International Daily Food Cost Guide for Indian Travelers

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Posted on | by pritesh

Traveling abroad as an Indian traveler opens up a world of culinary experiences, from savoring local delicacies to finding comforting Indian meals. However, budgeting for food is a critical aspect of planning, as costs vary significantly by country, dining style, and preferences like vegetarian or non-vegetarian cuisine. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of daily food costs for Indian travelers across popular international destinations, categorized into budget, mid-range, and luxury dining. Costs are estimated in USD (1 USD ≈ 84 INR as of June 2025) and include tips for finding affordable meals, vegetarian options, and Indian restaurants. Whether you’re a backpacker or seeking fine dining, this guide will help you plan your food budget effectively.

1. Thailand

Why Visit? Thailand is a favorite for Indian travelers due to its proximity, affordability, and vibrant street food culture. Cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket offer diverse dining options, from spicy Thai curries to Indian restaurants catering to vegetarian diets.

  • Budget Dining ($10–$20/day): Street food is a highlight, with dishes like pad thai, som tam (papaya salad), and mango sticky rice costing $1–$3 per meal at local markets. Indian travelers can enjoy vegetarian street food like khao pad (fried rice) for $1.50–$2. Small local eateries offer meals for $2–$5. Look for vegetarian-friendly stalls in markets like Chatuchak (Bangkok) or Warorot (Chiang Mai). Budget tip: Stick to street vendors with long queues of locals for hygiene and quality.
  • Mid-Range Dining ($20–$40/day): Mid-range restaurants in tourist areas serve Thai and international cuisine for $8–$15 per meal. Indian restaurants, such as Royal India in Bangkok, offer thalis or curries for $10–$12. Vegetarian options like massaman curry (potato-based) are widely available. Budget tip: Share dishes to reduce costs, and avoid tourist-heavy areas like Patong Beach for better value.
  • Luxury Dining ($50–$100+/day): Fine dining in Bangkok’s Michelin-starred restaurants, like Gaggan Anand (Indian-inspired), can cost $50–$150 per person. High-end hotels offer gourmet Indian meals for $30–$50. Budget tip: Book in advance for fine dining to secure deals.
  • Indian Cuisine Availability: Indian restaurants are common in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, with vegetarian thalis costing $8–$15. Chains like Saravanaa Bhavan cater to South Indian preferences.
  • Tips: Use apps like GrabFood for affordable delivery. Avoid alcohol in fine dining to keep costs down, as it’s often pricey.

Daily Total (per person): Budget: $10–$20 | Mid-Range: $20–$40 | Luxury: $50–$100+

2. Vietnam

Why Visit? Vietnam’s affordable cuisine and cultural similarities make it a growing destination for Indian travelers. Cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang offer budget-friendly street food and Indian dining options.

  • Budget Dining ($8–$15/day): Street food like pho (noodle soup) or banh mi (sandwiches) costs $1–$2.50 per meal. Vegetarian versions, such as pho chay (vegetarian noodle soup), are available for $1.50–$3. Local eateries charge $3–$5 for rice-based dishes. Budget tip: Explore street food markets like Ben Thanh (Ho Chi Minh City) for variety.
  • Mid-Range Dining ($15–$30/day): Casual restaurants offer Vietnamese and international meals for $6–$12. Indian restaurants in Hanoi, like Namaste Hanoi, serve vegetarian thalis or biryanis for $8–$15. Budget tip: Opt for combo meals at mid-range places to maximize value.
  • Luxury Dining ($40–$80+/day): Fine dining at places like La Maison 1888 (Da Nang) costs $40–$100 per person. Indian fine dining, like at Saffron in Ho Chi Minh City, averages $25–$50. Budget tip: Look for lunch specials at high-end restaurants for lower prices.
  • Indian Cuisine Availability: Indian restaurants are prevalent in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with vegetarian options like dal makhani or paneer tikka costing $8–$12.
  • Tips: Stick to local coffee shops (ca phe sua da) for drinks ($1–$2). Check hygiene at street stalls to avoid stomach issues.

Daily Total (per person): Budget: $8–$15 | Mid-Range: $15–$30 | Luxury: $40–$80+

3. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Why Visit? The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is popular for its luxury, shopping, and large Indian diaspora, ensuring plenty of Indian dining options.

