The 2026 “$10 Daily Routine”

1. The “Hubs”: Reliable All-You-Can-Eat ($7.50–$9.50)

If you skip breakfast, your entire $10 budget can go toward a massive, unlimited lunch.

• Crossways (Swanston St): The 2026 price remains $7.50 for students (concession). It includes unlimited refills of the curry of the day, rice, pappadums, a drink, and their famous date halva dessert.
• Om Vegetarian (Collins St/Wales Arcade): Their “Thali” deal is $9.90. You get three vegetable curries, rice, and freshly baked naan with unlimited refills. It’s slightly more expensive than Crossways but offers more variety per plate.

2. The “University” Canteen Subsidy ($5.00–$5.20)

In 2026, the University of Melbourne has expanded its Campus Canteen program to combat inflation.

• The Deal: Any student with a valid ID can get a nutritionist-approved hot meal (like Lemon Myrtle Chicken or Lentil Dahl) for $5.20.
• Locations: Building 168 (Parkville) and the Southbank Library Hub.
• RMIT Hack: While RMIT doesn’t have a centralized $5 canteen, the RMIT Kirrip House often hosts “Free Lunch Thursdays” at 12:30 PM.

3. The “Sunset” Markdowns (Under $5.00)

To stay under $10, your “third meal” or snacks must come from the 2026 markdown cycle.

• Tokui Sushi (Lonsdale St): In late 2026, while most sushi is $4+, Tokui still offers select rolls for $2.50–$3.00. Two rolls make a solid $6.00 dinner.
• Udon Yasan (Bourke St): You can still find a “Plain Udon” or “Kake Udon” for roughly $5.50. It’s warm, filling, and leaves you with change for a $1.00 loose fruit from the Queen Vic Market.
• TooGoodToGo App: This has become a 2026 staple. You can reserve a “Surprise Bag” from Baker’s Delight or CBD cafes for $3.00–$5.00 that usually contains $15+ worth of bread and pastries.

4. 2026 “Secret” Pantry Access

If your $10 is gone, these two spots provide a 2026 safety net:

• Union Mart (Building 1888): A “take what you need” pantry for students. It’s stocked with pasta, tuna, and long-life milk.
• The “Hare Krishna” St Kilda Temple: If you can take the Tram 1 or 12 out of the CBD, they offer free meals 365 days a year at 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM.