Can You Get Cheaper Than $1 Good Food in Asia?

(Photo courtesy of Cailin: That’s Miguel and Me, dining at the food market with sweet Cailin)

Travelling South East Asia is awesome!  Well, why not? First of all, you get to see different cultures and 2nd, you discover that seeing the world isn’t expensive than what most people think it is.  From transportation, visa, accommodation, and of course, food!

In the western world it’s normal that a meal will cost you $5  and up, for a good clean food.  In Southeast Asia, it is easy to find a cheaper good food almost everywhere, although it depends what area you are staying and what country you are in.  Food preparation varies upon the location as well.

(Fried Noodles with Beef)

Asian food is awesome(well, even if  some may not agree, mostly are great!).  From Chinese cuisine influencing most South East Asian dishes like Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia (and even Italian!)etc., to Japanese Cuisine bringing in the raw healthy cooking to Korean and Taiwanese cooking, and a lot more kitchen techniques we all know that food will always be part of everyone’s lives and cultures. Can You Get Cheaper Than $1 Good Food in Asia? Yes, you can… So read on…

Dining in Cambodia

In Cambodia, you get to try International cuisine in a restaurant and prices are ranging from $1-$10 USD.  You don’t believe me?  You have to because it is true!  I always wanted to visit Ankor Wat since a friend told me about it.  I didn’t even know it was the temples used in the film Tomb Raider, so when i get to research about it and the amazing photos it’s been set in my mind that I will be there soon.  I don’t know how, but I last week I spent 1 awesome week chilling out at Siem Reap.  The city where the Ankor Wat is located.

I heard how affordable it is going and staying there that me too didn’t believe until I get there.  Anyway, going back to food (I’m getting sidetracked of how rich is their country with amazing people, country, and natural resources!).

Breakfast Budget: $2 USD

Baguette with tomatoes, 2 eggs, lettuce, cucumbers. = $1

Coffee= $.50 cents

In my 6 days of stay in Cambodia, I even had Baguettes with jam and butter, Cambodian fried rice, fresh fruit salad, spring rolls, friend noodles with vegetables and they just costs $1 each order.

(Cambodian Fried Rice and Mango Shake)

My Lunch Budget: $3 USD (I eat more in the afternoon, I know! lol)

I sometimes get a meal with fresh fruit salad or if I want a fruit shake, I will order a side dish like spring rolls or sauteed mushrooms (yum! my favorite!).

Although I always get a fried rice with meat (either pork, beef, chicken or seafood) it costs only $1 USD and a Mango or Watermelon Shake which is $.75 cents.

At night, there are cheaper varieties at the Food Market.

(Food Market)

Dinner Budget: $2 USD

I sometimes skip dinner though, specially when I had very late lunch or had eaten a lot!!!  However, when friends invited me for dinner or I feel like going out with them for a dinner. I just order a good Mango Shake.

At one time, the guys ordered a hot pot/barbeque that is good for 2 people.  It includes pork, chicken, beef, seafood, vegetables, soup,noodles, and rice that is worth $8 USD.  However, you can get cheaper for only $3 USD if only one meat (either pork, beef, or chicken) that includes also rice, soup, vegetables, and noodles too.

Beverages starts from $.50 cents up, depending on the beverage.  Draft beer is from $$.50 cents as well, cocktails is from $1 and up.  I reckon you now have the idea of how affordable it is in Cambodia, what more for a local? These are tourist prices I mean, so imagine how affordable it is.