Japanese ramen$cambridgeTue-Sun 18:00-22:30, closed Monday
Yume Wo Katare on Mass Ave in Porter Square Cambridge has poured Jiro-style ramen in Boston since 2012. At 1923 Massachusetts Ave. Booking recommended.
Try: Jiro-style ramen
Tip: Closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday through Sunday from 16:30; line forms 30 minutes before doors.
Middle Eastern$beacon-hillSun 11:00-16:30; Mon 11:00-19:00; Tue-Fri 11:00-19:30; Sat 11:00-18:00
Falafel King on Washington Street has served halal Middle Eastern in Boston's Downtown Crossing since 1998. Falafel platter $12, shawarma plate $14.
Try: Falafel platter
Tip: Falafel sandwich $9 is the takeaway order. Closed Sundays at the Washington Street location.
Vegetarian$cambridge
Life Alive Organic Cafe in Harvard Square is a plant-forward, counter-service kitchen. Warm grain bowls and salads made fresh keep it budget-friendly.
Try: Plant-based grain bowl
Tip: The build-your-own bowl is the best value; the Goddess dressing is the one to add.
Taiwanese$chinatownDaily 11:00-02:00
Dumpling Cafe on Washington Street rolls Taiwanese soup dumplings in Boston's Chinatown since 2009. $13 for 8 mini juicy buns; Boston Magazine Best Dumplings.
Try: Mini juicy buns
Tip: Open until 02:00 weekends. The beef pancake roll at $11 is the under-ordered side.
Taqueria$brooklineDaily 07:00-23:00
Anna's Taqueria on Harvard Street in Coolidge Corner Brookline has run the city's fast-Mexican benchmark in Boston since 1995. Super burrito $11.
Try: Super burrito
Tip: Super burrito $11; split between two. Open until 23:30 daily.
Vietnamese$dorchesterDaily 06:00-18:00
Ba Le on Dorchester Avenue rolls banh mi in Boston's Vietnamese corridor since 1996. $7 sandwich, baguette baked fresh daily; Boston Legacy Business Award.
Try: BBQ pork banh mi
Tip: Cash and card both. Pho is also a budget order, $11 a bowl Cash is faster than card.