Seriously cheap and genuinely delicious recipes
Being able to cook food that fills you up with joy is something that can't be beaten! So, while we're feeding students and fighting for systems change, we thought it'd be a good idea to create a collection of our most popular cheap & delicious recipes! Have a browse below.
Firstly, what do we mean by 'cheap'?
Consider a young Australian student, studying full time who is living out of home, the maximum they can get from Centrelink is $562.80, a fortnight. A Homelessness Australia report revealed a student like this would be left with $13 a day. This $13 would have to cover transport, utilities and food. We estimate that after paying public transport and bills, this student would have $5 a day for food! If they're an international student, there is little support available so budgets would be significantly less.
If you consider students already have access to some basic staples like oil, butter, spices etc... cheap could be:
A meal that costs more than $5 but is multiple serves
A meal where ingredients can be foraged or rescued
A meal where the costs are shared between friends or family
Anzac Biscuits
Anzac biscuits are more than just a sweet treat — they’re connected to history. Baking them can be a thoughtful way to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans and current personnel, while also acknowledging the layered and ongoing impacts of our colonial past. This gluten-free version stays true to the classic: golden, chewy, and perfect for sharing on Anzac Day or any day of remembrance.
Arabic Salad
This vibrant Arabic-inspired salad brings together layers of rich, comforting flavours and fresh, zesty notes for a truly satisfying dish. With a mix of warm Middle Eastern-inspired spices and crisp textures, finished with creamy tahini — perfect for a wholesome lunch or shareable side.
Matcha & Coconut Balls
Earthy, vibrant, and naturally energising, these Matcha & Coconut Balls are the perfect pick-me-up. With just a handful of ingredients, they come together in minutes for a snack that’s as wholesome as it is flavourful — ideal for an afternoon boost or a mindful treat on the go.
Fig & Pistachio Balls
Sweet and nutty, these Middle Eastern-inspired balls are a delightful no-bake treat packed with natural flavours and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a healthy snack on the go.
American Corn Bread
Classic American cornbread — warm, crumbly, and slightly sweet — brings a warm, gluten-free option to complement your weeknight meals. It comes together quickly, without the fuss of kneading a traditional dough. A quick and tasty bake that’s sure to become a new favourite.
Creamy Yoghurt Coleslaw
Light, tangy, and creamy without the heaviness, this yoghurt coleslaw is a fresher, healthier twist on the classic mayo-based version. It comes together in minutes and is full of vibrant flavours. The perfect side to brighten up any meal.
Vietnamese Vermicelli Salad
Bright, crisp, and bursting with fresh flavours, this Vietnamese-inspired salad is the perfect light meal for warm days. Tender rice noodles, marinated tofu, and crunchy vegetables come together with fragrant herbs and a tangy, zingy dressing that perfectly balances freshness and flavour.
Cowgirl Salad
Round up your appetite — this Cowgirl Salad is riding in with big flavours and no fuss. With hearty brown rice, black beans, crunchy veg, and a creamy avocado dressing, it’s a rootin’-tootin’ bowl of goodness that keeps you riding strong (no horse required).
Peanut Oat Granola Bar
These chewy peanut oat granola bars are a simple, satisfying snack made with just a few pantry staples. Packed with energy and a hint of natural sweetness, they’re perfect for lunchboxes, busy mornings, or anytime you need a quick, nourishing bite. Homemade, no-fuss, and way better than store-bought.
Pumpkin & Grain Salad
With sweet roasted pumpkin, nutty grains, and a bright yogurt and orange topping, this salad tastes like autumn in a bowl. It’s a warming, nourishing dish that celebrates the season’s best produce — perfect for sharing or savoring on a crisp day.
Brown Rice & Lentil Salad
This Brown Rice & Lentil Salad is hearty, fresh, and packed with plant-powered goodness. It’s perfect for using up those tired herbs in the back of your fridge and holds up beautifully for up to 72 hours in the fridge — making it ideal for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a no-fuss dinner.
Cinnamon & Cayenne Chocolate Balls
These Cinnamon and Cayenne Chocolate Balls are bold, bite-sized bursts of energy — sweet, spicy, and naturally satisfying. Perfect for powering through your day or kicking cravings to the curb, they’re quick to make and even quicker to disappear.
Can-Be Vegan Chilli
This vegetarian chilli recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Customise it how you like with whatever optional toppings you have on hand. We love it with cheese, sour cream and coriander!