Food & Drink
Best Cheap Eats in Kelowna
Kelowna Team
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Summary
Where to eat well in Kelowna without spending much, from pho and Vietnamese noodle shops to tacos, pupusas and food trucks.
In this article:
The best cheap eats in Kelowna are Pho Soc Trang, Bamboo Chopsticks and El Taquero, all downtown. This guide rounds up budget-friendly spots by category, from pho and tacos to an Italian deli, the farmers' market and food trucks. Each entry covers what to order and where to find it.
Where can you get cheap Asian food in Kelowna?
Cheap Asian food here mostly means Vietnamese pho, and the two best-value spots are Pho Soc Trang on Water Street and Bamboo Chopsticks on Ellis Street.
Pho
These two downtown Vietnamese restaurants are the go-to for a big bowl of pho for the price.
- ●Pho Soc Trang
Location: 1530 Water St, Kelowna, BC
Pho Soc Trang is a long-standing local favourite for large, inexpensive bowls of pho. Order the rare beef pho and the salad rolls.
- ●Bamboo Chopsticks
Location: 1360 Ellis St #105, Kelowna, BC
Bamboo Chopsticks is family-run, with pho, vermicelli bowls and stir-fries at fair prices.
Tacos and Mexican Street Food
Tacos are one of the cheapest good meals in town, and El Taquero downtown and Hector's Casa in South Pandosy are the two to try.
- ●El Taquero
Location: 1443 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC
El Taquero is known for fresh tacos made the traditional way, from carne asada to a few vegetarian options. Its sister restaurant, Chilango, is on Bernard Avenue.
- ●Hector's Casa
Location: 2911 Pandosy St, Kelowna, BC
Hector's Casa is a sit-down Mexican restaurant in South Pandosy where tacos and other Mexican standards keep the bill low.
A Good Deli
A good deli is the cheapest way to get a proper lunch, and Valoroso Foods on Sutherland Avenue is the one locals use.
- ●Valoroso Foods
Location: 1467 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC
Valoroso Foods is an Italian deli known for fairly priced sandwiches and pizza slices. It isn't a restaurant, and it also stocks specialty ingredients for cooking at home. It's a practical picnic stop on the way to a spot in the Kelowna beaches guide.
Groceries and Cooking at Home
Cooking at home is the cheapest way to eat, and the farmers' market is the best place for affordable local produce.
- ●Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market
Location: Springfield and Dilworth
The market runs in spring, summer and fall, not year-round. Deals are usually on whatever's in season.
Where do you find food trucks in Kelowna?
Food trucks move around, so the one rule is to check their Instagram or Facebook before you head out. Street Food App also lists trucks by location and cuisine.
- ●Surf Side California
Location: Various locations, check their social media.
Surf Side California is a food truck serving California-style Mexican food in generous portions. The fish tacos and burritos are the main orders.
A few tips for eating from the trucks:
- ●Check social media first. Trucks often change locations daily.
- ●Bring some cash. Most take debit and credit, but cash helps at busy events.
- ●Expect a line at peak hours. The popular trucks get busy at lunch.
- ●Watch for summer events. Food truck events and festivals run through the summer and are the easiest way to try several trucks in one stop.
Final Thoughts
Kelowna has a reputation for being expensive, and much of it is. Eating cheaply is still straightforward: a bowl of pho, a couple of tacos or a deli sandwich costs little.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest type of food to eat out in Kelowna?
Pho and tacos are usually the cheapest ways to eat out. Portions tend to be big for the price.
Where can I find affordable lunch specials in downtown Kelowna?
El Taquero and Bamboo Chopsticks are both downtown and easy on the wallet at lunch, and many other downtown restaurants run lunch specials too. For a cheap sandwich, try a deli like Valoroso Foods.
Are there any cheap eats options near Okanagan Lake?
Yes. Valoroso Foods sells picnic food you can take down to the lake. There are also many restaurants near the lake downtown.
What's a good place to find affordable fresh produce in Kelowna?
The Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market is the best spot for affordable local produce. It runs seasonally in spring, summer and fall, with deals on whatever's in season.
Where can I find food trucks in Kelowna?
Food trucks show up at spots like City Park, Gyro Beach, the Landmark District and the Brewery District. Locations change daily, so check each truck's Instagram or Facebook, or use Street Food App.
Do Kelowna food trucks accept credit cards?
Most food trucks here accept debit and credit cards. Carry some cash just in case, especially at busy events.
