In the midst of ongoing inflation, prices in New York City are steadily rising, making the concept of “a dollar meal” seem like a distant memory. However, even as many dishes now cost between $15 to $20, there are still a few small shops that remain true to their roots, quietly attracting budget-conscious New Yorkers with their “one-dollar meals.”
Media outlets recently identified five hidden gem shops where you can buy food for just one dollar, with three of them being Chinese establishments, three of which are located in Chinatown.
1. Chubby Skewers | One Dollar Beef Skewers
Located on West 37th Street, Chubby Skewers sells jaw-dropping one-dollar Japanese and beef skewers. This shop specializes in DIY barbecue, drawing inspiration from street skewers in northern China, offering a variety of options including chicken, pork, lamb, squid, and more.
The shop revealed that the beef skewers are made from premium Japanese beef scraps from their other restaurants, allowing them to be sold at a low price. However, to purchase the beef skewers for one dollar, customers need to become a member of the shop. Non-members can buy each skewer for $1.2.
Address: 252 W. 37th St., New York, NY 10018
2. Golden Steamer | Traditional Chinese Steam Bun Shop in Chinatown
Golden Steamer in Chinatown still offers classic delicacies at the one-dollar price point. The branch on Grand Street sells one-dollar sesame balls and fried pork dumplings, with a crispy exterior and a flavorful filling of red bean or juicy pork, offering a satisfying crunch.
For customers looking for a heartier option, they can visit the flagship store on Mott Street, where they can buy soft and tasty pork buns for $1.5.
Address: Chinatown, 210 Grand St / 143A Mott St
3. Spongies Cafe | Tangren St. Sponge Cake Sweet Surprise
Located on Baxter Street, Spongies Cafe is famous for its one-dollar Hong Kong-style sponge cake, a must-try for dessert lovers. The freshly baked fluffy cake with a cloud-like texture is highly praised by social media influencers.
Address: Chinatown, 121 Baxter St
4. The Pickle Guys | One Dollar Large Pickled Cucumbers in Chinatown
The Pickle Guys on Grand Street is a well-established pickle shop that offers giant pickled cucumbers for just one dollar, a favorite among influencers and locals alike.
Address: Chinatown, 357 Grand St
5. Smashiess | East Harlem Pressed Ham and Cheese Sandwich
In East Harlem on 103rd Street, there is a longtime grocery store called Smashiess that sells a ham and cheese sandwich for just a dollar. This simple yet satisfying pressed sandwich, as mentioned by the owner Roddy Duran, is offered at this price point to help the community cope with skyrocketing prices. He mentioned that he intends to maintain this pricing for as long as possible.
Address: 153 E. 103rd St., New York, NY 10029
With these affordable dining options still available in New York City, budget-conscious customers can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank, proving that a satisfying meal doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag.