With four locations: Devon Avenue, near UIC, Lincoln Park, and Lombard, Ghareeb Nawaz entire identity revolves around serving cheap Indian and Pakistani food. And that pricing (and large portions) has built them a strong following, especially among those outside the South Asian diaspora. Most dishes on the extensive menu are less than $7 and diners have choices that include biryanis, curries, kebabs, and grilled specialties like frontier chicken and butter chicken.

After operating out of farmers markets and a ghost kitchen for several years, owners Steven Jarczyk and Daniela Vitale landed a brick-and-mortar home in Edgewater for their business this summer. The pair sling Sicilian-style street foods like arancini filled with beef ragu, saffron risotto, and mozzarella; a Chicago muffuletta sandwich (mortadella, hot capicola, salami, provolone, giardiniera relish); and slices of sfincione — thick-crust Sicilian pizza. Customers can also grab a coffee, hand-pressed limonata, or jars of house-made marinara sauce to go.

Jerk chicken is a wondrous dish when done properly and arguably the best version is coming out of this small kitchen in Norwood Park. The birds are marinated overnight in an addictive sauce made from peppers, onions, celery, garlic, ginger, and a mix of spices. They’re then roasted in a barrel smoker over coals, resulting in smoky and flavorful pieces of white and dark meat. Diners can get the delectable chicken plus two sides for just $10 during lunchtime. The menu also features other Jamaican favorites like catfish, red snapper, curry goat, and oxtail. A second outpost is located in Burbank.

The city’s preeminent banh mi expert is a delicious and affordable option. The signature house special contains paté, head cheese, ham, and pork roll alongside a medley of veggies, but customers can also order their Vietnamese sandwiches with ingredients like barbecue pork, lemongrass chicken, and sugarcane shrimp. What really sets Nhu Lan apart from the competition though is its bread, which is baked daily in-house. A second outpost is located in Uptown.

A sushi feast doesn’t always have to cost a pretty penny. At Lawrence Fish Market, sashimi, nigiri, and maki rolls are sold at astonishing low prices without skimping on quality. The selection features everything from California and spicy tuna rolls to fatty tuna and uni.

Northwest Side residents know that the city’s best shish kabobs are at Mr D’s in Montclare. Owners Mike and Ann Antonopoulos marinate pork tenderloin in a special sauce, char it on the grill, and serve it with onions, tomatoes, and jus on a French roll. A similarly superb steak sandwich features thinly sliced rib eye and gravy. All orders come with perfectly crispy fries that are a paragon of the form.

The jibarito was introduced to Chicago at the late Borinquen Restaurant in the ’90s by restaurateur Juan Figueroa. Today, the Puerto Rican sandwich can be found on menus all over town. The classic recipe calls for thinly-sliced steak, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and garlic aioli in between two planks of fried plantains, but Jibaritos Y Mas also offers proteins like chicken, roasted pork, octopus, and shrimp. Additional outposts are located in Lincoln Park and Dunning.

This late-night hot dog stand is known for affordability and quality. There are two locations that serve the Depression Dog, the Chicago-style wiener with diced onions and relish. But the value comes from the griddled burger which punches way above its price of under $6 (with fresh-cut fries). This isn’t just a post-bar destination, but great for when you’re working late and don’t have time for a sit-down meal. RHR satisfies.

A cozy Polish Triangle hole-in-the-wall that’s been around for more than three decades, Podhalanka delivers classic Eastern European dishes. In addition to pierogis, potato pancakes, and stuffed cabbage, owner Helena Madej whips up a variety of soups, including sour borscht and beetroot. Diners don’t have to worry about breaking the bank as all items are less than $10.

This Humboldt Park stand blends Detroit and Chicago hot dog culture with care. Lola’s specializes in Detroit Coneys, smothered with chili, onions, and yellow mustard. But the soups and other sandwiches aren’t factory-made. There’s actual cooking in the tiny kitchen with a staff that is proud of what they serve. Most sandwiches are under $10 (the Wednesday steak special is $13 and also presents a good value).

Affordable dining is a relative thing. When it comes to a burger, $40 may seem excessive, but for a three-course prix fixe fine-dining meal, it’s a steal. The cooks and servers are all students at Kendall College and the menus vary, depending on who’s the kitchen. Diners can count on a mix of classics — vichyssoise, steak al forno, pan-seared salmon — along with newly-invented specials. Wine and beer pairings are also available.

Crispy, juicy carnitas have attracted Chicagoans to this Pilsen mainstay for four decades. The pork — cooked in rendered fat until it’s tender — is sold by the pound. From white and dark meat to ribs, stomach, skin, and even brain, every part of the pig can be had. Build tasty tacos with the warm tortillas, onions, cilantro, and salsa that come with each order but don’t forget to get some chicharrones too. On weekends, it’s extra busy so arrive early to avoid the long lines.

In the heart of Chinatown Square sits Chi Cafe, a reliable late-night spot for Chinese fare. On the menu are classics such as lo mein, fried rice, noodle soups, and a large variety of beef, chicken, pork, and seafood entrees. It can be overwhelming with so many dishes to choose from, but the sizzling beef tenderloin is always great.

This Louisiana-style seafood chain has locations in South Shore, Bronzeville, and the suburbs. The fried fish and shrimp dinners and the po’ boys are all stellar and affordable, but the Hennessey wings are also favorites.

Head to South Deering on the far South Side to experience this lauded eatery. The James Beard-honored roadside shack smokes its seafood on-site. Salmon, sable, sturgeon, and trout are just some of the fish options, while other popular items include fried shrimp and fried scallops battered using a secret family recipe. Bring cash and be prepared to eat on the curb or in the car as there’s no seating.