[theartfuldodger]

It would be very difficult to get a lunch or dinner for $15 that was of any reasonable quality in my region. I do not live in an absurdly high COL area (CNY)

What can you possibly be eating for $5

I think some people can treat eating as more utilitarian, while having a great meal or even a halfway decent meal is a true pleasure and an experience worth having as often as possible for myself. The small pleasure is what makes the grind feel worthwhile.

I fully expect to walk out $25-$30 lighter after a basic entree/lunch, a drink and a tip, even if eating alone on a lunch break. A date with my wife ( on the low end) $70, bring out the whole family ($100)

Do we have significantly different average prices. Maybe a pre-made gas station sandwich or single fast food sandwich could cost $5

A $5 meal sounds like a chore, an amazing roadside Shack find! or absolute trash ingredients not worth eating.

How do you do it?