13 Gourmet Foods That Are Cheaper to Enjoy Abroad Than at Home
Imagine you’re walking down a crowded Parisian street, and the air perfumed with just baked croissants. You slip into a small bakery for the perfect, buttery crescent which only costs a little more than a few euros. At home, the same indulgence could cost triple. This isn’t just a culinary dream for food lovers, it’s a reminder that many of the world’s most luxurious dishes are actually quite affordable in their place of origin.
There’s nothing quite like traveling when you know your wallet isn’t going to take a beating! Let’s dig into some global culinary treasures that are cheaper and tastier abroad than they are in the U.S.
Croissants in France
Breakfast isn’t just a meal in France, it’s a masterpiece. At local boulangeries you can get croissants, those flaky buttery treats, for a euro or two. But in the U.S., a single croissant at a fancy bakery can cost you $4 to $6. The widespread use of locally sourced butter and flour in France makes this treat authentic, and affordable.
Pasta in Italy
Pasta is synonymous with Italy and so are the prices. At a trattoria you’ll end up with a hearty plate of handmade spaghetti alla carbonara or tagliatelle al ragù for around $10. Meanwhile, you’d probably pay double in an upscale U.S. Italian restaurant.
Sushi in Japan
Sushi is an art form in Japan and the best part? It doesn’t set you back an arm and a leg. Kaitenzushi, or conveyor belt sushi joints, serve plates for $1 to $3 apiece, each plate containing fish so fresh it seems to swim to your plate. Even in the U.S., casual sushi rolls can set you back $15 or more.
Cheese in Switzerland
Holey slices of Swiss cheese aren’t the only thing Swiss cheese means. Who would think it’s things like creamy fondue or artisanal aged Gruyères? A small wheel of high quality cheese in Switzerland will cost you around $5, but the same cheese would easily fetch twice that back home, because of import taxes.
Wine in Spain
While tapas may just be the first thing Spain springs to mind, it’s also a place beloved by wine lovers. Quality Rioja or Albariño can be had for as little as $5 in the local shops or $2 a glass in a bar. That’s a far cry from American prices, where the same bottle could retail for $20 or more.
Chocolates in Belgium
Belgium is a global benchmark for indulgence and their chocolate is surprisingly affordable. Locally, a box of premium pralines from brands like Neuhaus can be had for under $20, while the same box is $50 in the U.S., and many shops offer free samples—sweet savings!
Seafood in Portugal
Seafood is abundant, fresh, and wallet friendly, thanks to Portugal’s coastal location. At a seaside eatery you could have a $10 to $15 grilled sardines, octopus salad or steaming bowl of seafood rice. On stateside, you’re going to see a markup for quality and freshness that is significant.
Street Tacos in Mexico
Mexico does tacos like no one else. Al pastor, Barbacoa, street vendors are the best options for the authentic and flavorful taco and it is less than $1 per taco. Just compare that to the single $4 a taco trucks we have here in America’s gourmet taco trucks and you’ll know why locals will never let the gems they are go stale.
Pho in Vietnam
The staple of the local food scene, and Vietnam’s signature noodle soup, is pho. For around $1.50, a hearty bowl with aromatic broth, beef and fresh herbs. Similar servings in Vietnamese restaurants in the U.S. average $12 or more and rarely taste authentic.
Curry in India
Not only are India’s curries full of flavour, they’re also budget friendly. Chicken tikka masala or paneer butter masala with naan runs for about $3 to $5 in India. The same dish is $15 back home and you’d still be craving the original spices.
Beer in Germany
Germany’s beer culture is legendary and the prices are just as refreshing. A pint of beer in a local pub or at Oktoberfest will cost you $4 to $5. Imported German beers in U.S. bars or liquor stores can easily cost $8 or more a bottle.
Gelato in Italy
Gelato is a must for any stroll through Italy. Scoops made with fresh ingredients cost $2 to $3 per serving. In America, you might pay $6 to $8 per scoop, and good luck finding that silky texture.
Paella in Spain
As with all Spanish classics, this is more about an experience than the flavours. A portion of traditional seafood paella, the dish’s birthplace, can set you back $15 in Valencia. The same dish in a Spanish restaurant in the U.S. can easily top $30 and be missing the authentic smoky undertones of the wood fired preparation in Spain.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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