Food is one of travel's great pleasures, and it doesn't require splurging to eat well. Some of the best meals come from street vendors and local markets—at a fraction of restaurant prices.
The Street Food Advantage
Street food offers:
- Authentic local flavors (often more traditional than restaurants)
- Dramatically lower prices
- Watching food prepared fresh
- Cultural experience beyond just eating
In much of Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, street food isn't a compromise—it's the best option.
Street Food Safety
Smart choices minimize risk:
- Observe the crowd: Busy stalls mean fresh ingredients and high turnover
- Watch the cooking: High heat kills most pathogens
- Check cleanliness: Is the vendor maintaining basic hygiene?
- Follow locals: They know which stalls are safe
- Start small: Let your stomach adjust gradually
Market Shopping
Local markets offer the cheapest groceries:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables at local prices
- Bread, cheese, and cured meats for picnics
- Prepared foods often available
- Cultural experience included free
A market picnic in a scenic spot often beats restaurant dining anyway.
The Lunch Special Strategy
Many restaurants offer dramatically cheaper lunch menus:
- Set menus (prix fixe) with multiple courses
- 30-50% less than dinner for similar quality
- Often includes drink, sometimes dessert
Strategy: Make lunch your main meal, eat lighter for dinner.
Hostel and Rental Kitchens
Accommodation with kitchen access transforms your food budget:
- Breakfast always cheap to prepare (eggs, toast, fruit)
- Pack lunch instead of buying out
- Cook dinner for group meals with fellow travelers
- Coffee and tea made cheaply, avoiding café markups
Water Strategy
Beverages add up. Control costs:
- Reusable water bottle: Refill where tap water is safe
- Water purification: SteriPen or tablets for questionable water
- Buy in bulk: Large bottles from supermarkets, not individual bottles
- Skip alcohol at restaurants: Huge markup on drinks
Coffee and Café Culture
$4-5 coffees multiple times daily destroy budgets. Options:
- Make your own (instant or hostel machines)
- One good café coffee as the treat, not the habit
- Local coffee shops vs. international chains (often cheaper)
- Take-away vs. sit-down (sometimes cheaper)
Restaurant Selection
When you do eat out:
- Walk 1-2 blocks from tourist areas (prices often drop 30%+)
- Look for local clientele, not tourist menus
- Prix fixe or set menus often better value than à la carte
- Share dishes when portions are large
- Check prices before ordering, especially for fish (often priced by weight)
Dietary Restrictions on a Budget
Special diets can be challenging but manageable:
- Learn key phrases in local language
- Research restaurants in advance
- Kitchens become even more important
- Markets often have more options than restaurants
Splurge Strategically
Occasional food splurges enhance a trip. Choose them wisely:
- Local specialties (things you can't get at home)
- Unique experiences (cooking class, food tour)
- Special occasions (birthday dinner abroad)
Make the splurges count rather than spreading spending evenly on forgettable meals.