Bánh cuốn thit ($5) at Hung Vuong Market
Bánh cuốn thit is traditionally a light Vietnamese breakfast that’s worthy of eating anytime. Look for these steamed sheets of rolled rice noodles filled with ground pork and black mushrooms near the checkout counter’s packaged foods at this River Market grocery store. Dunk the long crepe-like rolls into nuoc cham, a mildly spicy and tangy dipping sauce. PETE DULIN
Chinese Lunch ($8) from Hen House Market
Various locations
There’s only one rule at the self-serve Chinese buffets you’ll find at some Hen House locations (College Boulevard is one), and that’s that the lid has to close. Beyond that, you’re free to load up on saucy fried noodles or General Tso’s chicken if you want, or go for lighter fare like stir-fried jalapeno chicken and lightly sauced steamed vegetables. MARTIN CIZMAR
Hy-Vee
Various locations
At Hy-Vee’s popular Chinese food counter, or as the regulars like to call, “Hy-Chi,” one-entree meals are around $6—depending on location—and two entrees are a dollar or two more. Both include a choice of fried rice, steamed rice or lo mein and choice of side. If you’re feeling comfort food, the Iowa-based grocery store has daily deals throughout the week on dinners like Salisbury steak with two sides ($4 on Wednesdays) and burger and fries ($2 on Sundays). NICOLE BRADLEY
