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Taquería El Califa de León, Mexico
Taco lovers, listen up! This might be the only Michelin-starred spot serving up next-level tacos.
This taqueria has been a local institution for over half a century, and for a good reason. The highlight is the Gaonera taco, a simple yet brilliant pairing of beef filet, salt, lime, and hand-pressed corn tortillas. Prices start at just MXN 53 (around USD 3), making it one of the most affordable Michelin-starred bites in the world. Other offerings like Bistec (beef steak), Archuleta (chop), and Costilla (ribs) tacos continue the theme of simple, masterful execution.
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Location: Av. Ribera De San Cosme 56, San Rafael, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
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Suan Thip, Thailand
Give yourself some credit if you know that a trip to Thailand isn’t just about temples and beaches; it’s about hunting down the best local eats! And if you’re really about that life, Suan Thip needs to be on your list. This is not just some random restaurant; it’s a whole vibe. Think traditional wooden pavilions, lush greenery, and a riverside view that makes every meal feel ten times more special.
🐦🐦แมกไม้ สายธาร ตำนานไทย🐦🐦
สวนทิพย์
เปิดให้บริการทุกวัน จันทร์ – อาทิตย์
ตั้งแต่เวลา 11.00 น. – 21.00…Posted by Suanthip สวนทิพย์ on Sunday 16 March 2025
Start small with Thai desserts for just USD 2 (THB 68) or sip on a refreshing drink for USD 1 (THB 34) that is literally cheaper than your morning coffee. But let’s be real, you’re here to feast. Their à la carte menu kicks off at USD 6 (THB 220), serving up all the classics with flavors so legit they might just ruin every other Thai meal for you. Creamy curries, smoky wok-fried dishes, and that perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty, this spot doesn’t miss!
Location: 17/9 Mu 7, Sukhaprachasan 2 Road, Bang Phut, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, 11120, Thailand
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Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, Malaysia
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If you’re in Penang and not eating at Auntie Gaik Lean’s, what are you even doing? This spot is all about old-school, home-cooked Nyonya cuisine, made with recipes that have been passed down for generations. It’s unapologetically traditional, and that’s exactly why people can’t get enough of this place!
If you’re just looking for a quick bite to keep the hunger at bay, you can absolutely snag on à la carte dishes starting from USD 3 (RM 15). And yes, that’s a total steal. But let’s be real, you’ll probably want more. On average, people spend around USD 11 (RM 50) here. Doesn’t matter if you’re feasting on Pie Tee, Gulai Tumis, Nasi Ulam or Curry Kapitan; every bite tastes like comfort, nostalgia, and pure joy.
Location: 1 Lebuh Bishop, George Town, 10200, Malaysia
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Tam Vi, Vietnam
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Step into a slice of Northern Vietnamese nostalgia at this vintage-style tea house, a proud recipient of a one-star Michelin rating. The menu brims with comfort food, from Vietnamese stir-fried beef with fresh bamboo that costs only USD 6 to the delicate steamed choy sum. For groups, multi-course menus start at USD 27 (VND 700,000), making it a solid way to dive into a spread of authentic flavors. That means for just around USD 7 per person, you and your crew can feast without holding back.
Location: 4B Yen The Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
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Wu You Xian, China
If a place has lines out the door even after relocating to a bigger spot, you know they’re doing something right. Wu You Xian is famous for its crab xiaolongbao, drawing in both locals and foodies chasing that perfect, plump, soupy dumpling. These guys take their craft seriously, offering over 20 varieties of xiaolongbao, from pure crab meat and roe to premium seafood options like abalone and sea cucumber. Each one is tucked into delicate, translucent skin and served with its own signature dip.
Not sure where to start? The assorted steamer lets you sample different flavors in one go, this is ideal for first-timers or the eternally indecisive. Best part? You don’t have to drop big bucks to eat like royalty. À la carte dim sum starts as low as USD 4 (CNY 29). So go ahead and order an extra round. Your only regret will be not getting more!
Location: Room 1-103, 7 South Maoming Road, Huangpu, Shanghai, China Mainland
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Holbox, USA
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Most Mexican spots are just that—taco spots. But Holbox? Holbox is next level. This isn’t your average grab-and-go Mexican joint. It’s fresh, flavorful, and, yeah, Michelin-approved!
Let’s talk about tacos that start at USD 5, yes, so affordable! But if you want to go all in, their cold-served menu is where the real magic happens. Yellowtail with avocado purée and salsa macha, starting at USD 9? Say less. Whether you’re just here for a small bite or ready to feast, Holbox proves that next-level tacos don’t need to cost a fortune.
Location: 3655 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, 90007, USA
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Tula, Spain
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If everyone and their foodie friend won’t shut up about a restaurant, you know it’s gotta be fire. That’s exactly the deal with Tula, a cozy little spot with a killer view of Arenal Beach. No gimmicks, no fuss! Tula is just straight-up good Mediterranean food by power couple Borja Susilla and Clara Puig, who trained under a culinary legend, Quique Dacosta.
The menu is all about fresh market specials, a seven-course tasting experience, and shareable plates. Here, you can even order half-portions to mix and match. Must-tries? The shiso leaf taco with pancetta and smoked eel and potato fritters with a seafood sauce. À la carte dishes start at USD 9, while their famous Fancy Pumpkin Saffron dessert is yours for USD 8.
Location: Avenida de la Llibertat 36, Xàbia, 03730, Spain
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Levadura de Olla Restaurante, Mexico
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If you don’t leave Oaxaca with a belly full of heirloom corn and the deep, earthy flavors of its ancestral cuisine, you’re totally missing out! Levadura de Olla is where you’ll enjoy dishes prepared with ingredients from Oaxaca’s eight regions in their purest form, straight from the fields, free of pesticides, and bursting with flavors passed down through generations.
Here, every dish tells a story, and every ingredient plays a leading role. Do you want to start light but still keep it interesting? The guacamole with grasshoppers is a must-try at just USD 9 (MXN 180). For dessert, the Apple cinnamon tamale served with vanilla cream, mountain apple, honey and a hint of lemon will cost you only USD 8 (MXN 160). Most dishes stick to a similar price range, making this one of the best ways to experience authentic Oaxacan flavors without breaking the bank.
Location: Calle de Manuel García Vigil #304, Oaxaca, 68000, Mexico
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These spots deliver world-class flavors without the sticker shock. Indulgence is well within reach whether you’re craving tacos in Mexico City or dim sum in Shanghai. So next time you want a five-star meal on a budget, you know where to go!
