The Best Street Food in Europe for Budget Travellers

Europe may be renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurants and elaborate dining experiences, but for the perceptive budget traveller, its streets tell a more flavourful—and affordable—story. From smoky sausages sizzling on Berlin corners to flaky burek served fresh in the Balkans, street food in Europe is as diverse as its languages and just as expressive.

This guide highlights the continent’s most iconic cheap eats, curated not only for their affordability but also for their cultural depth. Whether you’re backpacking through cities or lingering in lesser-known towns, these budget meals will satisfy both your palate and your pocket.

Why Street Food Is Perfect for Budget Travellers

Affordability Without Sacrificing Flavour

Street food is the ultimate gastronomic equaliser—offering gourmet-level taste at a fraction of the price. While a sit-down meal might set you back €20 or more, most street fare comes in under €5.

Cultural Authenticity

Unlike tourist-targeted restaurants, street food tends to be rooted in local tradition, often made using family recipes passed down through generations.

Quick and Convenient

For travellers on the move, street food offers an efficient way to eat without pausing the itinerary. Grab, stroll, and snack—it’s sustenance with a view.

Western Europe: Classic Favourites with a Modern Twist

1. Currywurst – Berlin, Germany

What it is: A chopped pork sausage doused in curried ketchup and served with a side of fries.

Where to get it: Konnopke’s Imbiss, Curry 36, or just about any street corner in Berlin.

Cost: €3–€4

Why it’s essential: A quintessential Berlin staple, currywurst is as symbolic of post-war resilience as it is indulgently satisfying.

2. Jambon-Beurre – Paris, France

What it is: A crusty baguette slathered with butter and filled with thinly sliced ham.

Where to get it: Boulangeries all across Paris—look for places with long lunchtime queues.

Cost: €3–€5

Why it’s essential: This humble sandwich is a Parisian lunchtime favourite and arguably the city’s most underrated culinary treasure.

3. Caldo Verde & Bifana – Lisbon, Portugal

What it is: A spicy pork sandwich (bifana) best paired with a warming kale-and-chorizo soup (caldo verde).

Where to get it: Time Out Market or small taverns in Alfama and Baixa.

Cost: €2.50–€5 each

Why it’s essential: These are simple, hearty dishes born from working-class kitchens, now loved by locals and travellers alike.

4. Frites with Sauces – Brussels, Belgium

What it is: Thick-cut fries served in a paper cone with an arsenal of sauces, from samurai to andalouse.

Where to get it: Maison Antoine or Frit Flagey

Cost: €3–€4.50

Why it’s essential: Belgium’s frites culture rivals France’s baguettes—and yes, it’s serious business.

Southern Europe: Sunshine, Simplicity, and Sensational Snacks

5. Arancini – Sicily, Italy

What it is: Deep-fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, cheese, or spinach.

Where to get it: Palermo’s Ballarò Market or street stalls throughout Catania.

Cost: €2–€3 each

Why it’s essential: A satisfying, carb-loaded treat perfect for walking through Italy’s baroque streets.

6. Gyros – Athens, Greece

What it is: Spit-roasted meat (usually pork or chicken) wrapped in pita with tomatoes, onions, fries, and tzatziki.

Where to get it: O Thanasis or Savvas near Monastiraki Square

Cost: €2–€3

Why it’s essential: Delicious, filling, and ubiquitous—Athens’ answer to fast food is far more nutritious and flavourful.

7. Burek – Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

What it is: Layers of filo pastry filled with minced meat, cheese, or spinach.

Where to get it: Buregdzinica Sac or local bakeries

Cost: €1.50–€2.50 per portion

Why it’s essential: Warm, flaky, and deeply satisfying, burek is the fuel of Balkan backpackers.

Eastern & Central Europe: Hearty, Homely, and Hugely Underrated

8. Langos – Budapest, Hungary

What it is: A deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream, garlic, and cheese.

