Gedera

This simple eatery, close to Monash Uni, forgoes bells and whistles for madly affordable, home-style meals. It has an unfussy terracotta-coloured interior and, yes, folding chairs, but the food here is one tasty bargain. Snack on a golden pastry stuffed with spiced beef and egg or a Chiko Roll-esque pan roll for a couple of bucks, or order a serve of hoppers (thin, bowl-shaped pancakes) to dip into fragrant, zingy dhal or beef curry. Other carby options include dosas and roti chanai, but look out for daily specials like string hoppers (rice noodles) or Sri Lankan-style fried rice. Cap it off with a sweet, squishy wedge of steamed custard with syrup.