By Sarah Kotzman

Here’s the dish: I’m a cheap ass who hates the responsibility of packing a lunch in the morning. So when it hits noon, I need economical nourishment, and fast. Most of us have an hour or less – we’re on foot, we’re in heels, we don’t want to pay for a parking garage again. We’re trapped in the core of Cleveland – but don’t lose hope! Here are my favorite places to get some flavor on the fly:

Teahouse Noodles, 1900 E 6th St

… serves filling rice/noodles bowls, mounded with veggies, meat or tofu, and doused in a sauce of your choice. They’ve got a line out the door during lunch hour, but don’t let that deter you – a fast-paced, yet friendly assembly line of servers will help you through it. They’re professionals. I recommend the Tofu Noodle Ginger plate. The tofu rocks – pressed and baked into a mozzarella consistency, swimming in sweet, milky ginger sauce with fresh peapods, carrots, and water chestnuts. Also try the apple juice – its blended from a handful of apples right in front you, so fresh you can taste the skin.

Indies, Colonial Market Place, 530 Euclid Ave.

…Serves warm, mildly-spicy comfort food that leaves you with a satisfied potbelly. If you’re unfamiliar with Indian cuisine, or simply overwhelmed by the 50 menus hanging about, just tell the owners (an uber cute lil’ old couple) what flavors you like and they’ll take care of you. I love ‘em – they’re like the Indian parents I never had, scooping on extra sauce and heavily suggesting I take a banana. Try the hand-rolled cheese or potato balls, bathed in a sweet tomato- curry sauce made creamy with coconut milk.

Jujis Café & Deli, Statler Arms, 127 Euclid Avenue

…serves Lebanese and American paninis, wraps and salads. Hidden in the base of an apartment building, surrounded by oversized plants and marble floors, most don’t even realize this place is open to the public – or that its inexpensive. But wa la! Falafal for all!

My favorite is the hummus wrap… one of several healthy choices, if you can get past the rotating display of homemade cakes and baklava.