How to Eat Like a Local Without Emptying Your Wallet

Tips to do it right:

• Watch where locals go. If there’s a long line of locals, that’s a green light. High turnover means fresher food.
• Peek at the prep. Choose vendors who prepare food in front of you. You get a sneak peek at how clean their operation is.
• Stick to cooked foods. Grilled skewers, fried noodles, or sizzling stir-fries are usually a safer bet than raw salads or pre-cut fruits.

From tacos in Mexico City to satay in Bangkok, street food stalls offer real-deal flavor that costs a fraction of what you'd pay in a restaurant catering to tourists.

2. Hit the Local Markets

Skip the fancy supermarket aisles and head to the wet markets, night markets, or morning bazaars where locals actually shop. Not only are these markets alive with color, smells, and chatter, but they also offer the freshest ingredients and quick bites at unbeatable prices.

Here’s how to market like a pro:

• Go early (or late). Early mornings mean the best pick of the produce; late nights sometimes mean discounted deals as vendors clear out.
• Bring small bills and cash. Card machines are rare. Bonus points if you carry reusable bags.
• Don’t be shy. Ask vendors for recommendations or even samples. They’re usually proud of their goods and happy to chat, even if it’s mostly through gestures and smiles.

In places like Istanbul’s spice bazaars or Vietnam’s bustling morning markets, a few dollars can get you a meal, a snack, and a great cultural experience.

3. Avoid Tourist Traps (Yes, Even the Instagram Famous Ones)

Tourist traps often disguise themselves as charming bistros with English menus and free Wi-Fi. They lure you in with neon signs and familiar language—and overcharge for underwhelming food.

Here’s how to sniff out the traps:

• If there’s a “We speak English!” sign, beware. It doesn’t always mean it’s bad, but it’s often overpriced.
• Too many tourists, not enough locals? Keep walking.
• Menus with pictures of every dish? Sometimes a red flag. Not always, but be cautious.

Instead, walk a few blocks away from the tourist hotspots. Restaurants tucked into side streets or inside residential neighborhoods often serve the same dishes (or better) at half the price.

4. Use Tech to Eat Smart

The right apps can be your culinary compass, especially when you're navigating unfamiliar territory. Here are a few favorites:

• Google Maps Reviews: Type in “cheap eats near me” and look for highly rated spots with lots of reviews from locals.
• HappyCow: Great for vegetarian/vegan travelers, with budget filters and honest community ratings.
• Too Good To Go (Europe/North America): Offers surplus meals from restaurants at steep discounts.
• GrabFood or GoJek (Southeast Asia): Not just for delivery—browse what’s popular locally and compare prices.
• Local Facebook groups: These often have treasure troves of hidden gems and honest reviews from expats and locals alike.

You don’t need to be glued to your phone, but using these tools as a launching point can save you money and help you uncover some true local gems.

5. Try a Home-Cooked Meal or Cooking Class

Eating like a local can mean eating with locals. Apps like EatWith or platforms like Airbnb Experiences offer opportunities to join home-cooked meals. These often cost less than a touristy restaurant and give you direct access to local recipes, culture, and hospitality.

Cooking classes are also a win-win—you learn the recipe, get hands-on experience, and eat your creation. Plus, you go home with the skill to make the dish yourself (cheaper than a souvenir and way more delicious).

6. Tap Into the Lunch Game

In many cultures, lunch is the main meal—and the best bang for your buck. Look for “menu del día” (menu of the day) in Latin America or “set lunch” in Asia or Europe. These fixed-price meals often include multiple courses and a drink, all for less than what you’d pay for a single dinner entree.

7. BYOB or Skip the Booze

In countries where alcohol is pricey or taxed (hello, Scandinavia), bringing your own wine or skipping it altogether can cut down on the bill drastically. Check local laws and restaurant policies, of course, but in many places, it’s completely normal.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to max out your travel budget to eat well. In fact, the cheapest meals often turn out to be the most memorable. Eating like a local isn’t just about saving money—it’s about connecting to the heartbeat of a place, one bite at a time.
So next time you travel, skip the five-star dining guide. Follow the smells, the sounds, and the smiles. Eat with your eyes open, your curiosity high, and your wallet still pleasantly full.

Bon appétit—and happy travels.