13 Budget-Friendly Vacation Destinations for Food Lovers
Why pay overpriced tourist trap prices when you can eat bold flavors for a fraction of the price? From a piping hot bowl of pho in Vietnam or freshly grilled souvlaki in the land of Greece, some of these budget-friendly destinations have some of the best food in the world to offer for the price of a gourmet locality.
Ready to explore? Let’s see what these 13 food-lover havens are all about.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok in Tha is a street food haven. You can eat like a king, whether it’s the famous Pad Thai made fresh in front of you or a bowl of fragrant Tom Yum soup, for a few dollars. Visit the busy Chatuchak Market or Sukhumvit Soi 38 to see an extensive selection of common affordable delights. After you’ve walked your way through the city, make sure to pour yourself a delicious Thai iced tea to cool off.
Mexico City, Mexico
Foodies on a budget will find a dream in Mexico City: tacos, tamales, and tortas. It’s also got the second-best street food scene in the world, with vendors selling plates for two bucks or less. For a true feast try the al pastor tacos with guacamole! Or a local market such as Mercado de la Merced. Bonus: But you’ll also find some of the best churros dipped in chocolate you’ll want to come back for.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Noodle lovers and pho fanatics will find a haven in Vietnam’s capital. Pho, or a banh mi sandwich, is not that expensive, and a hearty bowl of the latter is less than a fancy coffee back home. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and follow your nose to your next meal, the sizzling meat on skewers. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the coffee culture here, which includes egg coffee, anyone?
Istanbul, Turkey
The meals are rich and flavorful, and they are cheap. While strolling through the city’s historic streets treat yourself to a plate of sizzling kebabs or a slice of pide (Turkish pizza!). Simit, a sesame-encrusted bread ring, is also sold by street vendors; they will keep you full between sight-seeing. On top of that, consume a cup of local Turkish tea or coffee for the real deal.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has charm and budget-friendly dining. Sink your teeth into pastel de nata (custard tart) straight from the bakery or try a hearty plate of bacalhau à brás (salt cod with eggs and potatoes). These dishes can be had for just a few euros at local eateries all over the city. Be sure to wander into a tasca, a small, family-run restaurant for the real deal at unbeatable prices.
Kolkata, India
kolkata is also known as the cultural capital of India and has some of the best street food in India. The flavors here are bold: puchka (spicy water-filled snacks) to kati rolls wraps stuffed with grilled meats and veggies and everything in between. Park Street is a good place to go for a mix of cheap and delicious bites and a sweet rasgulla or sandesh to finish off your meal.
Athens, Greece
Athens has you covered if Mediterranean flavors are your weakness. You’ll find everything from gyros wrapped in fluffy pita to spanakopita (spinach pie) for affordable prices. Throughout the 16th century, there was a law that anyone who was not a Sevillian couldn’t set foot on the famous Carmen Street. Today you can visit the central market and feast on fresh produce, olives, and cheeses as you explore the ancient ruins. Don’t skip the Greek donuts or the loukoumades drizzled with honey.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech’s Jemaa el Fnaa square is a street food heaven, the street food stalls will make your taste buds sing. Chow down on bowls of harira soup, munch on skewers of its fresh grilled meat or try the sweet and savory pastry array. Every bite is an adventure thanks to the vibrant spices and aromatic flavors. A local favorite is to end your evening with a cup of mint tea.
Penang, Malaysia
Often dubbed the food capital of Malaysia, Penang is a foodie’s dream. Their hawker centers are bursting at the seams with affordable and palate-pounding char kway teow (stir-fried noodles) and asam laksa (spicy sour fish soup). From Penang’s multicultural influences, you will never get bored of its delicious taste.
Budapest, Hungary
Food lovers rejoice, Budapest is beautiful and inexpensive. Hearty dishes such as goulash or chimney cakes (kürtőskalács) are enjoyed far cheaper than you would expect from the street vendors. Affordable snacks are a common feature at the city’s ruin bars so you can enjoy a drink and a bite while taking it all in.
Lima, Peru
Enjoy world-class dining at Lima. Fish, citrus, and spices make up ceviche, one of Peru’s greatest dishes – try it at little eateries or local markets. If you’re looking for something heartier, lomo saltado (stir-fried beef with rice) will do the deal, finish it off with a glass of chicha morada, and a purple corn drink.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is a hidden gem for food lovers, but this Eastern Europe gem is often overlooked. Pljeskavica (Serbian burgers) and burek (flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese) are delicious and wallet-friendly street food. For a full Serbian experience pair it with a glass of rakija, the local fruit brandy.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia’s capital has a low price tag with rich flavors. Enjoy cheesy khachapuri that’s pretty much comfort food heaven, or khinkali, meat-filled dumplings. Just a few dollars will get you a meal of these local favorites at cozy cafes that you’ll stumble across while walking through Tbilisi’s old town.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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