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Tag: dining

  • Eating Out on a Buget – Tips for Vacation Dining

    Food typically takes a major chunk of any vacation budget. Cooking in your room can save some serious dollars, but many accommodation options don’t have kitchen facilities. Without the comforts of home, travelers often need to eat out, and these restaurant meals can add up quickly. This article offers budget tips for restaurants and other eateries.

    Wherever possible, avoid paying full price. Before you set off, consider signing up for group deals websites in your intended destination, or investing in an Entertainment Book. Both services allow you to dine out at local restaurants for a fraction of the price. Local newspapers also often have discount vouchers for restaurants in the area.

    It can be tempting to go crazy when you’re dining out, but resist the urge to indulge in all three courses. Eating an appetizer, an entrée, and dessert can become a habit that’s difficult to break. Consider how hungry you really are, and order accordingly.

    If you are feeling especially peckish, it’s typically cheaper to choose a buffet restaurant over one offering an a la carte menu. Many smorgasbords charge less than $10, and allow patrons to enjoy as many appetizers, mains, and desserts as they like. The dishes offered are also typically diverse, so they can be a great way to sample plenty of local specialties and food from around the globe. They’re especially affordable for families too, as many buffets allow children to dine free.

    If you’re desperate to try your destination’s high-end restaurants, visit at lunch rather than dinnertime. Lunches are never as busy, so restaurants do their best to lure diners in. It’s common to find more affordable menus and delicious lunchtime specials.

    Specials aren’t only offered at lunchtime though. Most restaurants offer a selection of daily specials at a reduced rate, no matter what the time of day. Choosing one is a great way to save some money, and try a dish recommended by the chef himself!

    With the concept of Meatless Mondays gaining popularity, more diners are considering vegetarian options. Meals made with vegetables, whole grains, and other plant products are generally lower in calories than meat-heavy dishes, but forgoing meat doesn’t just make sense for health nuts. Meat-free dishes are often more affordable. At a good restaurant they’re typically just as delicious as the meaty alternatives too. Who could resist a mixed mushroom risotto, a spinach and ricotta cannelloni, or a hearty vegetable curry?

    Alcohol is another temptation that can add a significant amount to any restaurant bill. Bottomless sodas or water will keep you satiated without breaking the bank. If you must enjoy wine with your meal, consider ordering a single glass or sharing a carafe rather than a bottle.

    cutleryIt might seem a bit stingy, but if your budget’s tight, don’t be afraid to ask for half portions. Some restaurants will happily serve you a smaller meal for less. Alternatively consider ordering an appetizer rather than a main course. Often these smaller, less expensive meals are large enough to satisfy.

    If you find yourself becoming full, don’t let your extra food go to waste. The large portions at generous restaurants can actually make two meals. Take a doggy bag home, and you can enjoy an easy lunch the following day!

  • The World’s Best Guilty Pleasures – Culinary Delights That Won’t Break the Bank

    Forget those over-priced Michelin-star meals cooked up by celebrity chefs. Some of the most delicious items you’ll indulge in overseas will barely make a dent in your budget. These are the fatty, sugary treats guaranteed to expand your waistline and harden your arteries. They’ll test the theory that everything is fine in moderation. These are the world’s guilty pleasures, and they’re accessible to even the most frugal of travelers!

    There’s a reason why the English are famous for their breakfasts. They start the day with a slap-up dish so satisfying you’ll probably still feel full at lunch. The plump sausages, thickly cut bacon, fried eggs, black pudding, and even fried bread probably won’t do your heart any favors, but it’ll taste so good going down.

    We’ve all had roestis, but these shredded potato cakes are best in their native Switzerland. The Swiss play with their iconic dish, and in many cases you’ll find cheeky extras like bacon, Bolognese sauce, and oozy cheese thrown in.

    In Australia pies aren’t pizzas or sweet treats. They’re flaky pastries crammed with beef mince and gravy. In recent years pies have gone posh, with seafood, venison, and curry varieties hitting bakeries. But you can’t beat the original Australian food, preferably topped with a generous amount of tomato sauce. Don’t even think of calling it ketchup when you’re Down Under!

    Almost anything you buy in the United States could be considered a guilty pleasure. The country’s portions are ridiculously generous, and its chefs are game to deep fry just about anything. Make sure you sample all the dishes they’re famous for, including beefy burgers, hot dogs packed with relish, and crispy French Fries.

