When it comes to cheap restaurants in Asia, there is a wide range of options available that offer delicious and affordable meals. From street food stalls to local eateries, Asia is known for its diverse culinary scene that caters to all budgets. In this comprehensive response, we will explore some of the best cheap restaurants in various Asian countries, along with examples of popular establishments.
Thailand:
Thailand is renowned for its vibrant street food culture, where you can find an array of tasty and inexpensive dishes. One of the most famous street food destinations in Bangkok is Chinatown, specifically Yaowarat Road. Here, you can indulge in a variety of Chinese-inspired Thai dishes such as pad Thai, tom yum soup, and grilled seafood at affordable prices. Another popular spot is the Chatuchak Weekend Market, which not only offers a wide range of shopping options but also numerous food stalls serving delicious and cheap Thai street food.
India:
India is a paradise for budget travelers when it comes to food. The country’s diverse cuisine offers a plethora of options for those seeking affordable meals. In cities like Mumbai and Delhi, you can find numerous “dhabas,” which are small roadside eateries serving authentic Indian dishes at pocket-friendly prices. These dhabas often specialize in regional cuisines such as Punjabi, Rajasthani, or South Indian. Additionally, street food in India is incredibly popular and affordable. From mouthwatering chaat (snacks) like pani puri and bhel puri to savory dosas and kebabs, the streets are lined with vendors offering delicious treats at low prices.
Vietnam:
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, and it’s also quite affordable. Pho (noodle soup) is a staple dish in Vietnam and can be found at countless street stalls and local restaurants throughout the country. One famous spot for cheap and delicious pho is Pho Gia Truyen in Hanoi, which has been serving its renowned beef noodle soup for decades. Another popular option is Banh Mi 25 in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can enjoy mouthwatering Vietnamese baguette sandwiches filled with various ingredients at affordable prices.
Indonesia:
In Indonesia, street food is a way of life, and it offers a wide range of cheap and tasty options. One must-try dish is nasi goreng, which is Indonesian fried rice. You can find this popular dish at street food stalls or small local eateries throughout the country. Warung Padang, a type of traditional Indonesian restaurant, is also a great option for affordable meals. These establishments serve an array of dishes from Padang cuisine, such as rendang (spicy meat stew) and gulai (curry), accompanied by steamed rice.
China:
China is a vast country with diverse regional cuisines, many of which offer affordable dining options. In cities like Beijing and Shanghai, you can find “hole-in-the-wall” restaurants that serve delicious and inexpensive dishes. For example, Yang’s Fry-Dumpling in Shanghai is famous for its pan-fried soup dumplings called shengjian bao, which are both flavorful and budget-friendly. Additionally, night markets across China are known for their street food stalls offering a variety of snacks like jianbing (Chinese crepes), skewered meats, and dumplings at low prices.