Where to eat cheaply in Europe?

If you’re not embarking on a gastronomic journey, you probably won’t want to overpay for your meals during your trip. In this article, we’ll explore options where tourists can eat affordably in Europe.

Self-service cafes and restaurants

Since such establishments don’t have waiters and customers bring their own food and clean up after themselves, the prices there are more reasonable. While in some places it’s customary to pay by weight or each dish has its own set price, in Europe, a slightly different system is often found — you pay for the plate. They can come in several sizes; the larger, the more expensive. But no one will stop you from taking a small plate and piling food high on it. Rest assured, locals do exactly that. To find such an establishment, look for a sign that says “Self-service restaurant” or “Restaurant Buffet”.

Cafes and canteens at educational institutions

They are hidden from the curious eyes of tourists, but by spending a little time searching for them, you will find an excellent place where you can eat very cheaply and well.

Please note that such cafes do not always operate year-round. During student holidays, from late June to October, they are usually closed.

Where to look for them? Near the university or inside the university itself. For example, in France, the “Resto U” or CROUS network is popular. Lunch for students there costs about 3 euros, and for guests, i.e., those without a student ID — 6 euros. In Berlin, it’s the “Mensa” network.

Bakeries and sandwich shops

In these establishments, you can buy inexpensive but hearty sandwiches. Europe has quite a few chain establishments of this type. For example, Subway, which can be found almost everywhere. In the UK, “Pret à Manger” is very popular, in Norway — Deli de Luca, in Spain — Pans & Company. In such cafes, you can buy not only sandwiches but also salads, soups, and set meals. Prices are quite reasonable compared to regular cafes and restaurants. As a rule, if you buy food to go, it will cost you a little less.

Street food or Street Food

Trying street food in a new country or city is an absolute must-do on your trip. Each country and city is unique and inimitable. In Germany, it’s currywurst — a sausage fried in a special sauce based on ketchup and curry. In France, their famous crepes and galettes, with fillings or sauce. In Turkey — kebabs. In the Netherlands, Belgium, and northern France — french fries in cones. The choice is truly vast.

Ethnic cuisine restaurants

Europe is home to a very large number of immigrants, some of whom have opened small restaurants with traditional cuisine from their home regions. Prices there are usually much cheaper than in regular restaurants. Look for signs of restaurants with Asian, Indian, Thai, Iranian, or Chinese cuisine.

Fast food

Finally, we’ve reached fast food. McDonald’s and similar establishments can be found in every major city in Europe. However, don’t limit yourself to world-famous chains. Many countries have their own fast-food chains.

• France: Brioche Dorée, Buffalo Grill, Casino Cafétéria, Délifrance, E.Leclerc Cafétéria, Flunch, Paul, Quick.
• Germany: Ditsch, Kochlöffel, Nordsee, Vapiano, Wienerwald.
• Italy: Spizzico.
• Netherlands: Australian Homemade, FEBO, Maoz Vegetarian.
• Norway: Big Bite Submarines

Don’t think that the menu, even at the same McDonald’s, will be identical everywhere. As a rule, it varies slightly in different countries.