In New York City, Marco Lombardi has carved out a niche as a culinary treasure hunter. With hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram, he has an impressive talent for unearthing affordable meals that don’t compromise on taste. Frequently, he highlights finds that clock in at just $5, focusing on hidden gems that offer great value without draining your wallet.
According to a report from the New York Post, Lombardi emphasizes meals that can cost nearly a third of what you’d pay at many pricier restaurants. For instance, he draws attention to the $7.50 pork chop rice from “Mei Wah Pork Chop Chicken King” in Chinatown, and the iconic $5 chicken skewers from the Souvlaki Lady food cart.
Lombardi regards family-owned eateries as the “engine” of New York City, asserting that the city wouldn’t be the same without them. He candidly states, “We all can’t afford $20 sandwiches.”
As inflation continues to hit hard, with dining out becoming almost 6% more costly compared to last year, this 32-year-old food enthusiast is dedicated to introducing his followers to a variety of budget-friendly snacks. He laments that “dollar pizza” has risen well above just a dollar.
Once grappling with financial challenges due to gambling, Lombardi has a deep understanding of the struggles many face to afford a good meal. He recounts a pivotal moment when he visited “Lucky Joy BBQ” in Chinatown, following a vow to quit gambling, and spent $7 on a meal, promising himself to turn over a new leaf.
Now, he operates a full-time social media food content business, collaborating with brands like Chevy, Poland Spring, and Popeye’s Chicken, all while committed to uncovering New York’s “hidden treasures” for those on tighter budgets.
Lombardi firmly believes that “affordable food” doesn’t mean low quality. He reflects on the cheap eats from 1990s New York, crafted by grandmothers striving to make ends meet. Many of these establishments have thrived for 25 to 30 years, prompting him to ask, “Why should they change their prices?”
Here are Lombardi’s top five favorite meals that cost $5 or less, along with their addresses:
1. Tacos from Al Gusto food cart: 102-96 Roosevelt Ave (Corona Plaza).
2. Stewed chicken rice from Elsa La Reina de Chicharrón: 4840 Broadway.
3. Pork chop rice from Wah Fung Fast Food: 79 Chrystie St.
4. Pasta and rotisserie chicken from Color World: 305 E. 116th St.
5. Burgers from 20 Gram Café: 145 West St, Green Point (Jubilee Marketplace).
