Winning Meals for Under RMB 50
Who doesn't like saving money? We've compiled a list of Reader Restaurant Award winners that you can eat at on a budget. Just don't blame us if your significant other finds out you've been working your way down this list for date ideas.
To make the list, I chose a limit of RMB 50 for enough food for an average person. Also, I only pulled from Readers' Choice winners from the 2012 awards (Part One, Part Two).
Home Plate Bar-B-Que
BEST AMERICAN, BEST RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR (NON-CHINESE), NEW RESTAURANT (NON-CHINESE)
Most of the menu here is wallet-friendly. The pulled pork sandwich (RMB 35) is a one of our favorites. Add on a side (french fries, texas ranch beans, potato salad, hush puppies or coleslaw) for 10RMB.
Annie's
BEST VALUE FOR MONEY, BEST ITALIAN-AFFORDABLE, BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
You'll have a range of pasta and pizza choices under RMB 50 at Annie's. For a more rounded meal, you can get a small Caesar or Mediterranean salad for RMB 15 and a small Margherita pizza for RMB 28.
Biteapitta
BEST MIDDLE-EASTERN
One of our go-to dishes at Biteapitta is the hummus and falafel pita sandwich (RMB 30). For an even RMB 50, they'll make it a combo and throw in french fries and a drink.
Bao Yuan Jiaozi
BEST DUMPLINGS
Of course, dumplings would make the cut. Unless you're a competitive eater or some kind of dumpling maniac, you should easily be able to eat your fill here.
Kro’s Nest
BEST PIZZA
All of Kro's single-serving foot-long pizza rolls are priced below RMB 50, even the "Kitchen Sink" (RMB 44).
Crescent Moon
BEST XINJIANG
There's a wealth of combinations that we could put together at Crescent Moon and still stay under our arbitrary limit, but I'd be most excited about getting a small order of chicken, potato and green pepper stew (da pan ji, RMB 48) to myself.
Nanjing Impressions
NEW RESTAURANT (CHINESE)
Stick to the old-school Nanjing snacks. Some of our favorites are the duck meat dumplings (RMB 10 for 3) and the "lion's head" meatball (RMB 22).
Comptoirs de France
BEST BREAD
Try their rustic salami sandwich (RMB 46) or their tomato and mozzarella panini (RMB 45).
Bonus Round: Deals
Blue Frog
BEST BURGER
Burgers at Blue Frog cost between 75 and 85 normally, but the joint's popular "Burger Burger" buy-one-get-one deal has made it a happening place on Monday nights.
Flamme International Grill
BEST STEAK (STANDALONE)
Flamme offers a BOGO steak offer on Tuesdays, though they won't have the deal tomorrow because of the holiday. Their 150g house steak costs RMB 98.
Mosto
BEST BUSINESS LUNCH
If you can get over there during the day, Mosto's business lunch is a fantastic deal. 2 courses for RMB 80 or 3 courses for RMB 95.
