The best cheap eats in Toronto, according to the city’s chefs

Chef and co-owner, Good Behaviour “Gaucho Pie Co.’s crispy empanadas are perfectly crafted. Each one has a unique crimping pattern, offering delightful variation.” $3.75 each

David Schwartz

Co-owner and chef, Sunnys and Mimi Chinese “I love any meat roasted on a vertical spit—and jerk chicken is something I eat often—so Chris Jerk’s chicken shawarma wrap is perfect for me.” $9.50 Related: Where chef David Schwartz eats Chinese food in Scarborough and North York

Victor Ugwueke

Owner and chef, Afrobeat Kitchen “Trying a patty at Caribbean Queen of Patties for the first time was a revelation. They’re full of juicy meat—no grey paste here—in a freshly baked pastry shell. Ms. Georgina makes each one all by herself. She’s a legend.” $4 each

David Adjey

Owner and chef, Bouffe by Adjey “The quesabirria and consomé from Taqueria El Valiente is the ultimate soup and sandwich. After you devour the taco—with the consomé bowl held under your mouth to catch every dropped morsel—you can slam the remaining liquid.” $9

Conor Joerin

Co-owner Sugo and Bar Sugo “The bo la lot at 416 Snack Bar is a small dish with big flavour. Lemongrass beef is wrapped in betel leaf, then grilled. It’s a classic Vietnamese snack that’s hard to find— and a steal at $10.”