    Italy is also all about indulgence. The country’s creamy pastas, generously topped pizzas, and lavish meat dishes will all pack on pounds. While the diet’s forgotten make sure you save room for the sweet stuff. The buttery brioche bread and gelati can’t be beat.

    Argentina’s alfajores are designed to tempt your sweet tooth. They’re like a cookie sandwich filled with dulche de leche, a Latin American kind of caramel. As if that wasn’t indulgent enough, often they’re rolled in shaved coconut for a final indulgent flourish. They’re delicious, but so rich that it’s challenging to eat more than one at a time!

    Gulab jamun proves the countries of the Indian subcontinent aren’t just about spicy curries. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal all serve up these doughy balls which are slowly fried, then coated in spiced sugar syrup. They’re often eaten at festivals and weddings, but being abroad is good enough reason to celebrate, don’t you think?

    A New Zealand pavlova
    A New Zealand pavlova

    The Aussies will insist the pavlova’s theirs, but New Zealanders know their country is the true birthplace of this moreish meringue dessert. The dish has a deliciously crisp crust and a soft center. It’s incredibly naughty, but the extravagent fruit topping should help assuage your guilt.

    What have we missed? What are your favorite guilty food pleasures?

  • World’s Best Street Food – Cheap Eats Around the Globe

    Most frugal travelers find themselves chowing down in fast food chain restaurants in a bid to save cash. These international food giants don’t just create food that’s bad for your waistline; it’s also generally unsatisfying. So why see the world while eating the same old junk you do at home? Instead try the street food sold in your travel spot’s marketplaces and roadside karts. You won’t believe how good it tastes, or how little it costs! In this article we round up some of the best street food around the world.

    Asia is credited for starting the street food craze, and this continent’s nations still produce some of the best. Bangkok is considered by many as the ultimate vacation spot for street food gourmands. Its marketplaces have vendors serving up local delicacies like fish curries, pork sugarcane skewers, and more. Make sure to leave room for the battered banana fritters for dessert!

    Ho Chi Minh City’s street food is influenced by traditional Vietnamese culture and the French colonial forces of the early 1900s. It’s not unusual to find savory pho soup, spring rolls, and the stuffed pancakes called banh xeo sitting alongside little pate sandwiches! Wade through the fake designer handbags at the Ben Thanh Market to find some delicious Vietnamese street food treats.

    In Hong Kong the nightly Temple Street markets are a great place to find dinner. You can feast on hot pots, curried fish balls, and fresh fried seafoods for a pittance. The pungent tofu and offal dishes aren’t for the faint hearted, but they’re great options for adventurous palettes.

    Turkey is Europe’s street food center, and you’ll find more than doner kebabs there. While these are delicious, you’ll enjoy many more exotic treats like the flaky borek pastries, the pretzel-like simit, and the baked potatoes called kumpir. Ask the vendors to fill these starchy vegetables with ketchup, pickles, sausage, and olives and you’ve got a complete meal!

    Turkey’s influence on street food can be felt as far afield as Germany. Use a Turkish style doner kebab or the fried ketchup and curry-covered sausages called currywurst to wash down a pint of that famous weizenbier.

    Even America is catching on to the street food trend. Los Angeles is credited with bringing this style of food to the United States. The city’s food trucks offer an exciting range of dishes including dim sum, grilled cheese melts, and Southern fried chicken and biscuits.

    The blend of cultures in Austin, Texas has give birth to some unique fusion food like fried-chicken waffle tacos and Korean inspired kimchi fries.

    Chicago’s strict laws prohibiting cooking on carts haven’t stopped the city’s street food vendors. A concord of trucks assembles at Lincoln Park on Tuesdays and Ethyl’s Beer and Wine Dive on Thursdays. Locals come from everywhere to sample the meatballs, naan bread sandwiches, and Southern mac and cheese cleverly prepared from previously cooked ingredients.

    Those horror stories of travelers contracting gastro and other nasties from street food can be daunting, but don’t let them scare you. While this is fast food, it’s smart to look for the longest lines. Certain vendors are popular for a reason, and it’s generally worth waiting a little while to find out what that is.

