Break time at España: 6 Budget-Friendly and Sulit Food Thrills in the Area (Perfect for Students, too!)

Want to go on a gastronomic rollercoaster in the heart of Manila’s vibrant España district? 

Brace yourself for a delicious journey through budget-friendly delights that will tickle your taste buds without emptying your wallet. 

From unlimited food options to international cuisines, you’d find cheap food thrills await, promising a taste adventure that’s as delightful as it is easy on the pocket. Let’s go!

1. Kanto Tayo 

Care for some unlimited chicken + pasta + pizza + dumplings + sausages + rice + drinks for only P339/head? Then head over to Kanto Tayo. 

“Let’s go to the corner” is the rough translation of this restaurant’s name, which could be a reference to Filipino street food vendors that normally are located on street corners.

Aside from their unlimited sets, the resto also offers student meals like chicken with rice for only P100. The generous serving truly makes it worth every peso!

📍812 Moret Street, Sampaloc, Philippines, 1008
Facebook | Kanto Tayo | Manila

2. Quesarito

For your Filipino-Mexican food cravings, best head over to Quesarito where you’ll find staple Mexican food like quesadillas, chimichangas, and tacos, among others. 

Some of their bestsellers include Quesadilla for Php230 (Good for 2) and Burritos – Php250 (Good for 2).

You may also want to try their new offerings such as the Quesarito, your choice of burrito and quesadilla in one (Php400), Chimichangas for Php230 (Good for 2). 

If you’re still hungry after trying these Mexican dishes out, then why not indulge in some unlimited wings. For 319, you’d get to enjoy 8 wing flavors and finish as many as your tummy allows. 

📍 981 P. Noval cor. Delos Reyes, Sampaloc, Manila
🕣 Wednesday to Monday, from 3PM to 11PM
Facebook | Quesarito

3. Shawarma sa Dapitan

Shawarma sa Dapitan is perfect for students around the area because of their generous serving with an affordable price. They are famous for their big and boneless chicken. 

Their generous serving is definitely worth the rave and the hype! Mind you, they don’t scrimp even on the sauce! 

Bestsellers:

• Chicken shawarma rice – Php100
• Boneless Fried Chicken with Shawarma Double rice – Php.140
• Pita Shawarma – Php70

📍1621 Dapitan Street, Manila
Facebook | Shawarma sa Dapitan | Manila

4.  Kantina Manila

The perfect spot for students because of its affordable price range, Kantina Manila is known for offering a wide range of local and international comfort food and dishes. 

Name it, they have it. They offer all day breakfast for P70-P120 only, burgers for only P40-P60, and pizza for only P60, among others. 

They also have short orders of viands like shortrib sinigang, beef caldereta, and pares (P140 each order). 

For students (and basically anyone) who are on a budget who want a filling breakfast, lunch, merienda or dinner, this is the perfect place to go to. 

📍1037 G. Tolentino St, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila, Manila, Philippines, 1008
Facebook | Kantina Manila

5. Yoshimeatsu UST

Yoshimeatsu serves unlimited yakiniku for only P549. Yakiniku is the Japanese version of samgyeopsal. Here, you have up to 24 meats and seafood to choose from plus 19 side dishes, all unlimited for a set price. 

The best thing about this place is that they never run out of promos. One of which that many people vie for was the Samurai Seafood Piso Upgrade. For only an additional of 1 peso, you may enjoy unlimited scallops, fresh shrimps, salmon chahan, and tuna. 

They also offer a birthday promo of 7+1, and because they’re located at the university belt, a student promo is called for!

📍 861 P. Campa Street, Manila, Philippines, 1008
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/yoshimeatsuUST

6. MANG TOOTZ Foodhouse

Mang Tootz Food House is an OG in terms of food stops in University of Sto. Tomas in Manila. Known for its no-frills vibe, this small restaurant offers short-orders of Filipino dishes like sisig, dinakdakan, inihaw na liempo, and bopis. Their set menu differs per day, so there are days when they prepare meals with chicken with hoisin sauce, beef bulgogi, chicken kebab, etc. 

But more than these dishes, Mang Tootz is best known for its Banana-Rhuma. Think turon but on the next level. They sell it by 15pcs for P90, 20pcs for P120, and 100pcs for P600. Definitely a sweet snack you wouldn’t want to skip!

📍 1135 P. Noval Street Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines, 1008
Facebook | MANG TOOTZ Foodhouse | Manila

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