Dominic Armato

The Republic | azcentral.com

Finding 10 great dishes for $10 or less? Easy.

Seven for $7 or less? No problem.

But we can go even cheaper. There are killer eats to be had in the Valley, even on the thinnest of shoestring budgets. Time to dig deep. Here are five great dishes for less than $5.

Beef Shawarma Sandwich at Al-Hana Restaurant ($4.75)

One of the most screaming deals in town can be found at the back of Baiz Market Place, where Al-Hana roasts seasoned beef on a spit, carves it into freshly made pita and and rolls it up with vegetables, pickles and a garlicky sauce.

Details: Baiz Market Place, 523 N. 20th St., Phoenix. 602-252-8996, baizmarket.com.

Banh Mi Heo Nuong at Sun Valley Bakery ($4)

The best banh mi in the Valley is tucked away in the corner of a west Phoenix strip mall at Indian School Road and 35th Avenue. The menu is packed with killer sandwiches, but the grilled pork is the one I can’t stay away from.

Details: 4141 N. 35th Ave., Phoenix. 602-352-6600.

Green Corn Tamale at Salvadoreño Restaurant ($3.95)

There are many fine green corn tamales in town, but I keep returning for Salvadoreño’s — silky smooth, exploding with sweet corn flavor and paired with a crema so thick and rich, it’s practically cheese.

Details: Four locations in Phoenix and Mesa, salvadorenorestaurant.com.

Rajas Gordita at Tacos Chiwas ($3)

A Chihuahuan oasis in a sea of Sonoran joints, Tacos Chiwas makes tender, steaming flour gorditas. The standout is the rajas, filled with beans, Chihuahua cheese and a mix of onions and peppers that melts away into a luscious, comforting bite.

Details: 1923 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-358-8830, tacoschiwas.com.

Sonoran Hot Dog at El Caprichoso ($3)

OK, it’s basically fast food, but it’s our fast food. Until proven otherwise, I maintain that the best Sonoran dog in town — and not by a narrow margin — can be found at one of El Caprichoso’s stands, particularly the mothership at 35th Avenue and Thomas Road in Phoenix.

Details: Southwest corner of 35th Avenue and Thomas Road, Phoenix. 602-561-3723.

Reach Armato at dominic.armato@arizonarepublic.com; call at 602-444-8533 or interact with him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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