Guide to eating on a budget around the world

If you’re travelling on a budget then eating out can be expensive. Our handy guide talks you through the cities so you can dine in style without breaking the bank.

Paris

The French pride themselves on outstanding cuisine and Paris is no exception. If you are travelling on a budget there is still no need to compromise as the city is full of cheap places to get a quality food. Traditional French crepes can be a meal in themselves with a wide variety of fillings. The French version of the toasted cheese sandwich Croque Monsieur are sold in most cafes as well as street carts. Asian food is also highly popular in France and relatively cheap in comparison to native cuisine.

Rome

Without a doubt the cheapest way to eat in Rome is pizza from the cafes and street carts. For a few euros you can have a tasty lunch with a variety of toppings. Make sure you eat where the locals eat however and don’t get drawn into the more expensive tourist areas where you may be charged for simply sitting at a table. If you are dining out however make the most of the daily specials as these can often be cheaper and often include fresh pasta dishes.

London

What better way to fill up for the day in London than the Full English breakfast? Many cafes offer this amazing plate of sausages, eggs and bacon throughout the day and it can keep you going for hours. If you’re looking for a cheap dinner head to a traditional fish and chip shop. Eaten freshly cooked chips out of the paper with a wooden fork is a fast food treat, and delicious too. Finally if you are in central London and would like a sit-down meal, Chinatown has some brilliant restaurants offering cheap food packed with flavour.

Lisbon

Lisbon has a wealth of bakeries offering cheap sandwiches and pastries that are perfect for a simple lunch. You can easily eat and still have change from a five Euro note. If you are dining in a restaurant, check out the dish of the day which is often local seasonal produce offered at a cheap price. You can also get a good meal on a budget in one of the many fantastic Brazilian restaurants in the city.

Brussels

Brussels isn’t renowned for being cheap, but if you’re eating on a budget go for the local specialities – frites and waffles of course! You can pick these up from street carts around the city for a few Euros. Shawarmas are also a very popular cheap meal – similar to our doner kebab, cooked meat in a pitta bread with plenty of salad.

Cairo

Shawarmas are another popular choice in Cairo, easily available for around 30p! An excellent filling is falafel which is offered on many street carts and a staple for both breakfast and lunch for many locals. Koshari is another local dish that is extremely popular. Made from lentils, pasta, rice, onions and spices it’s delightfully filling. Make sure you pick somewhere to eat that looks busy as it will hopefully ensure that the ingredients are nice and fresh.

Canberra

Canberra is a beautiful city but can be quite expensive if you are looking to eat out. However there are plenty of places you can pick up local quality food such as the farmers markets and bakeries. In particular meat pies are popular, tasty and filling. Asian food is good if you are dining out on a budget and there are a number of good restaurants in the city offering low priced noodle and stir fry dishes.

Dublin

Where better to eat in Dublin than the pub? Many pubs serve traditional Irish food which is filling and delicious such as thick Irish stews, dumplings and simple roasts. It’s always worth checking out the dish of the day as this can often be cheaper and include seasonal ingredients. Indian food is another good option if you are dining on a budget in Dublin. There are a number of buffet restaurants in the village offering meat and vegetarian curries as well as samosas and pakoras for a small set price.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a beautiful city but eating out on a budget can be a challenge. In particular there are heavy taxes on alcohol so you may want to skip the wine. Many locals make lunch their main meal of the day as this most restaurants offer a main meal for far less than dinner would cost. Look out for the chain of restaurants Gooh! whilst you’re in town too. Here you can microwave your own chef-prepared meal and dine in for a very reasonable cost.

Singapore

You can eat out in Singapore quite easily for a few pound a day and always have quantity and variety. From street carts to small local restaurants, most places offer dim sum, noodle and curry dishes packed with flavour. Head to the street markets of Chinatown for the best fresh produce and don’t be afraid to try the local delicacies such as cuttlefish or chicken feet!

Prague

It’s difficult to find cheap restaurants in central Prague, but if you head out of town to the outskirts you can find plenty of traditional Czech restaurants serving wholesome meals. Look out for where the locals are eating as a busy restaurant is usually an indication of good food. It’s worth trying the traditional dumplings ‘knedlik’ which are hearty and filling and you may also want to note that potatoes feature heavily in the Czech diet. Don’t expect to go home still hungry!

Copenhagen

Finally Copenhagen is surprisingly good if you are eating on a budget. Hotdog stands are everywhere and you can indulge in ‘one with everything’ for a few Euros. Kebabs and pizza are also popular fast food choices for both locals and tourists. If you’re looking for more traditional food however you can’t get better than a Smorrebord – a delicious open sandwich served on rye bread with a variety of toppings.