7 places to pick up lunch for around a fiver

The greatest inventions are often the simplest. In any list of the greatest ever inventions, the sandwich must rank pretty high. Probably behind the telephone, the bicycle, and chips but ahead of fireworks, onesies and the car.

Take two pieces of bread and whack a piece of cheese, chicken, or beef between them and hey presto, a tasty snack that takes a minute to prepare and not much longer to eat. Genius.

Our appetite for sandwiches is insatiable We’re a nation of sandwich makers and eaters.. Around 12 billion sandwiches are eaten every year in the UK-most of them in the I Love Manchester office. But you can have too much of a good thing. The humble sandwich can become a little, well, boring. So sometimes we pop out for something a little different. Here are eight of our favourite places to pick up a sandwich-free lunch.

1. PITA PIT

Not just falafel but a wide range of fresh fillings such as souvlaki chicken and grilled halloumi. Take your pick from a wide selection of toppings, spreads and sauces to make your perfect pita. Prices start at £3.25 for a 6” pita and £3.95 for a 9” – that includes all the fillings and toppings. Eat in or take away.

45 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2AY

pitapituk.com

2. Katsouris

They don’t just do excellent sandwiches here. Lots of hot dishes to choose from for under a fiver including a choice of meats at the carvery and a salad bar from £3.50. Generous portions, good value. A firm favourite.

113 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BQ

katsourisdeli.co.uk

3. Arndale and Piccadilly Food Markets

Lots of places here where you can refuel for less than a fiver at the Arndale food market. There’s a wide range of Greek Cypriot-style hot dishes to choose from at Zorba’s including keftedes and gyros but if it’s the end of the month and you’re waiting for your next pay cheque or you just fancy a light snack, you can’t beat a tub of hummus and a pitta here for just £1.50. And don’t forget the outdoor street food market at Piccadilly, where fifteen stalls serve a wide range of street food including Chinese, Caribbean and Indian. Good for burgers, including exotic varieties such as wild boar, ostrich, buffalo and venison at Safari Grill. Thursday to Sunday only.

4. Go Falafel

Of all the street foods in all the world, falafel is one of our favourites, whether it’s served in a pita wrap or pocket. Go Falafel belong to the wrap school. Medium falafel in pita is £2.95 large £3.95. Hummus, tabbouleh £1.95. Take away only.

3 Newton Street, Manchester M1 1HW

gofalafel.co.uk

5. Slice

Looks and feels like an authentic Italian cafe and serves proper pizza the way it’s meant to be served and eaten-by the slice. Pizza prices start from £2.25. Focaccia £2. Fantastic, unusual toppings change regularly and include mozzarella, potato and rosemary, and aubergine, spinach, goats cheese and basil.

1A Stevenson Square, Manchester M1 1DN

slicepizza.co

6. Changos

There are often queues outside this popular Oxford Rd burrito bar. That’s probably because of the generous portions and prices which start at £4.50 for a medium burrito.

91-93 Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6FQ

changos.co.uk

7. ThaikHun

This is Spinningfields so there’s lots of dishes which are well over a fiver but for just under a fiver try Por Pia Gai (deep fried chicken spring rolls) or, for £5.25, the Bangkok Street Platter – succulent grilled chicken and pork skewers and crisp wontons with an assortment of Thaistyle dips.

Unit 17, 3 Hardman Street, Manchester M3 3HF

thaikhun.co.uk

If your budget stretches to a tenner, Urban Cookhouse (featured image) has launched a brilliant new lunch offer that’s every bit as delicious as their evening dishes.

Served weekdays 12 – 4pm, enjoy dishes like the Cookhouse Club, Mexican Chicken or Steak Frites all for just £9.95. Not only are the dishes delicious, but did we mention the price includes a drink?! Beer, wine, coffee or a soft drink…Incredible value – too good not to mention.

54 Princess Street, Manchester M1 6HS

urbancookhouse.co.uk