    Street Food in Vietnam
    Street Food in Vietnam

    It’s also smart to stash a plate and eating utensils in your bags. Illness can be spread when these implements aren’t properly washed, so taking your own is a good way to cut the risks. In cities where the locals do it, such as Istanbul, this precaution is a must. Disease can also come when fruits and vegetables are washed in unsanitary water. If you wouldn’t drink a city’s water avoid anything with an edible skin, and stick to foods you can peel like bananas and oranges.

    Keep your wits about you but remember to have fun. That’s what eating street food is all about!

  • Affordable Dining in Japan – Eat & Drink for Less

    Japan is a gourmand’s delight, with more Michelin-star rated restaurants than Paris. Sushi Saito is a favorite of Michelin guide director Jean-Luc Naret, Rokkaku is the first izakaya to make the list, and Birdland’s creative poultry dishes must be seen to be believed. And that’s all before you even leave the capital! But frequenting these high class establishments will empty your wallet faster than you can say “I’ll have the sashimi plate.” However it is possible to save yen on food and drink without starving by following our simple advice.

    Firstly, consider looking for accommodation that includes meals. Dinner and breakfast will be complimentary at most traditional Japanese ryokan inns and the country’s bed and breakfasts known as minshuku. A light breakfast is also often provided at the manga kiss internet cafes and capsule hotels. Just make sure to compare the prices, as it’s sometimes cheaper to find your own tucker.

    Thought that vending machines were just for snacks and soda? Think again. While the dishes don’t actually come from the machines in a vending machine café, they’re an inexpensive option, and great for anyone who doesn’t speak the language. Simply pop a couple of coins in the machine, choose a tasty looking dish, and take the dispensed receipt to the counter. The photo buttons make it easy to select a tasty rice dish, some ramen noodles, or a hearty soup. And it’ll only cost you the equivalent of a few dollars!

    Slightly more expensive, but only ever so slightly, are the ramen noodle houses and curry cafes. These cheap and cheerful establishments are specialists, so the quality is excellent. This certainly isn’t a case of getting what you pay for. For around 400 yen, or five dollars US, you’ll enjoy a delicious dish with sides of rice, a soup, and salad.

    Lunch is also often more affordable than dinner. If you fill up at midday on a discounted restaurant set menu or a cheap bento box, you’ll only need something light once dinner rolls around. Even high class restaurants tend to offer cheaper alternatives during the day. Perhaps that Michelin-star rated meal isn’t out of the question after all!

    But a tourist can’t survive on food alone. After a busy day of sightseeing nothing goes down better than a few cleansing ales. Look for bars and clubs offering meal deals. Many establishments will package dinner and a beer for around 400 yen. If you’re only looking for a drink though, you may want to leave the bars behind. While they offer atmosphere, they also charge a premium on the alcohol. Instead search for your booze at supermarkets, convenience stores, and vending machines. While we love our beer the world over, it’s worth trying Japan’s cheeky alternative Happoshu Beer. While it’s called beer, and tastes like beer, it’s actually brewed with less malt than a regular ale. The makers pass the savings on to you; this tasty beverage is much cheaper than a standard pint!

    Map of Japan

    As a more general rule, steer clear of the main streets and look for smaller restaurants and cafes. The main drags cater for tourists; the prices are higher and the dishes not so authentic. A good trick is peeking at the clientele. If the Japanese people aren’t eating or drinking there, you probably don’t want to either. Eat and drink as the locals do and you can return home from Japan with more yen in your pocket than you’d expect.

  • Venice for Less – Save Money in Italy’s Floating City

    Venice has a reputation as one of Italy’s most expensive cities, but frugal travelers needn’t steer clear of The Floating City. With a little research you needn’t bust your budget in this European hotspot.

    Firstly you’ll need to find a place to rest your head. You’ll discover some great travel deals if you visit Venice during the off season, from November to the start of Carnevale in around February or March. The weather is a chillier at this time of year, but it shouldn’t put a dampener on your stay. Groups may find renting an apartment is a cheaper option than staying in a hotel room, particularly as you’ll have a kitchen and laundry facilities. If you’re willing to step away from the main drag you can also find reasonable rooms at suburban bed and breakfasts including Ca Del Pozzo B&B at Campo San Maurizio, the B&B Villa Elisabetta at Lido di Venezia Island, and B&B Biennale Venezia on the island of Sant’Elena.

