Eating out is a passion in Manhattan. Renowned for its high-end, celebrity-chef food culture, the city also offers a host of budget-priced options for good food and drinks. Many of the best meal deals are found in the ethnic enclaves that dot the city, in addition to good values on down-home classics, like the quarter-chicken entree from Dallas BBQ pictured here, New York serves up thrifty East Indian curries, Moroccan couscous, Greek kebabs, West Indian callaloos, Senegalese thiebu djen (fish stews), Mexican chimichangas and many more culinary treats from around the globe. Be adventurous. The rewards of new food experiences are often priceless.

$5 BUDGET

DALLAS BBQ--For just $4.45 you can get a full, finger-licking meal. The scene is casual and fun. Information: (212) 22-19000, 132 W. 43rd St.; 27 W. 72nd St.; 21 University Pl.; 132 Second Ave.; 1265 Third Ave.; 3956 Broadway.

HOLIDAYS--Too small for tables. But at the counter or for takeout you can enjoy authentic Jamaican favorites. Information: (212) 399-9549; 333 W. 57th St.

SWEET-N-TART RESTAURANT--Offers three floors of casual Hong Kong fare in Chinatown. The dim sum lineup starts at $2.50. A filling plate of Shredded Vegetable Lo Mein (pictured) comes with a pot of hot green tea for just $5.25. Information: (212) 964-0380; 20 Mott St.

PAPAYA KING-Many hot-dog connoisseurs consider theirs to be the best. Information: (212) 944-4590, 255 W. 43rd St.; 179 E. 86th St.; 121 W. 125th St.

$10 BUDGET

AMY RUTH'S--You'll love the light-textured, crisp waffles (pictured on following page). Portions and hospitality are generous. Specialties: homestyle southern classics such as fried chicken, BBQ ribs, short ribs and sides. Information: (212) 280-8779; 113 W. 116th St.

UNITED HOUSE OF PRAYER CAFETERIA--You don't have to wait until Sunday; this no-frills eatery serves church-dinner fare seven days a week. Information: (212) 864-8795; 2320 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

THE SHOEBOX CAFE--Situated in a grand historic site, this minisize eatery offers low-country dishes with high-flavor profiles. Information: (212) 986-5959; Grand Central Terminal, lower-level food court, 42nd Street and Vanderbilt.

AFRICA RESTAURANT #1--Explore West 116th Street, the city's African Way. Ignore the uninspired decor and savor the wonderful authentic dishes of Senegal. Information: (212) 666-9400; 247 W. 116th St.

PONGAL--Located in Curry Hill, an area of Indian restaurants. Try its delightfully spiced dishes. Kosher Indian vegetarian fare? Who knew? Information: (212) 696-9458; 110 Lexington Ave.

CURRY IN A HURRY--Also in Curry Hill, serves tasty Indian cuisine in an instant. Information: (212) 683-0900; 119 Lexington Ave.

$15 BUDGET

BAYOU-Offers a satisfying taste of creole classics in the heart of Harlem. The smart environs and fashionable crowd underscore the area's current renaissance. Information: (212) 426-3800; 308 Lenox Ave.

MISS MAUDE'S SPOONBREAD TOO--Features tasty southern comfort food in a homey setting; owned by Norma Jean Darden, leading caterer and cookbook author. Information: (212) 690-3100; 547 Lenox Ave.

LONDEL'S SUPPER CLUB--Enjoy a taste of New Orleans (the likes of gumbo and blackened catfish) and other downhome dishes on Harlem's Strivers' Row. Live music riffs on weekends. Information: (212) 234-6114; 2620 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

NEGRIL--Enjoy Jamaican specialties such as escovitch fish with bammie. Great jerks. Information: (212) 807-6411; 362 W. 23rd St.

GONZALEZ Y GONZALEZ -- Take a festive minitrip to Old Mexico in downtown New York. Information: (212) 473-8787; 625 Broadway.

DA NICO -- Located in the heart of Little Italy, its parmigianas -- oh, so satisfying. Information: (212) 343-1212; 164 Mulberry St.

Worth the Splurge

JIMMY'S UPTOWN -- A spin-off of the Bronx location, this hip, upscale (up-budget) restaurant is a new darling of Harlem (pictured on page 160). Opt for just an appetizer (the crab fritters are delicious) and drink at the bar to avoid maxing out your credit card. Information: (212) 491-4000; 2207 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.

BAR SIX -- You'll eat up the Moroccan, French and Greenwich Village atmosphere as well as the economical prix fixe dinner -- appetizer, entree, dessert and coffee -- for just $18.50! Information: (212) 691-1363; 502 Sixth Ave.

A Tip on Tipping

Don't be a cheapskate; leave the customary 15-percent tip at restaurants with table service. Allow 18 to 20 percent for groups.

To get your fill of New York at home, turn to Recipes provided by our featured eateries on page 162.