Sometimes, the urge to skip cooking is strong, but the need to save money is stronger. Luckily, these spots in and around Arlington offer satisfying and delicious meals for $10 or less. And you’ll be plenty full after polishing them off.
Tacos Los Primos
The namesake tacos at this Lyon Park taqueria are delish, but it’s the Salvadoran pupusas—stuffed with an array of fillings for a mere $3.50 each—that are actually the best value. Two pupusas ($7) make for a hearty meal, especially when paired with a complimentary mound of tangy, spicy curtido (pickled cabbage) and a cup of sweet salsa roja. Not sure what to order? Try the savory chicharrón con queso oozing with melted cheese, or a meatless option filled with earthy and vegetal loroco flower. 2710 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Lyon Park)
Habibi’s Kitchen & Market
For a vegetarian halal option that won’t break the bank, this Cherrydale mom-and-pop offers provisions, take-home dishes, and freshly made meals inspired by the owners’ Jordanian and Indonesian roots, as well as by the cuisines of West Asia and North Africa. The generously stuffed wraps, which more closely resemble tortillas than pita bread, are griddled on both sides for a crispy, golden exterior. The falafel wrap ($8) is teeming with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, cucumbers and onions, with the option of adding creamy White, punchy Hot, and/or tahini-heavy Habibi sauces. The falafel itself is almost meaty, with a soft bite and a host of aromatic spices that are bound to make you double-check your receipt in disbelief. 3907 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Cherrydale)
Yu Noodles
While the famous Chongqing (street noodles) at this Chinese restaurant’s Rosslyn location will run you $11 (still not a bad deal), a massive bowl of minced pork over white rice is only $9. The latter option is colorful to boot, thanks to toppings of Taiwanese golden cabbage dressed in fermented bean curd, lightly steamed broccoli and a hard-fried egg. The fragrant and zesty pork sings with a few heaping teaspoons of the restaurant’s numbing chili oil and a splash of black vinegar. Mix it all together for a perfect marriage of fatty, funky and acidic flavors. 1515 Wilson Blvd. Unit 102, Arlington (Rosslyn)
Chilcanos RestoBar
You’ll have to order from the online pickup menu at Chilcanos to get your hands on a heaping plate of salchipapas ($10), a Peruvian street dish consisting of sliced beef sausages over a mountain of French fries. Rich and almost sweet from caramelization, these sausage chunks are a cut above your average ballpark franks. The thick-cut steak fries are fluffy on the inside, and dunking them in creamy salsa rosada makes them all the more inhalable. 6198 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Bánh Mì DC Sandwich
Don’t let the name of this Vietnamese market and deli deceive you. Falls Church—specifically, the intersection of Graham Road and Route 50—is where you’ll find its affordable sandwiches on crusty, housemade baguettes. The menu boasts more than 20 kinds of bánh mì, the priciest of which tops out at a mere $8.95. Fan favorites include a classic preparation with pâté, mayo, pickled vegetables and cilantro for $7.25, as well as variations stuffed with grilled pork, dill fish cakes, tofu or plant-based ham for $7.50. For dessert, why not sweeten the deal with an order of bánh cam (sesame balls) or bánh tiêu (fried hollow donuts)? Those are only $2.25 a pop. 3103C Graham Road, Falls Church
