Great meals don’t have to come with a high price tag—especially when you know where (and how) to find authentic food that locals love. For budget travelers, food is one of the most rewarding and accessible cultural experiences, and with the right strategies, you can eat like royalty without overspending. Here’s how to enjoy world-class cuisine without breaking the bank.

1. Skip Tourist Restaurants and Follow Locals

Avoid restaurants in heavily trafficked tourist zones where prices are often inflated, and quality is questionable. Instead, look for spots with local crowds, hand-written menus, or no English signage—these are often signs of better value and more authentic food.

Use apps like Google Maps, Foursquare, and TheFork to read reviews from locals and expats alike.

2. Explore Street Food Scenes

In many countries, the best meals are served from food stalls, carts, or open-air markets.
Top destinations for street food include:

• Bangkok, Thailand – Don’t miss dishes like pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and boat noodles

• Mexico City, Mexico – Tacos al pastor, tamales, and fresh juices from local mercados

• Hanoi, Vietnam – Bun cha, pho, and egg coffee served curbside for under $2

Search for local food tours or browse Street Food on Netflix to inspire your culinary wishlist.

3. Shop at Local Markets

Farmers’ markets and wet markets are perfect for picking up produce, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals at much lower prices than restaurants. You can also find regional specialties and fresh ingredients if you’re cooking your own meals.

To locate markets, check Atlas Obscura or ask your host or concierge where locals shop.

4. Book Accommodations With Kitchens

Cooking a few of your own meals is one of the easiest ways to save. Look for Airbnb rentals, hostels, or co-living spaces that include kitchen access.
Even simple breakfasts or pasta dinners cooked “at home” will reduce your daily food budget.

You can earn cashback with a Airbnb gift card when booking a stay with kitchen access through Fluz. Visit Fluz for more savings options.

5. Take Advantage of Lunch Specials

Many restaurants offer affordable lunch deals or set menus that include an appetizer, main course, and drink for a fraction of the dinner price.
In countries like Spain, Italy, and Japan, lunch menus are often a local favorite and a budget traveler’s secret weapon.

6. Try Cultural Dining Experiences

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a unique meal.

• Join a local cooking class via Airbnb Experiences or Eatwith

• Look for supper clubs, pop-ups, or home-hosted dinners in your destination

• Platforms like Withlocals connect travelers with local hosts for home-cooked meals and food tours

7. Download Food Apps for Deals

In some cities, apps like Too Good To Go, Groupon, and TheFork offer steep discounts at restaurants, bakeries, and cafes.
These tools help reduce food waste and your travel bill at the same time.

8. Bring Reusables and Save

Bring a collapsible food container, reusable utensils, and a tote bag so you can bring home leftovers, avoid disposable packaging, and take advantage of markets and street food more easily.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need five-star restaurants to enjoy five-star meals. By embracing local dining customs, making a few meals yourself, and using smart tools to stretch your budget, you can eat exceptionally well on any trip. From steaming street food bowls to home-cooked cultural experiences, travel tastes better when you know where to look—and how to save.