Wondering what $10 can buy you in street food across 10 popular cities?
Traveling in today’s fast-paced world has become more desirable as exploring different cultures have become readily accessible.
That said, for many, experiencing the culinary tradition of the destinations visited is an essential part of the entire trip. The only issue is that if the budget is limited, dining outside regularly can become a major expense.
This is why having street food is not only affordable, but at times even more delicious than food served in an upscale eatery. It However, this is a perfect way to satisfy hunger pangs while tasting dishes that are deep-rooted in the culture of the place.
This guide will take you on a culinary journey to ten capital cities around the world, where you can enjoy traditional and cultural cuisine for just $10 or even less, and return with memorable memories.
Top 10 Cities in the World for Cheap Street Food
1. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a paradise for backpackers as you just cannot believe how many different kinds of seafood you can enjoy for ten dollars. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Maeklong Railway Market are the two most unique street food markets in Bangkok, so just head there.
You can choose from a full-course meal of savory Pad Thai, or Som Tam salad as an appetizer, spring rolls followed by sticky rice with mango and watermelon juice for dessert, all for around 40 THB each.
2. New Delhi, India
The historic capital of India is a mecca for food lovers, especially the labyrinthine lanes of the old city which churn out some of the best delicacies that not only Delhi, but entire India has to offer.
A city of over 24 million takes a lot to keep tummies full, and there is no better way than eating street food to fuel the people of Delhi and the food lovers who flock from all over to enjoy it.
Samosas (10-50 cents) are a common man staple and the sheer variety of the fillings make them a popular snack, especially when eaten with spicy mint sauce.
Another street-food you will find all over Delhi is Chole Bhature, a spicy treat of chick peas served with dough type deep-fired pancakes(50 cents), followed by a cup of flavored tea or masala chai(20 cents).
3. Mexico City, Mexico
From tacos to flaming bowls of pancita, without doubt Mexico City is among the greatest cities in the world for street food.
You will find food vendors around almost every corner of the city, while an endless number of eateries dish out regional Mexican cuisine, means you will never run out of places to eat in Mexico City.
Mexico’s street food culture is second to none, and nearly every dish you find in a traditional sit-down restaurant can also be eaten at a street food stall. You can easily judge the quality of the food by the numbers of locals lining up.
That said, especially in Mexico City, you will find the best street food stalls next to public transport hubs like bus and railway stations. Most vendors display pictures with prices written out, while many offer deals on certain items when it comes to tacos.
Overall a budget of $10 can easily include a substantial number of street food items like tacos(0.70$ to 1.70$) while Gorditas, Churros and Tlacoyos can be enjoyed for about $1.30 or even less.
Tamales are an all-time breakfast favorite and sell out fast in the morning. Made from ground corn and stuffed with chicken or pork and steamed in corn husk they sell for around $1-$1.30 each.
4. Istanbul, Turkey
Some consider eating out in Istanbul expensive, but no matter where you are in the city you will come across some top quality Turkish street eats, that can rival the best of establishments in the country’s capital.
No street food is more famous than Doner Kebab, which are typically slices of meat piled like large vertical towers, then sliced and served with bread and a variety of sauces. Due to high demand, the meat is always fresh and juicy.($2.30-£3.40).
A cold delicacy found on the streets throughout Istanbul is Midye Dolma or Mussels stuffed with herbal rice and served cold with a squeeze of lemon juice. This ubiquitous snack is a must try for 0.50$ for two medium sized mussels.
A truly decadent sweet treat is Baklava that costs about $4.50 but worth every cent. Other dishes to try are Balik Ekmek(grilled fish sandwich), Lahmacun(Turkish Pizza), Kumpir(baked potato) and Cig Kofte( savory and spicy meat balls).
Considering that each of these are well under $ 5 you can sample several dishes or opt for a generous portion of what you like best.
5. Jakarta, Indonesia
Food lovers welcome to Jakarta, a city with a bustling street food scene that offers so many explosive flavors that it leaves both locals and visitors alike, craving for more.
An array of culinary delicacies that reflect the rich tapestry of Indonesia’s diverse food culture can be found as you wander through the streets of Jakarta.
