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‘s $15 prix fixe lunch

Part of my frugal ways include maxing out the two-hour transfer window on a single Presto fare, hopping on and off the subway to run errands and grab food without paying extra. I often transfer at Yonge and Sheppard, though the intersection is dominated by international chains. Just a short walk south, though, is Another Land Coffee and More, an indie cafe (that also serves booze) run by the couple who once owned theÌýChinese restaurant Woodhouse BBQ.

You’ll find the usual espresso drinks as well as matcha lattes, teas, plus Bellwoods beer and croissant sandwiches. But stay a while to take advantage of the weekday prix fixe lunchÌýthat’s always $15, served from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The menu changes daily, but it usually consists of a salad, soup and a main. On one day it’s mapo tofu on rice with a bowl of clam and wintermelon soup and a tofu skin salad. On my visit it was mixed greens with tomatoes, pumpkin seeds and golden raisins; a bowl of potato soup with dollops of creme fraiche; and a plate of rigatoniÌýbolognese. The soup was light, but thickened with a tangy zip when swirled with the creme fraiche, while the pasta is al dente with a good ratio of sauce and tender ground beef. The matcha latte with just a bit of syrup is worth adding to the meal.ÌýIt’s a relaxing lunch in a quaint cafe just off the chaotic intersection, and the restaurant doesn’t ask for tips, to boot.

Where to get it:ÌýAnother Land Coffee and More is at 4708 Yonge St. at Johnston Avenue. Washrooms are down a flight of stairs. It is open every day 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is on Uber Eats.

Kathy’s Grill’s Hot Hamburger and Fries

Kathy’s may be a newcomer among the city’s Greek-run burger and souvlaki spots — it opened in 2016 — but it’s already a neighbourhood staple. The menu is full of low-key gems: $5 homemade burgers, $7.25 chicken souvlaki on a bun, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a steak dinner for $16.75. Standouts include golden-fried fish and chips at a frankly bonkers $7.85, and a full chicken souvlaki dinner — potatoes, rice, salad, and a dinner rol — for $12.70. But my greasy-spoon-loving heart belongs to the board special: a homemade hot hamburger and fries for $7.75. It’s a thick, grill-kissed patty on an open-faced bun, buried in gravy over a heap of fries. The gravy is classic rink-style — salty, beefy, made for cream soda — and the blocky fries, soft in the middle, soak it up perfectly. There’s no seating, so plan to eat in your car or, if the weather’s nice, walk 15 minutes south to McGregor Park’s picnic benches.

Where to get it: Kathy’s Grill is at 1158 Kennedy Ave. at Lawrence Avenue East. It is open Monday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.ÌýIt is not on delivery apps.

Tianjin Dumplings’ Lamb HaggisÌýNoodles

I’d passed this small Scarborough spot on the Sheppard bus for years before finally hopping off last summer. It’s a no-frills northern Chinese joint with maybe 10 seats and a steady takeout flow, where nothing on the menu tops $12. Specialties include dumplings (steamed or pan-fried), scallion pancakes, stuffed flatbreads, and snack plates like smashed cucumber and shredded potato salad. A dozen pork, shrimp, and chive dumplings go for $10.99, but I’m hooked on the lamb haggis noodles — $10.99 for a bowl of chewy hand-pulled noodles in a peppery broth, loaded with cilantro, tripe, and sliced heart. The offal brings a bold, earthy flavour that stands up well to a heavy pour of chili oil.

If offal isn’t your thing, the restaurant has regular beef soup noodles, $11, as well cold sesame noodles, $8.Ìý

Where to get it:ÌýTianjin Dumplings is at 4192 Sheppard Ave. E. at Midland Avenue. It is on Uber Eats, Hungry Panda and Fantuan. It is open every day except Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.Ìý

‘s Vegan Pho

The price of pho has steadily climbed to an average of $20 a bowl, which isn’t surprising considering all the ingredients and work that go into it. That being said, Vit Beo, a little counter service spot that’s owned by the same people behind the nearby Civil Liberties bar, offers a wallet-friendly (and vegan and gluten-free friendly) pho for a decent $15. The broth is made from a combination of roasted vegetables, kombu and aromatics like star anise to create the distinct pho aroma without having to use beef bones (the veggies give a slight vegetal sweet edge). On top, there’s a heap of fresh cilantro and Thai basil for the familiar anise base notes; baby bok choy for crunch; and thinly sliced king oyster mushrooms and fried tofu for heft.

Sure, you can get it to go, but pho is always best eaten immediately before the cooked vermicelli gets gloopy and fresh herbs lose their potency and crunch.

Where to get it: is at 858 Bloor St. W. at Ossington Avenue. It is open Friday to Sunday for lunch noon to 3:30 p.m. and Tuesday to Sunday for dinner 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Takeout can be ordered . Washrooms are down a small flight of stairs.

Before you go, I have a few moreÌýrecommendations

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•ÌýGet fresh canoli and loaves of breadÌýat this beloved Italian bakery on the Danforth.

•ÌýThis ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ restaurantÌýis keeping the “dying artâ€� of Chinese barbecue alive.

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•ÌýGet a warm bowl of ajiaco at thisÌýcharming Colombian spot to cure to the winter blues.