    Like most Italian cities, Venice has a reputation for fine food. But to see value for your dollar you’ll need to avoid the tourist traps and dine like a local. It’s easy to spot the restaurants hoping to lure the tourist dollars. They’ll have menus printed in a variety of languages or with pictures accompanying the dishes. Instead keep your eyes peeled for places that forgo the fancy linen and have local dogs curled up underneath the tables. The friendly waiters will help you if your Italian is rusty, or you could always trust your gut and pick a dish at random! Antica Birreria La Corte has excellent and affordable pizza and pasta, Rosticceria San Bartolomeo specializes in comfort food, and the all-you-can-eat buffet at Taverna del Campiello Remer is ideal when you’re hungry.

    Most local bars also serve up cicheti, the Venetian equivalent of Spanish tapas or Greek mezze. It’s a great way to indulge in a variety of dishes, and you can eat as much or as little as you like.

    And finally make sure you avoid those hotel breakfasts. They’re never as good as the pastries and coffee at the local cafes and you’ll pay much more for them!

    Some say you haven’t seen Venice unless you’ve been on a gondola, but with rides costing more than $100 a piece the cash-strapped traveler should consider other options. A one-hour ride across the Grand Canal on the vaporetto, or water taxi, will cost you less than $10. There are also gondola ferries called traghetto which take visitors across the canal for just a couple of dollars. You’ll have to stand up so the experience isn’t quite as luxurious as those tourist trips, but you can at least say you’ve been on a gondola!

    St Marks Square is another must for tourists, but many are surprised by the surcharges that come from watching the bands from the tables. Clued in locals know you can simply loiter at the back and enjoy the live entertainment without paying a cent.

    A view of Venice from Ponte Vecchio
    A view of Venice from Ponte Vecchio

    And never underestimate the appeal of setting off without a plan and discovering the city around you. Veer off the well worn tourist path and explore the neighborhoods of Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, and Castello. After all, soaking up the atmosphere of Venice is completely free!

  • Affordable Street Food in Vietnam

    Travelers to Vietnam can eat like kings on shoestring budgets thanks to the popularity of what’s called “street food.” Every day vendors at Vietnam’s markets and roadside stalls serve up tasty Asian dishes that cost less than you’d expect.

    You’ll find street food in all of Vietnam’s major centers, from Nha Trang’s fish markets to Saigon’s city streets. Many of the dishes are unfamiliar to Western tourists, but don’t be afraid to be adventurous. The meals cost as little as one American dollar, so you’ve lost very little if you don’t like what’s served. Simply move on to the next stall and sample something else!

    Some travelers are concerned about the hygiene of street stalls, but they’re actually very clean. In fact, the conditions are better than you’ll find in some Vietnam’s restaurants, where kitchens are hidden away from prying eyes! As street stalls are so popular, especially with locals and backpackers visiting Vietnam, their fresh food doesn’t sit around waiting for buyers for very long.

    Street Food in Vietnam
    Street Food in Vietnam

    Vietnam’s street stalls serve up a banquet of different local specialties, but there are a few meals you definitely shouldn’t miss. We’ve all had spring rolls before, but the Vietnamese ones are especially good. They’re made from boiled rice wrappers, rather than fried ones, so they’re much healthier than their Chinese counterparts. Vietnam is also famous for its pho, a clear soup flavored with noodles, meats, vegetables, and spices. And when you’re eating on the run grab a bahn mi, a bread roll packed with meat, mayonnaise, and local veggies including pickled carrots, cucumbers, and daikon.

    So learn to love street food while in Vietnam. Your bank balance and your taste buds will thank you!

    [Image Source: Chelsea Hicks/Flickr]

  • Asia’s Best Lunches – Affordable Local Traditional Dishes

    During a busy day sightseeing in Asia, lunch often tends to be an afterthought. Too many of us resort to Western-style junk food and overpriced meals at tourist attractions. They’re not just costly; they’re also unsatisfying. A much better option is to eat like the locals do and enjoy some of the Eastern continent’s best meals on the go.

