Dining Deals

Cheap & Good Eats: Top 5 Budget Lunch Spots in Rice Village (Save Room for Some Dessert)

We've been rounding up our favorite budget lunch spots in different neighborhoods around town. So far, we've covered Montrose, River Oaks, Midtown, Upper Kirby and EaDo.

Today, we're looking at the shopping mecca that is Rice Village.

Here's our list of the best cheap (under $10) lunch spots that this area has to offer:

Honorable Mention: Coppa Osteria, for their walk-up pizza-by-the-slice window; Kubo's Sushi Bar & Grill, for their $9.95 combo roll specials; and Brown Bag Deli, for their no-fuss sandwiches on the go (okay, mostly for their chocolate chip cookies).

5. Sweet Paris Creperie and Cafe

We're all for enjoying a Nutella crepe for lunch, but if you prefer savory, this creperie and cafe won't disappoint. The Dijon-spiked ham and Gruyère ($8.00) -- smothered in a rich, velvety béchamel -- is a fantastic version of the classic; and the bright le Californian ($9.95) -- with turkey, pepper jack, avocado and truffle oil -- feels light and rich all at once.

4. Yum Yum Cha

Come to this family-run dim sum shop for the made-to-order dumplings, stay for the sweets. Instead of carts of dim sum whizzing by, Yum Yum allows you to order using a picture-book menu, with each dish designated as small ($2.15), medium ($3.15) or large ($3.90). We love the savory barbecue pork steam buns, pan-fried chicken dumplings and ginger-laced beef tripe. Come with friends and order a couple of dishes to share. And don't forget to add on tea; according to the menu, when "Yum Yum Cha" is said quickly, it's an invitation to "drink tea."

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Brooke Viggiano is a contributing writer who is always looking to share Houston's coolest and tastiest happenings with the Houston Press readers.
Contact: Brooke Viggiano