My experience in a Lisbon hostel kitchen made me stop believing that cooking your own food is always the cheapest travel hack.

After spending 22 euros on groceries for a meal for two that I could have bought for 15 euros at the family-run tasca down the street, I realized that local markets and small eateries can sometimes beat DIY, so what's your go-to method for finding those truly cheap local meals?

4 comments

4 Comments

murray.jana23d ago

Honestly does it really matter that much if you spent 22 euros instead of 15? That's like the price of a couple coffees in some places. People get so hung up on saving every single cent that they forget travel is supposed to be fun, not a math problem. Sure the local worker trick works sometimes but I've also gotten sketchy food that way. Maybe just eat what looks good and don't turn it into a whole life lesson.

jason_lewis32mo ago

That "22 euros on groceries" thing hits hard. I once bought a single bell pepper in Oslo that cost more than a whole kebab plate. My go-to is just walking until I see a place full of local workers, not tourists.

the_harper2mo ago

Yeah, seeing a place full of local workers is the best sign. I look for menus with no English descriptions and just point at what looks good. Saved me a ton in Naples.

the_troy2mo ago

Totally agree with that local worker trick, it never fails. Jason_lewis3 is right about just walking until you spot a place like that. I mean, if the staff looks annoyed you're there, you're probably about to get an amazing cheap meal. The menu thing is key too, just pointing at something random has led to some of my best finds. Saves you from the tourist trap prices right next door.