Affordable tofu dishes for $20 and under across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs
Tofu is a cheap option for vegetarians and vegans alike. Here’s our picks for some of the best spots serving tofu-based bites under $20.
Justine de Jonge
November 07, 2025
Still a couple days away from pay day but want to treat yourself to a plant-based delight?
We’ve put a list together of six restaurants and eateries across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs where you can sit down (or pick up) some cheap tofu meals, on the go, for $20 and under.
Did we miss your favourite tofu spot?
Let us know at [email protected]
Blissful Station
Located one level above Box Hill train station in the fruit and veggie area, Blissful Station is a popular vegetarian Chinese takeaway spot. It offers freshly cooked vegan-friendly meals, snacks, and drinks with clear allergen labels.
Tofu favourites like Beancurd Roll, Honey Tofu, and Dried Tofu Salad cost $8 to $12.80 per container.
According to one regular, meals are cooked early each day and often sell out by the afternoon.
Where: Box Hill Central, Shop 22/1 Main Street, Box Hill
Opening hours: 8.30am-6pm
Meetang Thai Kitchen
A humble family-run spot in Mooroolbark that serves authentic Thai dishes with vegan options.
Discover 13 rice and noodle meals under $20, all starring tofu.
Their motto, “good place, good food” rings true.
Try the Thai Sweet Basil and Chilli Fried Rice or Pad Kee Mao for $15.90, best enjoyed dining in.
Where: Unit 2/61 Brice Avenue, Mooroolbark
Opening hours: 4.30-9pm
Midori by Tao's
Melbourne's first vegan sushi train offers traditional Japanese sushi favourites in plant-based versions.
Tofu-based choices start at $4 each, including Tofu Block and Inari.
Where: 268 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 11.30am-3pm and 5.30-9pm
Vegie Bowl
This vegetarian restaurant serves Malaysian and Chinese dishes, ideal for group banquets or quick solo meals.
Try the Vegetable Tofu with Vermicelli Noodle Soup, a hearty $16.80 option with fluffy tofu. Add jasmine tea for $2.50 or enjoy it for free if you dine in on weekdays.
Where: 382-384 Springvale Road, Forest Hill and 5/254 Dorset Road, Boronia
Opening hours: Closed Mondays and Wednesdays, noon to 3pm and 5-9.30pm (Forest Hill) and noon to 2pm and 4-8pm (Boronia)
Vegify
A casual Knoxfield Chinese and Malaysian restaurant known for fresh, affordable, authentic food.
The plant-based menu features rice and noodle dishes, including Mixed Vegetables and Tofu with Rice for $16 – filled with crunchy veggies and tofu.
Order Chrysanthemum tea for $3. Vegan and gluten-free options available.
Where: Shop 1/573 Burwood Highway, Knoxfield
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – noon-3pm and 5-8pm, closed Sundays and Mondays
Er You Temple Tea House
Inside Box Hill’s Fo Guang Shan Er-You Buddhist Temple, there’s a Taiwanese vegetarian cafeteria making flavourful rice, noodle and “small eats” dishes.
Try the $18 Fo Guang Soya Noodle bowl with crispy fried tofu skins, veggies, rice vermicelli and creamy broth.
If they offer black fungus, say yes for a richer flavour.
Where: Er You Temple, 42 Rutland Road, Box Hill
Hours: 11.30am to 3pm six days, closed Mondays
Like your tofu scrambled?
Scrambled tofu has become a regular on café menus because of its likeness to egg; an option for customers who are egg-free.
Here’s where you can get your tofu scrambled for under $20:
Earthly Pleasures in Belgrave – $19.50 Scramble Tofu with caramelised onion and spinach on sourdough toast
Harrow and Harvest in Lilydale – $16 Chilli Scramble on sourdough toast
Lorna Café in Ferntree Gully – $15 Tofu Scram on organic white or multigrain sourdough toast
Soulpod Cafe in Croydon South offers a $17 Soul Scram with pesto and spinach on sourdough toast