These last few weeks, I’ve been looking frantically for local restaurants that offer a unique flavor of Seattle. In this week’s episode of Food Adventures in Seattle, I chose unique and affordable places to enjoy and share with others. You will be able to order food for under $10 in the restaurants listed below.

Tacos Chukis: Mexican

Capitol Hill

Hidden behind Laughing Buddha Tattoo shop in Capitol Hill, there is a small Mexican gem. It’s quite secluded from streets of Broadway, but once you find it, you will never forget where it is. They have a very simple menu with street style tacos and burritos. On their tacos, they put creamy guacamole and grilled pineapples, creating a style of tacos that are unique with every bite.

For their meat options, they have carne asada, adobada, pollo asado, frijoles and nogales, which is grilled cactus leaf. I like to come to this place for a date, or a stop-by after a night of drinking with your friends. it’s very hip and only the people that know will be able to find it. So if you are in the area and you are in the mood for Mexican, make sure to check it out because these hip tacos are about to change your world.

Sandwich House Tres: Sandwiches

Bellevue

If you are sick and tired of eating the same old sandwiches from Subway, Jimmy Johns or Quiznos, I recommend a place called Sandwich Tres. What is different about them is that they make Japanese Style sandwiches. One thing I absolutely love about this place is the unique taste of their ingredients. Sandwich House Tres uses Japanese mayo which taste different than American mayo. It’s more tangy, less creamy, more umami, and sweeter.

They put that on a soft crust-less toast and they put on a wide-variety of toppings that you would not be able to find anywhere else. If you want something sweet, there is matcha cream & red bean paste sandwich, and if you want something savory, you can try the spicy garlic potato salad sandwich. Each individual sandwich is a whole new experience that can’t be found in fast-food restaurants. They also have other sandwiches like pork cutlet, teriyaki chicken, blueberry cream cheese and the classics such as ham and cheese, tuna salad, or the egg salad, so you’ll never run out of options!

Thai Tom: Thai

University District

This was the first restaurant I went to on The Ave, and it was an eye-opening experience for me, Thai food wise. My cousin, who is proud UW alumni, took me to this place back when I was in high school. He told me it was the best Thai food he’d tasted in Seattle and indeed it was.

It was actually the first time I had been to a Thai restaurant, but I was first astounded by the smell. It had a distinct aroma that made my mouth fill with saliva. The restaurant was very small, dark, and crowded. The tables were old, and dingy. The menu was filled with words I didn’t understand, but when I tasted their food, it didn’t matter because they were all so delicious.

We waited about 30 minutes before we were seated but when the food came out in front of us, it took less than 15 minutes to wipe it off the plate. The classic pad thai was unmatched. The swimming rama and red curry are some of the best Thai food you can get in the area. The restaurant is a bit dirty, and crowded, but the food makes it all worth it. It’s definitely one of my go-to stops on The Ave.