Where I Do My Groceries and Eat Cheap in Vancouver – Student Edition!
- anna julia tenorio
- Apr 10, 2025
- 3 min read
Surviving in Vancouver on a student budget? Me too! Here's a list of my favorite spots to buy groceries and eat well without spending all your rent money.
Best Grocery Stores for Latinos and Budget Shoppers
No Frills Vancouver
Why I love it: It’s one of the cheapest places to buy basics like rice, pasta, beans. They also have a section for Latin America foods, unfortunately its not the biggest or best selection but you'll pay less than other latin stores around the city.
Tip: Bring your own shopping bags (they charge bags and don't have plastic ones) and check their weekly flyer for sales!
Go-to items: "No Name" brand products, Brazilian beans, frozen veggies.
Real Canadian Superstore
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/r1y2EdaX8917J6QL8
Why I love it: It’s like Costco and Walmart had a baby. You can find ALMOST everything there. Cheap bulk items, lot of fruits and veggies, international foods and spices, great for meal prep. Inside the stores you can also find home supplies and pharmacy.
Go-to items: Chicken Breasts, bagels/croissant, sauces, and their “No Name” brand.
Dollarama (Yes, really a lifesaver)
📍search on google maps and you'll find many many stores in the city, there's probably one really close to where you live.
What you’ll find: Almost everything you need for surviving (its not a joke). It goes from canned food, dry snacks, frozen fruit, and even almond milk, to beauty and personal care, cleaning, kitchen, tools, decoration and toys.
Pro tip: Good for school snacks, last minute needs or cheap pantry backups.
My Go-To Cheap Eats (That Still Taste Good)
🍜 Ramen Danbo – Comfort Tonkotsu Ramen
🔥 Affordable ramen that slaps — big portions, cozy vibe, and way cheaper than trendy downtown ramen spots.
💰 Around $12–15 per bowl and it fills you up for hours.
Pro-tip: Go during off hours because the line to get inside can get very long.
🍲 Big Way Hot Pot – DIY Soup Queen
🍢 Build-your-own hot pot with your favorite veggies, noodles, and meat. You pay by weight.
💸 I usually spend $10–13 depending on how extra I go 😅 (not including drinks).
🍜 It's fun, fresh, and perfect for when you want something warm and custom.
🍻 Craft Beer Market – Happy Hour Hero
🕓 Happy hour is LIFE here: drinks + snacks for way less than usual.
🍟 Loaded fries, guacamole, pizza... all under $10 during happy hour (2–5pm and 9pm-1am).
🍺 Craft beers for $5–6 — cute spot to chill with friends without going broke.
🍟 Costco Food Court – $7 Poutine of Dreams
YES, even if you don’t have a Costco card. Some locations let you in just for the food court!
🧀 Huge poutine for $7 that’s honestly better than a lot of fast food chains. You can even share it.
🍕 Pizza slices, hot dogs + drink combos also under $2–3.
🥯 Tim Hortons – Budget Breakfast & Snack Spot
It's not the cheapest anymore, but it’s still one of the most accessible places for a quick bite. Affordable and warm in the rainy season.
📍 Search on google maps and you'll find many stores in the city, there's probably one very close to where you live.
🥐 I usually go for a bagel with cream cheese (~$2.50–3.50) or their breakfast wraps (~$4.50–5) when I’m rushing to class or work. Don't forget to try their TimBits, it's delicious!!
☕ Coffee is still pretty cheap, and if you use the Tims app, you can earn points for free drinks/snacks.
Bonus: You’ll feel extra Canadian ordering here 😄
💡 Little Extras
Bring student ID everywhere – some places do unlisted discounts.
Follow them on Instagram – they post daily deals sometimes.
Go during off-hours (like 2:30–4:30) to avoid rush and maybe get bigger portions 😉
Bonus Tips for Saving Money
Sign up for points cards (PC Optimum, Scene+) — they add up fast!
Always check Too Good To Go app for surprise discounted meals.
Don’t sleep on campus cafes — they’re usually cheaper than Starbucks.
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