Best "bang for your buck" lunch in midtown?

<!-- SC_OFF --><div class="md"><p>Hey everyone. I just started a new job near Grand Central and I’m already seeing my bank account scream from these $18 mediocre salads. I’m looking for those legendary "hidden gem" spots where I can actually get a filling meal for under $12 without it being a standard Halal cart (though I love my chicken over rice, I need a rotation).</p> <p>Are there any specific deli counters, hole-in-the-wall dumpling spots, or basement cafeterias you guys swear by? I’m willing to walk 10–15 minutes in any direction if the food is legit. Give me your best kept secrets so I can stop eating overpriced kale!</p> </div><!-- SC_ON --> submitted by <a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Interesting_Peach_76"> /u/Interesting_Peach_76 </a> <br/> <span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/1sxbjpq/best_bang_for_your_buck_lunch_in_midtown/">[link]</a></span> <span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/1sxbjpq/best_bang_for_your_buck_lunch_in_midtown/">[comments]</a></span>