Eating well on a fast food budget

Why settle for fast food when Toronto has a wealth of healthier, more flavorful food choices? I have personally enjoyed eating at the places listed below. Prices might have changed since my last visit, but they would still be comparable to a combo meal at your favorite fast food place:

• Jumbo Empanadas at Kensington Market. Your choice of beef, chicken or vegetable empanada. The place was put up by a couple of Chilean sisters who started out with a food cart. Get the salsa, it will double your enjoyment.

• Lucky Star Chinese restaurant on Queen Street East. Probably the best deal in that neighborhood. Ask for the Peanut Butter chicken when it's available.

• Big Fat Burrito at Kensington Market. Your first thought when you see your order might be: "how am I going to stuff that into my face?" Just take one bite at a time and you can do it. Extremely informal ambiance. You can park your bicycle outside and watch it while you eat.

• King's Noodle House on Spadina. If you're eating alone, you'll be asked to sit at a round table with other customers. Don't be intimidated. Tea is free and a single order of noodles with soup will leave you satisfied.

• Pho Hung Vietnamese restaurant on Spadina. It's so popular they expanded the place and took over the patio. There's always a crowd and that's a good thing. That means the food is always fresh!