I discovered today the holy grail of all cheap lunches. The cheap lunch is a much sought after location in New York, where one's bank account, after subtracting rent and related expenses, can quickly deplete due to the 7 dollars and change spent daily for lunch (even if it does come with a "free" soda). Most weeks, it can sometimes seem really impossible to find a satisfying lunch in New York City for under 6 dollars. Today, thanks to an eavesdropping coworker, I had a gigantic lunch consisting of a sizable quantity of steamed rice along with three tasty sides and soup for a grand total, including tax, of $2.75. Yes, you read that correctly. $2.75.
One can choose from a variety of sides: I went with a chicken and vegetable dish, some bok choi, and hearty dumplings. Irregardless of the price, it was quite delicious, tasting more like home cooked Chinese food--meaning it was light on the grease.
That's about as close to a free lunch as once can get around these parts. Consider that the large ice coffee at the budget deli near work is $2.50.
Where is it? Just meander on down to Mott and Broome St. Just don't tell too many people.