

[ns1]

special pork shio ramen @ santouka

[wienermobile]

Salt ramen at Santouka

-----
Santouka
3760 S Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90066

[lil mikey]

Regular shio ramen set with pork. It's a generous bowl of salt ramen, complete with slices and chunks of very tender pork. Alongside is a bowl of rice with tender grilled pork over the top. And you also get a marinated hard boiled egg on the side. For all of it, you pay about $10. There is free water alongside.

Santouka
Torrance, Costa Mesa, West LA
In the Mitsuwa marketplaces

-----
Santouka
3760 S Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90066

[ns1]

Interestingly enough, I have never tried the rice bowl with pork. The hard boiled egg on the side...I'm actually no longer inclined to buy.