Are you a foodie looking to explore the world on a budget? Well, look no further than this guide to the top destinations for cheap local cuisine. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.

Bangkok, Thailand 🇹🇭

Thailand is renowned for its street food, and Bangkok offers some of the best. For the equivalent of a few dollars, you can enjoy a variety of dishes, such as Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Som Tam. Don’t forget to try the delicious Mango Sticky Rice for dessert. For a sit-down meal, check out Khao San Road, which is lined with restaurants offering affordable yet flavorful dishes.

A street vendor selling various Thai dishes in Bangkok

Hanoi, Vietnam 🇻🇳

Vietnamese cuisine is a healthy and vibrant blend of flavors and textures. Hanoi’s food scene is dominated by street food stalls serving up Banh Mi sandwiches, Pho noodles, and Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles and veggies). One bowl of Pho can cost you under $2! For a more upscale experience, head to the historic Old Quarter, which boasts several affordable restaurants.

A woman preparing Banh Mi sandwiches in Hanoi

Mexico City, Mexico 🇲🇽

Mexico City is a paradise for food lovers, especially those on a budget. The city’s street vendors serve up a variety of delicious tacos, tamales, and churros. Head to the vibrant neighborhood of La Condesa for a more upscale experience. Here, you can try the famous Chiles en Nogada, a dish made with poblano peppers, nuts, and fruit, topped with a creamy walnut sauce.

A street vendor serving tacos in Mexico City

Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷

Istanbul’s food scene is a fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Central Asian flavors. Don’t miss out on the classic dish of Turkish cuisine, Kebabs. You can also try Pide, a type of Turkish pizza, and Simit, a bagel-like pastry. For affordable yet scrumptious food, head to the Grand Bazaar, where you can find a range of street food and restaurants.

A vendor selling Simit, a popular Turkish pastry

Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹

Portugal is famous for its seafood, and Lisbon has a great selection of affordable seafood restaurants. Don’t miss out on trying Bacalhau (salt cod), which is a staple in Portuguese cuisine. For budget-friendly options, head to the Time Out Market, where you can find delicacies from some of the city’s best chefs.

A plate of Bacalhau, a popular Portuguese dish

Conclusion

Eating well on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or authenticity. These destinations offer an array of affordable options for foodies looking to explore new flavors without breaking the bank. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip and get ready to eat your way around the world.

An image of different dishes from around the world