(Image viaTraveling the world isn’t just about ticking landmarks off your bucket list. For many globetrotters, the true highlight of any adventure is the food. Eating local dishes is like getting a crash course in a country's culture, history, and lifestyle. But here’s the best part—even if you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to miss out on these culinary gems. Around the globe, there are plenty of iconic dishes and snacks that you can devour for $10 or less.
From hearty portions to bold flavors, these affordable eats bring you straight to the heart of a destination’s food culture. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this roundup of delicious local dishes that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.
1. Bangkok, Thailand – Pad Thai
Why It’s Iconic
Thailand is synonymous with bold, layered flavors, and pad thai is the perfect introduction. This stir-fried rice noodle dish features a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, topped with crushed peanuts and sometimes a squeeze of lime.
Where to Find It
Street food stalls are the beating heart of Bangkok’s food scene, and pad thai is a star attraction. Head over to the bustling Soi 38 Night Market or iconic spots like Thip Samai, where you can enjoy a plate for around $2–$3. Watching the vendors expertly toss the noodles in fiery woks only enhances the experience.
2. Mexico City, Mexico – Tacos al Pastor
Why It’s Iconic
The streets of Mexico City are filled with the smoky aroma of tacos al pastor. These tacos are made with marinated pork, slow-cooked on a vertical spit, and served with cilantro, diced onions, and pineapple on a soft corn tortilla.
Where to Find It
You’ll find taco stands and taquerias on practically every corner. Spots like El Vilsito, which doubles as a mechanic shop during the day, serve legendary tacos for about $1 each. With $10, you could easily call it a feast.
3. Istanbul, Turkey – Simit
Why It’s Iconic
The simit is a deliciously simple street food that you’ll spot in Istanbul no matter where you go. This sesame-coated, ring-shaped bread is slightly chewy and is often compared to a lighter, crispier bagel. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a quick snack.
Where to Find It
Simit carts are everywhere in Istanbul, especially near landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. A simit will usually cost less than $1, making it one of the cheapest yet tastiest snacks in Turkey. Pair it with a cup of tea for the full Turkish experience.
4. Rome, Italy – Supplì
Why It’s Iconic
While Italy is famous for pizza and pasta, supplì is a lesser-known Roman street food that deserves the spotlight. These fried rice balls are stuffed with mozzarella, giving them a delightful gooey center when broken open.
Where to Find It
You can find supplì at local pizzerias or snack bars. Try Supplizio near Campo de' Fiori for expertly crafted versions that cost around $4 each. They’re perfect for a quick, satisfying meal on the go as you explore Rome’s ancient streets.
5. Hanoi, Vietnam – Bánh Mì
Why It’s Iconic
The bánh mì is one of the best culinary results of French and Vietnamese influences merging. This crusty baguette sandwich is packed with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, pâté, mayo, and your choice of protein, such as grilled pork or tofu.
Where to Find It
Street vendors and small sandwich shops across Hanoi serve bánh mì for as little as $1–$2. Stop by Bánh Mì 25, a local favorite, where the sandwiches are fresh, filling, and packed with vibrant flavors.
6. Marrakesh, Morocco – Tagine
Why It’s Iconic
Named after the clay pot it’s cooked in, tagine is Morocco’s quintessential comfort food. It’s a warm and flavorful stew that can include chicken, lamb, or vegetables, all slow-cooked with aromatic spices like saffron and cinnamon.
Where to Find It
Head to Marrakesh’s Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where lively food stalls cook up authentic tagines. A single-serving portion will cost around $5–$7 and comes with a generous side of bread meant for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
7. New York City, USA – Pizza by the Slice
Why It’s Iconic
Some of the world’s best pizza can be found on the streets of New York. Nothing beats the simplicity of a classic cheese slice with its gooey mozzarella and thin, crispy crust that folds just right.
Where to Find It
Every New Yorker has an opinion on where to get the best slice, but you can’t go wrong with spots like Joe’s Pizza or lesser-known gems like Scarr’s Pizza. At around $3 a slice, you’ll have plenty of cash left over for a second (or third) helping.
8. Cape Town, South Africa – Gatsby Sandwich
Why It’s Iconic
The Gatsby is Cape Town’s ultimate affordable meal and an experience in itself. This enormous sandwich is filled with everything from spiced steak or chicken to French fries and a spicy sauce, making it a fan favorite for both locals and visitors.
Where to Find It
Nearly every takeaway shop in Cape Town has its own version of the Gatsby. Check out Golden Dish for an authentic and budget-friendly feast. A half Gatsby, which can easily feed two, costs about $7.
9. Athens, Greece – Souvlaki
Why It’s Iconic
Few things rival the simple perfection of souvlaki. These skewers of grilled meat are served with warm pita and a dollop of tzatziki sauce, making them a quick, satisfying street food option.
Where to Find It
Head to Athens’ vibrant street food district, Monastiraki, where souvlaki shops are plentiful. You can grab a packed pita filled with grilled meat, onions, and tomatoes for around $2–$3. Try Kostas, famed for its fresh and flavorful take on this Greek classic.
10. Tokyo, Japan – Takoyaki
Why It’s Iconic
Takoyaki, or octopus balls, are a popular Japanese street food made from batter, diced octopus, green onions, and ginger. They’re cooked in ball-shaped molds and topped with savory sauces, bonito flakes, and seaweed.
Where to Find It
Tokyo’s street food scene thrives in neighborhoods like Asakusa and Harajuku, where takoyaki stalls serve steaming-hot batches for about $5. The crispy outside and gooey inside make them an irresistible treat.
.jpeg)