Back in first and second year, Bon Chaz was one of my most frequented haunts because it was across from my university and right outside my bus stop. For the next 3 or so years, I stopped going due to an equal mix of wanting to try out new places, taking the skytrain instead, and doing full-time co-op meant I wasn’t in that area as much anymore. Over time, I forgot about Bon Chaz until my last semester at SFU almost four years later! Once I started going back more often, I wondered why I stopped going in the past years.
Bon Chaz is a very cozy cafe with really friendly staff. Most importantly to a student, it is also very cheap and they offer a 10% student discount (excluding combos). Whenever I go in, the atmosphere is always happy and welcoming. As they bake their bread fresh everyday, it smells amazing in there. Yet another reason why I love Bon Chaz so much!
Beef Pastrami Baguette w/ dijon mustard, $4.98: This is one of my two go-tos when grabbing lunch here. Their baguettes are amazing – so soft, doughy and fresh. Their baguettes also come with an extra layer of bread, like a double decker sandwich! On the top, are the super fresh and crunch veggies. There is a generous portion of beef pastrami and for $5, you just can’t beat the price and quality. Especially in downtown. Since it is a double decker sandwich, one of these keeps me full and satisfied the whole day! I would like to warn you that with the dijon mustard, this sandwich can get spicy!
Garlic Tuna Baguette, $5.48: A bit more than the beef pastrami baguette, but still just as delicious! Just like the beef pastrami, the baguette is very fresh and comes as a double decker sandwich. There is also a very generous portion of tuna that will fill you up. I love the strong garlic taste as well. I usually get the garlic tuna baguette if I want something warmer, as the beef pastrami sandwich is no toasted.
If you’re in downtown and looking for a quick, cheap, and delicious bite to eat, I would highly recommend Bon Chaz. It’s a hidden gem, and has definitely alleviated wallet pain. With the low price coupled with a student discount, I didn’t feel as guilty buying a Booster Juice to go with my baguette afterwards. They also have great pastries, coffee, and vegan/vegetarian options!
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