    Singapore’s chili crab doesn’t sound like the best meal to eat on the run, but this Asian delicacy is not to be missed. The mud crab is cooked in a thick tomato chili sauce. This certainly gives the dish some heat, but the sweet crab meat ensures it’s not overpoweringly spicy. The sauce makes the dish a bit messy, but it’s so good that most tourists won’t mind a stained shirt. Crab is generally an expensive meat, but the competition between hawkers and kopi tiam at the East Coast Seafood Center keeps the prices reasonable.

    While in Vietnam make sure you try the country’s famous noodle soup, pho. The rice noodles are traditionally served in a broth with beef or chicken, and a variety of traditional Asian vegetables and spices. Most Vietnamese restaurants serve pho, but you’ll save money buying it from street vendors or market stalls.

    Japan’s bento boxes have come a long way over the last century, with the original lacquered lunch boxes giving way to more modern, disposable versions. The philosophy remains the same though, with each one containing an organized meal of rice, meat or seafood, and vegetables. You’ll find this balanced and affordable Japanese lunch at the country’s convenience stores, bento outlets, and train stations.

    Pho noodle soup
    Pho noodle soup

    And finally in Bali they have padang, a traditional curry sold at local market stalls. You’ll find a variety of padang in Bali, from classics like beef and tapioca leaves to the more adventurous fish head variety. Each one is served wrapped up in a banana leaf to help you eat it on the run.

    So next time you’re thinking of settling for a burger and fries in Asia, why not be a bit more adventurous and sample some of the local cuisine? Your stomach and wallet will thank you!

    [Image Source: Rob Sinclair/Flickr]

  • Tips for Not Breaking The Bank on Spring Break

    March is here, which means students and educators everywhere are anxiously eying the calendar, counting down the days until a much deserved week break.

    By this time, most people have booked their spring break travel plans, either close to home or in a far, far off land with sun and sea. No matter what you do over break, here are some tips for not “breaking the bank” and having to take on a part-time job to pay down your credit card bill from one week of revelry. With a little vigilance, you can have a great time while not spending excessively. 1)   Cook some meals at your rental to save money. If you’re staying somewhere that has a full or partial kitchen, it’s fun and easy to make at least some of your meals there. This will save quite a bit of money over eating out, since food and alcohol costs will be lower and you won’t have to tip servers. If you’re renting a place with several other people, an easy way to do this is to assign each person (or you can work in pairs) to a night when they do the grocery shopping and cook. Making coffee and eating a simple breakfast “at home” in the morning will save you quite a bit of dough as well. 2)   Make wise choices when dining out. If you eat in a restaurant several times, consider spitting appetizers, entrées or desserts to save money. Keep in mind that it is typically less expensive to split a bottle of wine than to order individual glasses. Also, do a bit of research on various restaurants/bars in the area before deciding where to eat/drink. Nothing’s worse than throwing away your hard-earned cash on bad or even mediocre food and drink. [caption id="attachment_5339" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Following some basic guidelines will help you avoid spending excessive amounts of money during your spring break vacation."]spring break photo[/caption] 3)   Take public transportation as frequently as possible. Before you leave, do a bit of research on public transportation options in the city you’ll be visiting. Knowing what the options are will help you avoid giving in to spending a lot of money on cab fare. If you do need to take a cab, make sure you share it with at least one other person (preferably someone you know), so that you can split the fare. 4)   Work your student (or faculty) discount. That’s right, you should bring your student (or faculty) ID with you on vacation. Many international museums, transportation companies and restaurants offer discounts on entrance fees for students and teachers (especially over spring break). Some people I know carry an international student ID, which can easily be acquired at http://www.istc.org/. 5)   Take a moment to think before making a purchase. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve purchased something (or several things) on vacation simply because I was on vacation. I lived to regret these purchases because a) they were overpriced and b) I never used them again after my vacation was over. Avoid buying souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, etc. “in the heat of the moment,” and definitely exercise caution when shopping under the influence! Before making a purchase, now I always ask myself 3 questions “Would I buy this if I weren’t on vacation?” “Is the price reasonable?” “Is this really something special that I will use and enjoy in the future?” If the answer to any of these is no, I keep on walking. Note on VAT: If you are traveling in Europe and purchase something expensive (over 100 euros), it’s worth it to have the VAT (value-added tax) refunded. European VAT rates hover around 20% and foreigners do not have to pay it. It’s not worth getting reimbursed for small purchases, but getting the VAT back on “big ticket” items definitely pays off. Ask the vendor for an itemized receipt and a VAT form (they’ll know what you’re talking about). VAT can be recuperated at the airport or via mail after you return (though it’s easier to do it at the airport before you leave). 6)   Enjoy the people you’re traveling with and the experiences you are having. If I’m truly having a good time with the people I’m traveling with and experiencing wonderful things, I end up spending less money. Why? Because I’m living fully in the moment and enjoying the experience instead of searching for ways to enhance it through purchases.

