$10 Eats: A Burger, a Curry Plate and a Poke Bowl

 

My quest for affordable, delicious and filling meals began when I was a cash-strapped student at UH Mānoa. Now that I’ve graduated, I’m on the hunt for a job in marketing—and for even more $10 eats. Here are three of my latest discoveries that tick all the boxes.

 

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Single Hamburger at Honolulu Burger Co.

 

 

This is a solid example of how simple can still mean good. The patty in the Single Hamburger ($10) is made with 100% local grass-fed beef that’s well seasoned and cooked to a nice medium, with a slight char that adds depth. The buns are generously buttered, and the creamy sauce complements the beef without overpowering it. No gimmicks here, just a well-executed, straightforward burger.

 

Multiple locations, honoluluburgerco.com, @honoluluburgerco

 

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Thai Chicken Curry Mini Plate at Da Spot

 

 

Featuring Thai chicken curry, Da Spot’s mini plate offers a surprisingly generous amount of food for $9. The curry is rich and savory, slightly spicy and sweet, with tender chicken that soaks up the sauce. Two scoops of saffron rice are slightly fragrant on their own but shine when doused in curry sauce, and the side salad offers a fresh, crunchy contrast. Despite its name, the portion is hefty and leaves you full without feeling weighed down. This is a satisfying and balanced plate that leans healthy without sacrificing taste.

 

2469 S. King St., (808) 941-1313, daspot.net, @daspot_healthfoods

 

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California Roll ‘Ahi Poke Bowl at Foodland

 

 

Foodland’s Poke Bowl of 1 Choice with Rice ($7.99) is easily one of the best value meals you’ll find on the island. My personal choice is the creamy, savory, flavor-packed California Roll ‘Ahi Poke. It’s tossed with just enough mayo, imitation crab and avocado to give it that familiar richness, while the unagi sauce on top adds a layer of sweetness that ties everything together. Served over warm rice, it’s simple and well-balanced. The portion is more than fair for the price, making it a go-to for anyone craving a poke bowl that won’t break the bank.

 

Multiple locations, foodland.com, @foodlandhi

 

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‘Ahi, Avo, Cheese and Tomato Sandwich at Andy’s Sandwiches

 

 

This sandwich ($9.85) is an absolute monster—seriously, it’s enormous. Packed with a creamy ‘ahi-mayo mix and the richness of avocado, it’s the kind of sandwich that fills you up without feeling too heavy. Each bite explodes with flavor and the subtle crunches of fresh tomato and alfalfa sprouts. It’s a must-try when you’re craving something light but hearty.

 

2904 E. Mānoa Road, (808) 988-6161, andyssandwiches.com, @andyssandwiches

 

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No Name Sandwich’s BBQ Pork Banh Mi

 

 

This $9.99 sandwich is everything you want in barbecue pork. It comes in a perfectly toasted mini baguette, meaning it has the right balance of crispness and softness. A generous layer of cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note, while the pickled daikon and carrot offer a tangy crunch that complements the pork. This one is all kinds of satisfying.

 

3394 Wai‘alae Ave., (808) 200-1268

 

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Turkey Croissant Sandwich at ARS Café

 

 

This $10 sandwich is wrapped in a flaky, fluffy croissant that’s hard to resist. The lean turkey is seasoned with a mix of savory, aromatic herbs and the buttery croissant adds a delicious contrast. More than lunch, this feels like a comforting treat.

 

3116 Monsarrat Ave., (808) 734-7897, ars-cafe.com, @ars.cafe

 

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SEE ALSO: Potluck Go-Tos: Delicious Last-Minute Takeout Dishes for Parties on O‘ahu

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Double Deluxe Cheeseburger at Betty’s Burgers

 

 

I can’t resist a perfectly seasoned burger that packs a punch, especially when it’s $9.95. The two patties in Betty’s Double Deluxe Cheeseburger have those crispy edges that everyone loves, and pickles add that necessary zing. This burger is massive and well deserving of its price. (Adding fries will cost you a few more dollars.)

 

1025 University Ave., (808) 762-0099, @bettysburgershawaii

 

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Feast’s The Brookie

 

 

Farther up Mānoa Valley, I head to Feast for Jon Matsubara’s hearty combination of fried chicken with mushroom gravy and crispy, thin fries for $10. The gravy is rich and flavorful, with mushrooms adding a bouncy texture. The fries are cooked to perfection with a crunch that reminds me of the well-done fries you get at In-N-Out.

 

2970 E. Mānoa Road, (808) 840-0488, feastrestauranthawaii.com, @feast808

 

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Pepperoni Pizza at Boston’s Pizza

 

 

If you’re hungry and craving pizza, Boston’s Pizza is the place to go. For only $8, you get a slice of pepperoni pizza that’s more like two massive slices in one. Seriously, this slice is a quarter of an extra-large pizza, and it’s got the perfect crunch to it. The crust is just the right thickness, giving it the ideal balance of crispy and chewy. It’s a steal for pizza lovers on a budget.

 

Multiple locations

 

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SEE ALSO: Beer Lab Opens a Fun Bar and Lounge with Food at Puck’s Alley

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Rainbow Drive-In’s Loco Moco Bowl

 

 

First up is the Loco Moco Bowl from Rainbow Drive-In, a true local classic for just $7.50. Picture this: a mound of rice topped with a seasoned hamburger patty, all smothered with that rich brown gravy. Add a perfectly cooked egg of your choice on top, and you have the ultimate comfort food. It’s a smaller version of the famous loco plate, but the flavors are the same, incredibly bold and satisfying. This dish is a must for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, and trust me: It’s a decent portion that will leave you feeling full and happy. Also at Rainbow’s, things like the Chili Dog Boat and Rainbow Royal with double patties are less than $10.

 

Multiple locations, (808) 737-0177, rainbowdrivein.com, @rainbowdrivein

 

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Okata Bento’s Mini Mix Plates

 

 

Next, let’s head to Okata Bento in Kaimukī for the Mini Mix Plate featuring your choice of meat. From the menu of beef teriyaki, char siu chicken, tonkatsu and other hard-to-choose classics, I decide on the Mahi Mahi and Teriyaki Chicken for $9.50. This is a delightful flavor combo. The Mahi Mahi is expertly grilled, while the teriyaki chicken is sweet and savory with a nice char. What’s unique about Okata Bento is that your meal is prepared fresh when you order it, ensuring you get a piping hot experience every time. Just remember to bring some cash, as Okata doesn’t accept plastic.

 

3616 Wai‘alae Ave., (808) 737-6063, @okatabento

 

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Burritos at Koa Pancake House

 

 

Last, let’s not forget the massive burritos at Koa Pancake House. This is a tossup: My friends swear by the Vinha D’alhos Burrito with fried potatoes, onions and eggs for $7.50, while my go-to is the Koa Breakfast Burrito with Portuguese sausage, cheese, eggs and potatoes for $6.95. There’s also a Veggie Burrito. These burritos are enormous! The vinha d’alhos one is stuffed with marinated pork loin that bursts with flavor in a soft tortilla. Each bite offers a combination of savory flavors and textures that make your taste buds dance. It’s perfect for anyone with a good appetite but not a hefty wallet.

 

Multiple locations, (808) 739-7778, koapancakehouse.com, @koapancakehouse

 

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Freelancer Lucas Kamata is a former editorial and multimedia intern at Frolic Hawai‘i.