It is not just a quick meal, it is a vital way for foodies to connect and share stories about their respective countries’ heritage.
First up is Bakmi Goreng a mixed noodle dish having vegetables and succulent pieces of meat or shrimps, stir-fried to perfection.
Soto Ayam is a hearty chicken soup made with aromatic spices and rich broth often served with rice. A real feast for the senses
6. Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
In Ho Chi Minh City, sidewalk stalls serve some unforgettable savory bites for under $10, like sizzling woks on tiny plastic stools for an authentic food experience off the tourist radar. Moreover, some of these local dishes deserve global acclaim and wont dent your pocket.
The classic bang mi dac bite costs around 50,000 VND or $2 with a huge filling and full of flavor. Next try a bowl of the rich pork broth hu tie nam bang for just 40,000 VND or $1.60.
A local twist on pasta, hem spaghetti is served alleyway style with chilli sauce for 45,000 VND or $1.80. Enjoy a Vietnamese high tea on the side.
If you are a fan of sticky rice done right and topped with crispy shallots and chicken, then you can enjoy a generous portion of xoi Ga for only 35,000 VND or $1.40. Follow with the best Vietnamese pancakes banh xeo with shrimp and pork for 70,000 VND or $2.80.
7. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech has a rich food culture and is a top destination for foodies who like trying local dishes from the street food stalls, often for less than $5 per person.
Tagine or lamb or chicken balls are synonymous with Morocco and are named after the cone-shaped pot in which it is cooked. You will find this dish in all street stalls in Marrakech for around $2-$3.
Next up is the slow-cooked lamb mechoui which is typically eaten with Moroccan bread. The dish is sold by its weight and half a kg costs $8.
Try the m’semen, a type of Moroccan crepe stuffed with savory and sweet fillings for only $1 per piece and finish with a noss noss coffee, a Moroccan cappuccino with clear layers of milk and coffee for $1 per cup.
8. Athens, Greece
Some find it hard to eat on a budget, especially in a city like Athens, but there are so many options for under $10 that you can enjoy on the streets of the Greek capital.
A biscuit sandwich is an ideal breakfast dish and is stacked with fried chicken, cheddar cheese, eggs, bacon and tomatoes and is priced at $8.50.
For vegan options the grilled cheese smelt is a fan favorite. A monster size cheese is stuffed with tomato and spinach, served between two large slices of bread which have been layered with honey. Price $7.50.
A hot pick of the locals is the cheap lomo Cubano, where chicken or steak is grilled with onions on wheat bread.This delicious dish costs $6.45.
9. Manila, Philippines
In this Manila street food guide you will find some of the most popular local dishes and desserts that are not only available in the city but throughout the Philippines.
Few Filipino desserts are as popular as halo-halo, a heady mix of shaved ice combined with fruits, sweet beans, coconut, syrups, tubers and jellies. Priced at $0.40 everyone loves eating this on a hot and sunny day.
One dish which reigns supreme in mid-morning throughout the country is isaw, which refers to grilling the intestines of pig and chicken over a hot fire. Usually around $0.40 per skewer, the isaw is seasoned with vinegar for enhancing the taste.
Another Manila street food giant is kwek kwek or quail eggs which are coated with an orange batter and deep fried. Again these need to be seasoned well with vinegar for the best flavor. Cost 3 eggs for $0, 24.
10. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of the most affordable cities of Europe and a popular place to eat with the locals on seafood, pastels and sandwiches without shelling out big bucks.
Priced between $4.30-$5.50, a no-frill juicy bifana pork sandwich with a glass of cold beer is not only cheap but a staple of the locals.
Cod fish cakes or chourico rolls come under $10 for a pair but provide a hearty meal as does the pastry and espresso combo of pastelaria Alfama Doce which is great for a sumptuous breakfast at $3 apiece.
The best pastel De Nara sells for $1.50 and a cup of coffee with it costs $ 3.00 on the counter or the sidewalk.
So if you head to these 10 cities, you will be spoilt for choice and have plenty of options to eat on a megre budget.
This alongside regular visits to Indian jungles in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger, fueled her zest for adventure, nature and wildlife.
Now she is a renowned travel blogger, outreach expert and has worked with over 500 travel brands in the last 15 years.
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