  • A Taste of India at Adelaide’s Bombay Bicycle Club

    Australian diners need not travel far to experience all the opulence of Indian dining. Adelaide’s ethnic restaurants are some of the best in Oz, but if you’ve got a taste for spicy curries and pappadams look to The Bombay Bicycle Club. This quirky pub in the Adelaide suburb of Ovingham celebrates all the extravagance and culinary flair of the Far East.

    spices
    Traditional Indian curry spices

    The Bombay Bicycle Club is a pub which takes its vision seriously. Every inch of the hotel is decorated with a Raj Indian theme, from the enormous wooden elephant standing in the Rikki Tikki Tavi Bar to the Indian trinkets adorning the walls. It’s not very authentic, but it is a lot of fun.

    The Rikki Tikki Tavi Bar is the ideal place for a few drinks after work or a casual get-together. There’s a fully operational keg room and nine different beers on tap. You can shoot some pool, spin some tunes on the video jukebox, or tuck into classic bar dishes.

    If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, stop in to Gungadins Restaurant. The menu features European favorites alongside Indian fare, with playful names like Mad Duck Madras, Bengal Cheesy, and Sa-moo-sas.

    Meals are reasonably priced with entrees starting from $6.90 and mains from $12.90. The Bombay Bicycle Club is open daily from noon until late, with last service for meals at 10 pm.

  • Eat Your Way Around Adelaide – South Australia’s Best Restaurants

    The Australian city of Adelaide is a paradise for food lovers, boasting a variety of delicious options to tempt all tastes and budgets.

    Smells from all over the globe will tease you as you walk down bustling Gouger Street.


    From traditional options like Chinese, Indian, and Greek to unusual fare from Argentina, Korea, and Vietnam, if you love to eat more than your standard meat and three veg Gouger Street has you covered. The Chinese is particularly good at Star House, which boasts the largest live tanks in all of Adelaide. There’s something a little unsettling about watching your dinner ripped from its home, but once it's brought to your table steaming it’s easy to recover. It's also worth making the trek to the far end of Gouger Street to sample the authentic Japanese delicacies of Matsuri. You can eat at tables as with any Western restaurant, or sit at the low Japanese tables in the back. Just remember to remove your shoes! The sushi boats are legendary, and it's hard to go past the tempura prawns.australia map There are also some hidden gems in Adelaide's entertainment venues. North is tucked away in the bottom of the casino, but you'd never guess you were so close to the slot machines. The service is friendly, the atmosphere vibrant, and the food flawless. Crisp pork belly, succulent kingfish croquettes, and the garlic and mascarpone-stuffed chicken breast all feel very luxurious indeed. Regatta's Bistro in the bottom of the Convention Center is another low-key dining destination that delivers. The views of the Torrens River go perfectly with a good glass of wine, delicate quail, and old fashioned fish and chips. The menu is so diverse that whether you're after an old favorite or a culinary challenge you should be impressed. But why stick to the CBD? Adelaide also has a host of great restaurants on the city's outskirts. A regular bus service can take you to Hahndorf, a German styled town nestled in the Adelaide Hills. Most restaurants embrace this European nation, particularly the German Arms Hotel in the center of town. Regular Aussie pub grub is served up alongside Bavarian fare like the German Wurst trio, the Rindsrouladen, and the massive kransky hot dog. If you'd rather head to the beach, catch the tram to Glenelg. A strip of restaurants along this bustling tourist town serves up fine fare with views to match. The tasting plates at Zucca Greek Mezze are a great idea if you can't decide just what you feel like, or you want to try a little bit of everything! I returned home from a recent trip to Adelaide with an emptier wallet, a very full belly, and lots of memories of amazing meals. I can't wait to return to taste all the other restaurants I haven't tried!