I mean yes you can go through life without ever going to any of these types restaurants. That’s totally fine! But the cost of eating ‘normal food’ is also pretty high now! A cup of coffee ‘outside’ is like $7.50, before tax! (Yes, I also make my own coffee..)
The one good thing is that groceries can be reasonably priced if you shop at the right places, primarily ethnic markets and at the good farmers markets (they’re not all good)
That’s still cheaper than many other cities, I think (just coz of variety and easy access to a lot of produce)
I can get a week’s supply of fresh veg for $5-8, from the farmers market, $8 if I’m splurging on nice things