13 Cheapest Vacation Cities for Street Food That’s Actually Amazing

A big part of experiencing city life is trying out the street food. With various flavors, textures, and aromas, these delicacies are usually the result of traditional recipes and experimentation. They also offer travelers a cheap treat that would allow them to save up more to spend on vacation fun!

Here are 13 of the cheapest Vacation cities for street food that will blow your mind, and keep you coming back for more.

Bangkok, Thailand

If anyone loves street food, it’s Bangkok where vendors create culinary masterpieces from fresh ingredients. It’s Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and boat noodles are some delicious examples. For just a couple of dollars, you can get something filling at places like Chatuchak Market. Bangkok is a street food lover’s paradise.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

In Ho Chi Minh City, the streets are alive with the click of chopsticks against bowls and the chatter of diners. Banh mi sandwiches filled with meat, pickled vegetables, and pho served with fragrant herbs are favorites. According to Mastercard, Vietnam was one of the cheapest destinations for food lovers, and street vendors with meals averaging under $1.50.

Mexico City, Mexico

Every corner of Mexico City has great Tacos. Cancun is famous for Al pastor tacos, stuffed with spit-roasted pork and pineapple, and Elotes which are grilled Mexican street corn. According to a recent study from Budget Your Trip, Mexico City is one of the cheapest food capitals in Latin America, with snacks often costing less than $1.

Kolkata, India

Every street in Kolkata is a buffet, with spicy street food like pani puri and flaky kathi rolls. Puchkas (crispy shells filled with tamarind water) are just a few pennies for a plate. Kolkata’s street food is an inheritance from its colonial past, a blend of British, Chinese, and Bengali, according to food historian Chitrita Banerji.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul’s street food is steeped in history and tradition. Vendors sell doner kebabs, simit (a sesame-crusted bread ring), and roasted chestnuts. The report compiled by Euromonitor International states that Istanbul is among the most affordable cities for street food and on average, meals cost less than $3.

Manila, Philippines

When street food in Manila is all about carrying bold flavors and creative takes on local classics. Popular choices are Balut (fertilized duck egg), barbecued skewers, and sweet banana cues. You won’t spend more than a couple of dollars for a meal here. “If you were to ask any local chef, they will tell you that the street food that thrives in Manila taps the very heart of Filipino hospitality and ingenuity,” said local chef Margarita Fores.

Marrakech, Morocco

Jemaa el Fnaa is a street food scene that comes alive in Marrakech. Stalls sell smoky tagines, fiery merguez sausages, and crunchy msemen pancakes. A filling snack is about $1.50. The vendors swarm the streets enticing customers in multiple languages as the world comes to sample the city’s eateries.

Lisbon, Portugal

The most famous street food delicacy in Lisbon would probably be Lisbon’s pastel de nata (custard tarts), but there’s a lot more to street food in the city. There are grilled sardines, bifana sandwiches, and everything in between. Lisbon is still one of Europe’s most affordable cities for foodies, with street snacks coming in at $2–$3, according to a 2023 travel report.

Jakarta, Indonesia

There’s no greater love letter to the city’s multicultural history than Jakarta’s street food. Nasi goreng (fried rice), satay, or martabak (stuffed pancakes) are some delicious options Meals are hearty and often cost less than $2. The bustling night markets are a must-visit.

Lagos, Nigeria

Bold and spicy are how the dishes in Lagos are served up. Suya (spiced meat skewers) and puff puff (fried dough balls) are some local favorites. For less than $2, you can get a meal on the go. Lagos street food is a celebration of abundance and creativity, food writer Yemisi Aribisala says, with vendors always innovating.

Cairo, Egypt

All over Cairo’s streets, vendors offer Koshari (rice, lentils, and pasta with spicy tomato sauce) and Taameya (Egyptian falafel). For $1.50 you can get a full meal. Egypt is one of the most affordable places to eat, according to a 2021 global food index.

Penang, Malaysia

The street food of Penang is a combination of Chinese, Indian, and Malay flavors. Other local favorites are stir-fried noodles (char kway teow) and spicy sour noodle soup (assam laksa). Penang has been named one of the best food destinations by Lonely Planet, and the dishes are just $1–$2.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires street food includes empanadas, choripán (chorizo sandwiches) and milanesa (breaded meat). The city boasts affordable indulgence at less than $3 per meal. “Street food here is a neighborhood secret that’s shared in plain sight,” says food journalist Kevin Vaughn.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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