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.
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.
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.
Soba Noodle Salad
Fresh, quick, and full of flavour, this soba noodle salad is perfect for busy days and warm weather. Made with affordable ingredients like cabbage, frozen edamame, and pantry-staple noodles, it’s a light yet satisfying dish tossed in a zesty sesame-soy dressing. Great for lunch, leftovers, or sharing.
Red Chilli Pesto Pasta
This bold and speedy pasta brings the heat — think red chilli pesto tossed through your favourite pasta shape, with broccoli and spinach for extra greens and goodness. Whether you use a jar or make your own, it’s a weeknight winner that comes together fast and doesn’t hold back on flavour.
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.
Mushroom & Lentil Bolognese
Hearty, rich, and entirely plant-based, this Lentil and Mushroom Bolognese brings all the comfort of a classic — without the high price tag. It’s a satisfying, affordable meal that’s easy to make and great for feeding a crowd.