We love an afternoon nosh, but don’t necessarily want to hit up the nearest gas station for roller items (if ya know what we mean).
We’ve made it easy for you. Here’s a list of some of our favorite local hacks for grabbing quick, cheap, and uniquely delicious snacks.
Exclusive Photography: FishEye Studios, Greenville, SC
If you love spice, you will devour VGO Market’s Indian samosas and vegetarian puffs. The potato-filled samosas come with a side of peppers tossed in an amazing salty, spicy blend. Don’t ask, it’s a secret. And only $1.50. The veg puff pastries are filled with mashed potatoes & onion, seasoned with garam masala and turmeric, for only $2.50 each. You can try both for $4 . Expect to crave these zesty treats.
We mean it when we say we eat and shop at Asia Pacific Greenville on a weekly basis. They have the best authentic Chinese food in town.
Dim sum anyone? Pictured here are soup dumplings “Xiao long bao.” These buns are stuffed with meat and piping hot broth. This snack comes with 8 dumplings for $7.95.
OTG tip: the broth inside is very hot. Use a spoon to release some liquid to cool it off! (Menu item A80)
It would be a disservice to make a list of snack hacks without including Snack Works. This adorable café/bodega in downtown Greenville may be one of our favorite places to go. While they offer sandwiches, salads, and other larger items, we recommend their Green Go and Green Oasis smoothies. Both are packed with greens and fruit for $4 each. We can’t thank Patrick enough for keeping his prices fair and providing fresh ingredients in everything he makes on his multipurpose camp stove.
We love fried food. Particularly in the ethnic snack category. Our current fave is from Mr. EggO Little India restaurant called vada pav. This is an amazing street food consisting of a deep fried, spiced potato dumpling on a bun. It’s a vegetarian specialty served with a delicious coriander and chili chutney for $3. Seriously, this is the stuff of our dreams.
We are big fans of Sidewall Pizza Company for obvious reasons...pizza. But, sometimes you just want a little snack with an afternoon beer. Sidewall offers some amazing deals. At only $2 for two, the breadsticks are served with delicious house made tomato sauce. AND Golden Monkey is only $4! A $6 afternoon snack is truly a win-win. We’ll meetcha there.
Who knew Taylors was home to some of the best Latin goodies? El Horno Bakery, located off of Wade Hampton Blvd, offers an incredible assortment of sweet and savory fresh-made pastries. While their desserts (including tres leches, sweetbreads, and a variety of traditional cookies) are fantastic, their tamales (which you won’t see on a menu) are really something special. For only $1.50, they are the perfect snack to grab on your way to your next meeting or in between school activities. We can’t get over the prices and the quality of this place.
Looking for the way to our hearts? Two words: Pita. House. These Middle East-style grape leaves (aka dolmas) are stuffed with rice and tomatoes. Cooked in a savory tomato sauce, you can pick up three of these bad boys for only $2.89.
Who doesn’t love good comfort food? We’re talking empanadas baby! A warm pastry with meat and cheese and fatty goodness. Pereira Bakery in Taylors offers authentic, fresh Colombian empanadas for only $1.
OTG tip: pour copious amounts of picante sauce directly onto your empanada. You won’t regret it!
As if Asada couldn’t get any better, they just did. Try their yuca balls stuffed with cheese served with a side of aji chili sauce. If you have never had yuca, just imagine a more texturized, even tastier potato. It’s amazing. These balls are stuffed with cheese and fried to perfection. At only $7 for five, we’re practically camping out.
Warning: you’ll be tempted to order another plate. 🙈
If you love arepas, you will love La Costeña’s pupusas - a Salvadoran thick flatbread-like corn tortilla stuffed with your choice of cheese, chicharrones, frijoles, or a mixture of your choice. Topped with curtido (its accompanied slaw), these things are seriously delicious and filling at only $2.50-$3.
We’re big fans. Andale!
OTG tip: their tacos are also only $2 each, so choose both for less than $5!
Check it out!
You can expand your culinary repertoire without taking out a loan. What can we say? We love finding local, affordable, fresh food. It’s impressive to see international dishes meeting local ingredients.
Greenville, we are schooled. And there’s plenty more!
Comment below with some you’d like to see on Snack Hacks Part II.