Where to get it: Central Market Hall or retro food trucks around Erzsébet Square

Cost: €2–€4

Why it’s essential: An indulgent blend of crunchy, soft, creamy, and garlicky—it’s Hungary on a plate.

9. Zapiekanka – Kraków, Poland

What it is: A toasted half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, ketchup, and optional extras.

Where to get it: Plac Nowy in the Jewish Quarter

Cost: €1.50–€3.50

Why it’s essential: Poland’s take on open-faced pizza is both nostalgic and delicious.

10. Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake) – Prague, Czech Republic

What it is: Sweet, cylindrical pastry cooked on a spit and coated in sugar and cinnamon.

Where to get it: Street stands near Old Town Square

Cost: €2.50–€4

Why it’s essential: Crispy outside, soft inside—often served with Nutella or ice cream for full indulgence.

Nordic Flavours: Minimalist Yet Memorable

11. Rød Pølse – Copenhagen, Denmark

What it is: A bright red sausage typically served in a bun with mustard and remoulade.

Where to get it: Pølsevogn (sausage carts) around the city

Cost: €3–€4

Why it’s essential: This Danish hot dog might look simple, but the flavour is complex—and the tradition is strong.

12. Flatbrød & Grilled Sausage – Oslo, Norway

What it is: A grilled sausage wrapped in traditional flatbread, often eaten on-the-go

Where to get it: Narvesen kiosks and corner shops

Cost: €2.50–€4.50

Why it’s essential: It’s one of the few affordable snacks in Norway and is surprisingly filling.

Unexpected Finds: Off the Beaten Snack Path

13. Balik Ekmek – Istanbul, Turkey

What it is: Grilled fish sandwich served with onion, lettuce, and lemon juice.

Where to get it: Galata Bridge food boats and waterside grills

Cost: €2–€3

Why it’s essential: Though straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul’s street food scene deserves a spot on any budget list.

14. Svíčková Dumpling Sliders – Brno, Czech Republic

What it is: Miniature versions of the famous Czech beef dish served in bread buns.

Where to get it: Local food trucks at events and festivals

Cost: €2.50–€3 per slider

Why it’s essential: A modern twist on a classic dish, perfect for sampling Czech flavours without the heavy plate.

15. Tunnbrödsrulle – Stockholm, Sweden

What it is: A sausage, mashed potato, lettuce, and shrimp salad rolled in flatbread.

Where to get it: Kiosks and street carts across Stockholm

Cost: €4–€6

Why it’s essential: Unusual, yes—but this dish is a nostalgic Nordic comfort food.

Travel Tips for Street Food Success

1. Follow the Locals

If there’s a queue of locals, it’s a sign the food is fresh, affordable, and authentic.

2. Ask for the House Special

Vendors often have a favourite or “secret sauce” not listed on the sign—engaging with them can lead to the best bites.

3. Mind Local Customs

Some countries charge extra for takeaway containers or assume tipping; ask before ordering if unsure.

4. Eat During Peak Hours

Street food is best when it’s hot and turnover is high—visit vendors during lunch or just after work.

5. Bring Cash

Even in Europe’s tech-savvy cities, street vendors often prefer cash—especially for transactions under €5.

Key Takeaway

For the budget traveller, street food in Europe is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural deep dive wrapped in paper and served with a smile. Across neighbourhoods and national borders, it tells the story of migration, invention, and tradition through every bite.

Whether you’re craving crispy langos in Budapest or creamy burek in Sarajevo, Europe’s pavements offer something that no five-star restaurant ever could: authenticity without extravagance.

Savour the Streets, Save Your Euros

Street food transforms travel. It adds spontaneity to your itinerary, stretches your budget, and delivers insights that no guidebook can teach. For those willing to eat standing up or perched on a park bench, Europe reveals itself in layers of dough, spice, and sizzle.

So ditch the tourist menus, trust your nose, and let your taste buds lead the way—because the best budget meals in Europe are found under open skies and on crowded corners.