We all want to eat at the hottest, most delicious restaurants in the world! But unfortunately, our wallets often prevent us from trying many of them. I know I’m not going to be strutting into Alinea in Chicago anytime soon! Unless Santa Claus decides I was really, really good this year. Oh yeah, and you know, if he ends up being real. But barring magic, it can be a struggle to eat at the world’s best (Michelin starred) restaurants without throwing down your next month’s rent.
And it can especially be hard to try the famous cuisines abroad. You can’t always afford to go fancy when you’re trying to travel around the world on a dime. But if you still want to have a world-class experience on a student’s budget, worry not! We compiled some of the cheapest Michelin starred restaurants on the planet. And just look at the mouth-watering Instagram pictures from real diners.
You’ll think you’ve died and gone to budget heaven! And you’ll also plan on booking a flight.
Tim Ho Wan
(Hong Kong)
Who doesn’t love the variety and flavor of a good dim sum place? This popular dim sum restaurant prides itself on its delicious, can’t-stop-eating-this food for budget friendly prices. In fact, until recently it was the cheapest restaurant on this list. Though they’ve had to relinquish that title, this Hong Kong eatery is still incredibly affordable — with prices as low as $6 dollars a plate!
The Spotted Pig
(NYC)
Using seasonal and local ingredients, this popular New York City eatery will give you quality flavor for reasonable prices. Chef April Bloomfield’s menu is simple (one of the most popular dishes is the burger with shoestring fries!) but no one could accuse it of being boring.
And most dishes are 15-40 dollars. Completely reasonable for a hot, NYC gastro pub.
The Hand and Flowers
(Marlow, England)
Opened in 2005 by Tom and Beth Kerridge, this quaint British pub is the only restaurant on the list with TWO Michelin stars. With savory twists on traditional pub fare, restaurant goers can try dishes such as Spiced Cornish Monkfish with Caramelised Cauliflower Purée, Homemade Raisins and Verjus dressing while dining in a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere. And while not the cheapest restaurant on the list, it’s a very affordable option with most dishes under 40 pounds and lunch options as few as 15.
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Shinjukukappo Nakajima
(Tokyo)
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There are many delicious restaurants in Tokyo though few that are revered for being easy on your wallet. This tiny joint — set in a basement — fits the bill. Known for their incredible sardines, this restaurant has less than 20 seats, so be prepared for a possible wait! But with prices under $10 dollars at lunch, it’s well worth it.
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Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle
(Singapore)
At only about $1.5o for its most affordable meal (!!) this Singapore food stand (from chefs Chan Hon Meng and Tang Chay Seng) is the cheapest Michelin starred restaurant ever! When Singapore joined Michelin this year, this tiny food stand made history for its tender, flavorful meats at crazy, affordable prices. Now that the word is out though, prepare to wait a while for your meal. Customers are reporting waiting up to 3 hours for a taste of this delicious Hawker stand.
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