Let’s be honest, Dublin isn’t exactly known for being friendly to the wallet. Finding a substantial meal that doesn’t leave you wincing when you tap your card can be a challenge. However, Ireland’s capital has quietly undergone a plant-based revolution over the last decade.
Gone are the days when “vegan option” meant a sad side salad and a plate of chips. Today, Dublin is bursting with incredible vegan food, and surprisingly, some of the best stuff is also the most affordable.
Whether you are a broke student, a budget-conscious traveller, or just a local looking for a delicious lunch that won’t break the bank, here is your guide to Dublin’s best vegan cheap eats.
Price Range Key:
- € = Under €10 for a main/substantial meal
- €€ = €10 – €15 for a substantial meal
1. Sambo Paradiso
If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food between two slices of bread, you have to track down Sambo Paradiso. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s an experience.
Sambo Paradiso specialises in unbelievably decadent, “meaty” vegan sandwiches that are dripping in flavour and sauces. They are famous for creating plant-based versions of classics that look and taste incredibly authentic. Think hot “chicken” fillet rolls, Reuben-style melts, and spicy creations packed with seitan and house-made cheeses. These sandwiches are massive, messy, and guaranteed to keep you full for hours, offering incredible value for the sheer volume of food you get.
Note: Sambo Paradiso often operates as a pop-up or market stall. While they have had residencies, it is crucial to check their Instagram for their current location and opening hours.
- Location: Varies (Check their Instagram for current pop-up locations around Dublin).
- Website: [No dedicated website, use social media]
- Social Link: Instagram (@samboparadiso)
- Price Range: €€
2. Umi Falafel
Umi Falafel is arguably the king of Dublin’s cheap eats scene, regardless of dietary preference. It is a beloved institution for a reason: the food is consistently fresh, delicious, and unbelievably affordable.
While they serve excellent plates and salads, the real budget heroes here are the Palestinian-style falafel pockets. For a very low price, you get freshly baked flatbread stuffed with hot, crispy falafel, fresh salads, pickles, and sauces. It’s healthy, fast, and satisfying. You can easily grab a substantial lunch here for under a tenner, even if you add their famous spicy potatoes (batata hara) on the side. They have multiple locations, making them an easy pitstop wherever you are in the city centre.
- Location: 13 Dame Street, Dublin 2 (and other locations including Mary St and Rathmines).
- Website: umifalafel.ie
- Social Link: Instagram (@umifalafel)
- Price Range: €
3. Govinda’s
If quantity is your priority, Govinda’s is unbeaten. Run by the Hare Krishna community, Govinda’s has been serving massive plates of vegetarian and vegan food to Dubliners for decades.
The vibe is cafeteria-style and no-frills. You grab a tray and choose from a selection of hot vegetable curries, dhals, hearty stews, rice, and salads. The portions are truly enormous—a “small” plate here is larger than a main course almost anywhere else. While not everything is vegan (some dishes contain dairy), the staff are very knowledgeable and will happily point out the many vegan options available that day. It’s wholesome, warming, and incredible value for money.
- Location: 83 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1 (also on Aungier Street, Dublin 2).
- Website: govindas.ie
- Social Link: Facebook (Govinda’s Dublin)
- Price Range: €
4. The Saucy Cow
Sometimes you don’t want a salad; you want filthy, delicious junk food. Enter The Saucy Cow. Originally starting as a market stall, their popularity saw them set up a permanent home in the city.
They specialise in vegan fast food that hits the spot perfectly. We’re talking big, messy burgers, loaded “disco fries” smothered in “cheeze” sauce and various toppings, and wrap combos. While a full meal deal here might nudge slightly over the €10 mark depending on what you order, the portion sizes are generous and the quality of their house-made sauces and mock meats makes it great value for a treat meal. It’s the perfect spot to cure a hangover without spending a fortune.
- Location: Eatyard, 9-10 South Richmond Street, Dublin 2.
- Website: thesaucycow.com
- Social Link: Instagram (@thesaucycow_)
- Price Range: €€
