Most budget meals out come with a catch. Sometimes the portion is small. Sometimes the food is just okay, and you end up wishing you'd stayed in and cooked.

That's not always how it goes. On plenty of menus, a few of the nicest dishes are also some of the cheaper ones. You just need to know what you're looking at.

Trying to find the best food place in Cochrane that's easy on the wallet? Aama Nepalese Cuisine is a good place to look, since a fair bit of its menu is on the lower-priced side. Below we cover each of those dishes, what to expect from them, and a few ways to combine them into a full meal.

Aama's Most Affordable Dishes, One at a Time

Everything here is on the lunch and dinner menus right now. A lot of it is vegetarian, and that helps keep the price down. Even if you usually eat meat, there's plenty here to enjoy.

Veg momos

Only ordering one thing? Make it momos. They're Nepali dumplings, folded by hand, and veg is the lowest-priced filling. Steamed, jhol (sitting in Aama's momo sauce), tandoori or chilli: try a different style each visit and you won't get bored for a while. If you'd rather have chicken, it's only slightly more.

Veg-tofu thukpa ($14)

You get noodles in broth, with tofu, mushrooms, broccoli and shredded veg mixed in. When it's cold out, one bowl is dinner. You can order it at lunch too.

Tarua, vegetable fritters from eastern Nepal ($14)

They come with house aachar, which is a Nepali pickle, plus daikon slaw. Share them, or have them next to your soup.

Aaloo chilli ($12)

Potatoes, done chilli-style. It costs less than most things on the menu. The menu also lists it as vegan, dairy-free and nut-free, which is helpful when people at your table eat differently.

Paneer chilli

Paneer gets cooked in the wok with vegetables and a chilli sauce. Like some heat and want more than a salad? Get this.

Roasted soyabean salad ($12)

Roasted soybeans mixed through a fresh Nepali tomato salsa. Crunchy, light, and handy next to something heavier.

Veg spring rolls ($14)

They're served with house chutney and daikon slaw. Most people have had spring rolls before, so they're an easy order if Nepali food is new to you.

Nepali spiced fries (7)andyamfries(9)

Regular or yam, your pick. Not traditional at all, but extra fries on the table never hurt.

Building a Full Meal for Less

One small plate on its own might leave you hungry. Two or three, picked well, usually won't. A few combos we like:

Solo lunch. Thukpa, plus a side of aaloo chilli. Something hot, something with a little kick, and you'll get to dinner without snacking.

Vegetarian dinner for two. Split veg momos and tarua to start, then share the vegetarian Nepali Thali. That's the traditional platter for two: buttered rice, lentils, the seasonal veg curry, house pickle and yoghurt. It's dinner only, and you have to eat in.

Out with friends. Order several small plates and share them. For example, two kinds of momos, paneer chilli, the soyabean salad and a plate of fries. Everyone gets to taste more, and the bill stays easier to split.

Not sure how much to order? Choose one main item like soup, momos or the thali, then add a lighter side or two.

Dessert

The two lower-priced desserts are both traditional.

• Kheer is a rice pudding that's popular in Nepal. Soft and not too sweet.

• Coconut rasmalai is milky and light, with coconut through it. Good after something spicy.

And if someone needs chocolate, there's lava cake.

What to Look for in the Best Food Place in Cochrane (Besides Price)

Cheap is good, but it isn't everything. A few other things we'd check:

• Allergy info. Aama marks some dishes GF, LF or VE. The menu also asks guests to tell their server about gluten, dairy, seafood, nut or sesame allergies.

• A good vegetarian section. At Aama that means small plates, soup, momos and a whole thali.

• Booking and ordering. Reserve on the website, or order ahead with the online cart.

• Hours. Noon to 9 pm, Wednesday to Monday. Closed Tuesdays.

The address is 100 Horse Creek Rd, Unit #2106, Cochrane, AB T4C 2N8. Menus get updated, so take a quick look at the current menu before you go.

Questions We Hear a Lot

What are the most affordable dishes at Aama?

Start with the fries, aaloo chilli and soyabean salad. Next up are veg momos, veg-tofu thukpa, tarua and paneer chilli.

Can I leave full without spending a lot?

Yes. Get thukpa or momos plus one small side. Most people won't need more.

Are the cheaper dishes mostly vegetarian?

Lots of them. Veg momos, veg-tofu thukpa, tarua, aaloo chilli and paneer chilli are all meat-free.

Is the Nepali Thali good value?

It feeds two, and you can only get it at dinner if you're eating in. Go vegetarian or chicken for the cheaper versions.

Does Aama have vegan options?

The aaloo chilli is labelled vegan. For other dishes, check with your server.

Is Aama open every day?

No. Tuesdays are off. Otherwise it's noon to 9.

How do I pick the best food place in Cochrane when I'm on a budget?

Price is only one part of it. It also helps if the portions are filling, there are proper vegetarian dishes, and allergens are marked on the menu. We think Aama's momos, thukpa and small plates do all three.

Before You Order

Eating well for less is mostly about what you order. At Aama we'd say momos or thukpa first, a side or two after that, and share whenever you can.

Still hunting for the best food place in Cochrane that won't wreck your budget? Have a scroll through Aama's menu and pick your dishes before you come in.