Top 10 Budget Meals in Tokyo for Under ¥1,000 (2025 Food Guide)

Visiting Tokyo on a tight budget? You’re in luck! Tokyo is full of tasty and affordable meals that cost less than ¥1,000 (around $7 USD). Here are 10 budget-friendly food options you can enjoy in 2025 — without compromising on flavor or authenticity.

💴10 budget-friendly food options

1. 🍜 Ramen – Classic and Affordable

Ramen is a must-try in Japan, and many places serve it for less than ¥1,000.
Recommended spots:

• Hidakaya (bowls from ¥600)
• Tenkaippin (rich, thick broth)
• Ichiran (half-size bowls available under ¥1,000)

2. 🍛 Japanese Curry Rice

Warm, comforting, and cheap!
Where to go:

• Coco Ichibanya – Pork or veggie curry from ¥550
• Matsuya – Curry sets from ¥600
  Tip: Add toppings carefully — cheese or fried items raise the price.

3. 🍣 Conveyor Belt Sushi (Kaitenzushi)

Grab sushi plates for just ¥100–¥150 each.
Try:

• Sushiro
• Kura Sushi
  Pro tip: Stick to 6 plates or less to stay under budget.

4. 🥟 Gyoza Set Meals

Fried dumplings served with rice, soup, and veggies.
Where to eat:

• Gyoza no Ohsho – Lunch sets from ¥750
• Bamiyan – Gyoza combos from ¥800

5. 🍱 Convenience Store Meal Combos

Japan’s convenience stores (konbini) are legendary.
Budget meal idea:

• 1 onigiri (rice ball)
• 1 piece of karaage (fried chicken)
• 1 miso soup or salad
  Total cost: Around ¥600–¥700

✅ Read More: Japanese Convenience Stores – What Surprises Foreigners Most

6. 🐟 Grilled Fish Teishoku (Set Meals)

Many local diners offer grilled fish, rice, miso soup, and pickles.
Try in:

• Ueno
• Asakusa
  Average price: ¥900–¥950

7. 🍗 Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)

Juicy, crispy, and filling.
Best chains:

• Matsuya
• Nakau
  Meals with rice: from ¥700–¥800

8. 🥪 Café & Bakery Lunch Sets

Cafés offer light meals with drinks.
Examples:

• Doutor – Sandwich set with coffee: ¥600–¥700
• Vie de France – Pastry + drink sets

9. 🍤 Tempura Rice Bowls (Tendon)

Crunchy shrimp or vegetables over rice.
Affordable spots:

• Tendon Tenya – Bowls from ¥600
  Tip: Add miso soup and tea for a full meal under ¥1,000.

10. 🧆 Donburi (Rice Bowl Dishes)

Gyudon (beef bowl), oyakodon (chicken & egg), or butadon (pork).
Best chains:

• Sukiya
• Yoshinoya
  Prices: Start from just ¥400–¥600

💡 Bonus Tips: How to Find Cheap Eats in Tokyo

• Check lunch specials (“ランチセット”) – especially in business areas
• Avoid tourist traps — go where locals eat
• Look for chain restaurants and convenience stores for reliability and value

🔗 Related Articles

• How to Eat Sushi Properly – Etiquette Guide
• Japanese Convenience Stores – What Surprises Foreigners Most
• Best Japanese Chocolate Snacks to Try in 2025

Coming to Tokyo in 2025?
Eat smart, save money, and experience Japan’s best flavors — one cheap meal at a time! 🍽️🇯🇵