The Scrumptious 6…for €6 or less

By Laura A. Edgerton, Ballymaloe GraduateCassanova Gelato just opened a new takeaway inside the English Market, but if you’re looking for a sit-down treat head over to George’s Quay. Whether you’re celebrating a big test or just treating yo self – it’s a great spot to get something sweet that is molto bene. Cassanova Gelato has vegan and organic offerings and all of their ice cream is made without artificial colors or flavorings. One of the sundaes they offer is the €5 cookies and cream, which comes with biscuit crumbles, cream and Bueno sauce – all you have to do is pick from the frequently changing, drool-worthy flavors.  Twitter: @CassanovaGelatoTwenty Sandwich Bar is just about a block from Hatch student accommodations on Anglesea Street, and worth the walk for those further away. If you’re there in the morning, pick up a warm banana nut muffin or blueberry orange scone. If you arrive closer to lunchtime there are plenty of savory options, like the spiced beef sandwich featured on Yay Cork’s top sandwich list. And for €5, you can take away or eat in one of their three brown bread sandwiches: chicken BLT, egg mayo or ham, cheese and pickled cucumber.Brackens Bakery has been serving up delicious desserts and monster sized sandwiches to Cork since 1981. Whether you visit them in the city centre or Blackpool, make sure you arrive hungry, as you’ll need to bring your A-game to finish one of their sandwiches on huge slices of freshly baked bread. The customizable €5.50 toasted cheese, ham and southern fried chicken with mayonnaise will power you through your longest day of classes. Twitter: @BrackenbakeryUmi Falafel serves the best falafel in town and for those of you unfamiliar, these are simply golden fried chickpea fritters, packed with spices and full of flavor and protein. This vegetarian menu offers variety beyond falafel with a mix of healthy and flavorful salads on the menu for under €6, and a €5 lentil soup with toasted bread. The melty, gooey mozzarella stuffed falafel for €6 arrives on a tray with 4 large fritters, fresh hummus, soft pittas and pickles. This filling meal will have you going for hours, powered by chickpeas. Twitter: @UmiFalafelCorkCafé Gusto is open early (7:00), so if you need a hearty breakfast to start your day, or a late breakfast, which they serve till 11:30, they’ve got your back. They offer a full coffee bar and a substantial food menu with many items under €6, including an Acai berry smoothie bowl (€5.90), homemade granola with Greek yogurt and berry compote (€4.80) and eggs on toast (€4.70). The Ballybrado organic porridge at €3.80 is an especially good choice, as the price includes two of the following toppings: seeds, yogurt, bananas, honey, nuts, or berry compote. Twitter: @cafegustoSpitjack offers up a healthful way to start your day for just €4.90. This veggie toast consists of confit tomatoes, roasted mushrooms, rocket and dukkha (an Egyptian mixture of herbs, nuts and spices) on crusty white toast. This dish is vegetarian friendly as-is but can be made vegan on-demand with the chef replacing butter for olive oil. Twitter: @TheSpitjack