Houston's incredible diversity means incredible cheap eats. The city's sprawling neighborhoods hide Vietnamese pho shops, Nigerian restaurants, Salvadoran pupuserias, and taquerias that rival anything in Texas. Here's how to eat around the world without leaving Houston—or breaking the bank.
Tex-Mex & Taquerias
Laredo Taqueria
Massive breakfast tacos on homemade flour tortillas. The carne guisada is legendary.
Tacos Tierra Caliente
Red trucks serving some of the best street tacos in Houston. Al pastor is excellent.
Villa Arcos
Old-school taqueria with incredible breakfast tacos. Cash only, go early.
La Macro
Giant tortas and cheap Mexican plates. Perfect for sharing.
Vietnamese (Midtown & Beyond)
Pho Binh
Historic spot with excellent pho. Rich broth, generous portions.
Les Givral's
Banh mi sandwiches for $6-8. The original Midtown location is best.
Crawfish & Noodles
Viet-Cajun crawfish. Split a few pounds with friends for cheap.
Don Café
Vietnamese sandwiches and coffee. Perfect cheap lunch spot.
International Eats
Himalaya
Pakistani and Indian food. The chicken biryani is legendary. Portions are huge.
Peli Peli
South African flavors. Lunch specials are the budget move.
Pupuseria Salvadoreña
Stuffed pupusas for $3 each. Get three and you're full for under $10.
Pasha Turkish Kitchen
Turkish wraps and plates. The lunch combo is a great deal.
BBQ & Southern
Burns Original BBQ
Houston-style BBQ with links and ribs. Old school, affordable, delicious.
Frenchy's Chicken
Creole fried chicken that's crispy and flavorful. Houston institution.
Gatlin's BBQ
Quality BBQ at reasonable prices. The brisket is excellent.
Houston Budget Eating Tips
- Bellaire Chinatown: Huge Asian food scene with cheap dim sum and noodles
- Hillcroft: "Mahatma Gandhi District" for cheap Indian/Pakistani
- Food trucks: Amazing cheap options throughout the city
- Lunch specials: Even nice restaurants have affordable lunch menus
- BYOB: Many cheap spots are BYOB, saving on drink costs
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