At this Escondido spot where people come for brothy phở, they’re delightfully surprised by the complementary cup of egg drop soup and return for friendly service. The sprawling menu combines Vietnamese specialities like bánh mì sandwiches, with Chinese dishes like lo mein noodles and crispy ginger chicken. Max out the spice factor for an additional $1.50 per order. Most entrees run $13 to $15.

With locations in Clairemont, La Jolla, and North Park, this go-to spot offers up vegetarian and vegan Asian-inspired dishes like drunken noodles or pad thai with the choice of meatless proteins like tofu, “chicken,” and “shrimp.” They also offer a range of vegan desserts from brownies and cookies in flavors like ube and pandan, to Thai sweet rice with mango. Its Clairemont and North Park locations also serve a vegan sushi menu.

Tahini’s built-to-order offerings span hefty bowls, sandwiches, and salads that for some double as next day’s lunch. The Middle Eastern street food, fast casual spot in Kearny Mesa carves same day spit-roasted shawarma, made-to-order falafel, and pita bread that’s baked every hour.

Though Phuong Trang serves up more than two hundred dishes (from noodles, soups, and rice dishes), its eight styles of beef broth-based phở stand out. Go meatless for $7.95, add steak or beef meatballs for $10.95, or for $12.50 opt for shrimp. Vegetarians might order the tofu with lemongrass and hot peppers, or the vermicelli noodle bowl with vegetarian egg rolls served with fresh mint.

Classic island-style dishes are well-priced at this mini-chain. From its numerous locations, including in Oceanside, Tierrasanta, and Pacific Beach, find plate lunches from $8.95 that all come with a side of steamed rice and macaroni (or green) salad. Try the Kalua pig, lava chicken, or seared ahi sandwich with alfalfa sprouts. For something sweet: Pineapple Dole whip.

This ever-popular Thai restaurant has locations in Linda Vista, Rancho Peñasquitos, and Santee. Here, people zero in on (Northeastern) style Thai curries and papaya salad with most dishes, from larb to noodles and fried rice dishes under $15. A cash-only establishment for years, Sab-E-Lee now accepts Visa and Mastercard.

The once omnivorous turned completely vegan deli serves bagels (gluten-free options too), bagel and deli sandwiches on marble rye bread, and rotating soup specials from its newish outpost in the College area. Or stock up on by the pound items including whitefish made from hearts of palm, chicken salad, and stuffed knishes and potato latkes sold per piece. The Reuben sandwich and potato salad are fan favorites. 

Generous portions and accessible prices make this City Heights staple a reliable place for affordable eats. Braised duck, crispy egg noodles with mixed vegetables, and barbecue pork lo mein are among the most popular items here. Chinese specialties skew Cantonese style, though you’ll also find Vietnamese options.

Remember to bring cash for a full breakfast ($6 to $9) and free coffee refills at this iconic North Park diner where proprietor “Lucky” has been cooking and serving breakfast most days of week for more than 40 years.

Line up (an inevitable activity here) on any given day for well-loved housemade tortillas and Mexican street food staples — think pork tacos and tamales, rolled tacos, chorizo with eggs, and rice and beans. Bring cash, and an appetite.

Find at least five different styles of chilaquiles in this former 1930s cable car turned go-to breakfast spot in Barrio Logan. Most plates are priced under $12 and come with potatoes and refried beans. Pancakes, molletes, tortas, burritos and sopes also make the menu. Don’t forget a cup of spiced, citrusy café de olla.