Want to eat like a king without draining your wallet? These cheap street food destinations serve unforgettable flavors at unbeatable prices. From Asia’s bustling night markets to Latin America’s vibrant food stalls, here’s where to go and what to eat.
1. Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam’s capital tops nearly every list of the best street food cities.
For just a few dollars, you can savor steaming bowls of pho on plastic stools by the roadside or crunch into a banh mi layered with herbs, pork, and pâté. Try Old Quarter for some of the city’s tastiest and cheapest dishes.
What to try: Pho bo (beef noodle soup), banh mi, bun cha
Pro tip: Head to Bun Cha Ta for smoky pork and noodles, made famous after Anthony Bourdain visited Vietnam with President Obama.
2. Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca combines bold flavors and vibrant markets with budget food travel appeal. You’ll find handmade tlayudas (crispy tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and meat) for under $3. Head to Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where smoky aromas from carne asada stalls guide your nose and your appetite.
What to try: Tlayudas, tamales, memelas
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3. Istanbul, Turkey
Nestled between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a street food legend around the world. Grab a simit (sesame-crusted bread) for breakfast or late-night döner from a vendor near Taksim Square. Street carts selling stuffed mussels offer an unexpected delight for seafood lovers—don’t skip the squeeze of lemon.
What to try: Simit, midye dolma (stuffed mussels), döner
4. Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand’s capital is a must for affordable food destinations. In Bangkok’s street stalls and night markets, you can feast on pad Thai for under $2. Visit Chatuchak or Ratchada Night Market to explore endless rows of sizzling grills, sweet desserts, and cold Thai teas.
What to try: Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, grilled pork skewers
5. Penang, Malaysia
Penang is one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept culinary secrets. Its multicultural roots have created a flavor-rich mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian dishes. For a food tour on a budget, explore George Town’s hawker stalls, where char kway teow (fried rice noodles) is a local favorite.
What to try: Char kway teow, laksa, nasi lemak
6. Mexico City, Mexico
Tacos for a dollar? Yes, please. In Mexico City, you’ll find world-class flavor at roadside stalls and bustling markets. Visit TaquerÃa El Huequito or roam Mercado de Coyoacán for juicy tacos, handmade tortillas, and traditional tamales.
What to try: Tacos al pastor, tlacoyos, tamales
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7. Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena’s Old Town overflows with color, music, and food vendors. For a few bucks, you can enjoy crispy empanadas or an arepa de huevo (corn cakes stuffed with egg and meat). Don’t forget to grab a fresh passionfruit or mango juice from a street cart to cool off in the Caribbean heat.
What to try: Arepas de huevo, empanadas, fresh tropical juices
8. Tbilisi, Georgia
A rising star on the international street food guide radar, Tbilisi blends Eastern European comfort food with bargain pricing. Start with khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and end with churchkhela, a chewy Georgian snack made of nuts and grape juice. Street food in Georgia offers hearty flavors at a fraction of Western prices.
What to try: Khachapuri, lobiani, churchkhela
Final Bite
From noodle stalls in Hanoi to tlayuda counters in Oaxaca, these cheap street food destinations offer some of the most exciting eats around the globe. Whether you’re exploring Asia, Latin America, or Eastern Europe, let your appetite and your budget guide the way.
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