If you are one of those people who put a twenty in your wallet and let it disappear, then you are in need of a hearty, cheap lunch. It’s unlikely you’ll forget what you spent your money on when both your bank and your belly are satisfied alike.

We’re fans of convenience, a society addicted to ease. Of course the ideal routine would include taking lunch to work everyday but most people don’t have the time.

We have put together a little lunch guide to getting a great lunch for ten dollars or less. I know you’re shocked, but it’s do-able and the best thing of all is they will all have your belly full right through till dinner!

Take a trip to Black Pepper in Belconnen with just $10 in your pocket and you can enjoy the Open Sandwich of the day for just $8.50. Or, order something a little more gourmet such as the Zucchini and Bocconcini Fritters with mint yoghurt and you’ll still have a little change, even if it is silver.

Italian always offers something for everyone and there are a few places around town that offer great prices on pizzas. Firestone in Dickson is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11.30-2.30, serving Wood-fired Pizza with tomato, mozzarella, fresh basil leaves and fresh tomato for just $9.90.

On the topic of Italian, The Italian Kitchen in Kaleen serves a variety of hearty pizzas for lunch from Monday to Saturday. There are a few gourmet pizzas on the menu, costing $10 exactly. The Prawn pizza is a winner combining garlic and chilli prawns with gourmet cheeses. There are also the much loved pepperoni pizzas and alike for ten bucks too! It also has to be said that the pizzas are a fantastic generous size.

You’re probably getting hungry, I know, but wait there’s more…

Zucchero in Manuka has a great little café atmosphere and a menu that aims to ease even the worst of hunger pains. It’s not often the words budget and choice meet in the same sentence, but at this café they do. You can grab a bagel, baguette or rustic bread and add to it fillers such as chicken, smoked salmon, bacon, mesculin, roast vegetables, veal, cheeses, fresh salads and much more. That’s if you feel like mixing it up. The blackboard gives set suggestions and all sandwiches are $8.50. If you’re in a rush you can grab and go for only $6.50. That leaves you enough cash for one of their great coffees!

So there you have it, the year is 2008 and we can still manage to do lunch under ten. One just has to plan a little and let your satisfied belly and plump wallet do the talking, or smiling.