If you’re anything like me, one of the best parts of travel is the food. I mean, is there anything more satisfying than stumbling across a street cart or hole-in-the-wall spot serving up ridiculously good food for less than the price of a coffee back home? No Michelin stars, no pretension—just honest, flavorful local eats. So grab your stretchy pants, folks, because I’m taking you on a food tour of 15 cities where $5 can score you some unforgettable meals.
1. Bangkok, Thailand
Must-Try Dish: Pad Thai
Bangkok is street food heaven. Head to any bustling market, and you’ll find locals frying up fresh pad thai for around $2. Add a squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of peanuts, and you’re golden. Bonus points for eating it while perched on a tiny plastic stool.
2. Hanoi, Vietnam
Must-Try Dish: Bánh Mì
Vietnam’s take on a sandwich is crispy baguette bliss. Fillings like pâté, fresh herbs, and pickled veggies create an explosion of flavor. All for about $1.50.
3. Istanbul, Turkey
Must-Try Dish: Simit
This sesame-coated bread ring is like a Turkish bagel, and you can grab one for less than $1 from vendors all over the city. Perfect for a snack while exploring the Bosphorus.
4. Penang, Malaysia
Must-Try Dish: Char Kway Teow
This stir-fried noodle dish with prawns, egg, and bean sprouts is smoky, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. And it’s only about $3.
5. Osaka, Japan
Must-Try Dish: Takoyaki
Little balls of batter filled with octopus and topped with mayo and bonito flakes. Street food perfection for about $4.
6. Nairobi, Kenya
Must-Try Dish: Samosas
Crunchy, spiced samosas filled with meat or veggies are a popular street snack in Nairobi. Two or three will set you back just a few dollars.
7. Mexico City, Mexico
Must-Try Dish: Tacos al Pastor
Two words: taco stand. For less than $1 a taco, you’ll get tortillas piled high with spit-roasted pork, pineapple, and salsa. Trust me, once you’ve had these, you’ll dream about them forever.
8. Kolkata, India
Must-Try Dish: Kathi Rolls
Picture this: spiced chicken or paneer wrapped in a flaky paratha. It’s portable, it’s spicy, and it’s usually under $1. Kolkata knows what’s up.
9. Marrakesh, Morocco
Must-Try Dish: Msemmen
This buttery, flaky flatbread is served with honey or spicy harissa. Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack, and it’ll only cost you a couple of bucks.
10. Lima, Peru
Must-Try Dish: Anticuchos
Grilled meat skewers marinated in spices—usually beef heart—served with a side of potatoes. They’re smoky, tender, and cheap.
11. Tbilisi, Georgia
Must-Try Dish: Khachapuri
This cheesy bread is pure comfort food. The Adjarian version with a runny egg in the center? Divine. All for around $4.
12. Palermo, Italy
Must-Try Dish: Arancini
Sicilian street food doesn’t get better than these crispy, stuffed rice balls. A couple of euros will buy you one stuffed with ragù or mozzarella.
13. Amman, Jordan
Must-Try Dish: Falafel Sandwich
Soft pita stuffed with crunchy falafel, pickles, and tahini sauce. It’s filling, flavorful, and only $2.
14. Budapest, Hungary
Must-Try Dish: Langos
Imagine deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese. It’s indulgent, messy, and under $5.
15. Athens, Greece
Must-Try Dish: Souvlaki
Tender, grilled meat skewers served with pita and tzatziki. You’ll find them at every corner for about $4.
And there you have it—15 cities where eating like a local won’t break the bank. From the spicy tacos of Mexico City to the cheesy khachapuri of Tbilisi, cheap local food is proof that great flavors don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. So next time you travel, skip the fancy restaurants and follow your nose (and the locals) to the good stuff. Trust me, your wallet and your taste buds will thank you.