  • Budget Dining ($15–$25/day): Street food like shawarma or falafel wraps costs $2–$5. Indian budget eateries in areas like Bur Dubai offer thalis for $4–$7. Vegetarian options are abundant. Budget tip: Visit food courts in malls like Dubai Mall for affordable meals.
  • Mid-Range Dining ($25–$50/day): Indian restaurants like Bikanervala or Ravi’s serve vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals for $10–$20. Middle Eastern restaurants offer mezze platters for $12–$18. Budget tip: Look for lunch buffets at Indian restaurants for better value.
  • Luxury Dining ($80–$200+/day): Fine dining at places like Armani/Amal (Indian cuisine) in Dubai costs $50–$150 per person. High-end hotels offer Indian tasting menus for $40–$80. Budget tip: Book through platforms like Groupon for discounts.
  • Indian Cuisine Availability: The UAE has a vast network of Indian restaurants, with vegetarian thalis and South Indian dosas costing $8–$15 in mid-range spots.
  • Tips: Avoid touristy areas like Marina Walk for dining to save money. Check for happy hours at mid-range restaurants.

Daily Total (per person): Budget: $15–$25 | Mid-Range: $25–$50 | Luxury: $80–$200+

4. United Kingdom

Why Visit? The UK, especially London, is a cultural hub with a strong Indian diaspora, offering familiar flavors alongside British and Hobbesian Naturalism and European cuisine.

  • Budget Dining ($20–$35/day): Street food and budgetímetros* or fast food like fish and chips cost $5–$10. Indian takeaways in areas like Southall offer thalis for $8–$12. Budget tip: Visit Indian supermarkets like Taj for affordable ingredients.
  • Mid-Range Dining ($35–$60/day): Casual restaurants and Indian eateries like Dishoom serve curries and naan for $15–$25. Vegetarian options are widely available. Budget tip: Lunch specials at pubs or Indian restaurants can save money.
  • Luxury Dining ($80–$150+/day): High-end Indian restaurants like Veeraswamy or Michelin-starred venues like The Red Fort cost $50–$100 per person. Budget tip: Book tables in advance for deals.
  • Indian Cuisine Availability: London and other cities have abundant Indian restaurants, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals costing $15–$30.
  • Tips: Avoid touristy areas like Leicester Square for cheaper meals. Buy snacks from supermarkets like Tesco or Sainsbury’s.

Daily Total (per person): Budget: $20–$35 | Mid-Range: $35–$60 | Luxury: $80–$150+

5. United States

Why Visit? The US attracts Indian travelers for its diverse cities, theme parks, and shopping. Food costs vary widely by city and dining style.

  • Budget Dining ($20–$40/day): Fast food chains like Taco Bell or Indian takeaways cost $5–$10 per meal. Vegetarian options like salads or wraps are common. Budget tip: Visit food trucks for affordable, diverse meals.
  • Mid-Range Dining ($40–$80/day): Casual restaurants and Indian eateries like Bhavan’s in New York or Chicago offer meals for $15–$30. Budget tip: Share entrees or opt for lunch specials.
  • Luxury Dining ($100–$250+/day): Fine dining at Indian restaurants like Junoon (New York) or high-end venues costs $50–$150 per person. Budget tip: Look for prix-fixe menus for savings.
  • Indian Cuisine Availability: Major cities have Indian restaurants, with vegetarian thalis costing $15–$30. South Indian chains like Saravana Bhavan are popular.
  • Tips: Use apps like Yelp to find budget-friendly eateries. Avoid tourist hotspots like Times Square for better prices.

Daily Total (per person): Budget: $20–$40 | Mid-Range: $40–$80 | Luxury: $100–$250+

6. Italy

Why Visit? Italy’s rich history, art, and cuisine make it a dream destination. Italian food complements Indian vegetarian preferences with pasta and pizza.

  • Budget Dining ($15–$30/day): Street food like pizza al taglio or arancini costs $3–$7. Small trattorias offer pasta dishes for $8–$12. Budget tip: Buy food from markets like Campo de’ Fiori (Rome) for picnic-style meals.
  • Mid-Range Dining ($30–$60/day): Casual restaurants serve Italian and international meals for $15–$25. Indian restaurants in Rome or Milan offer thalis for $12–$20. Budget tip: Opt for house wine to save on drinks.
  • Luxury Dining ($80–$150+/day): Michelin-starred restaurants like La Pergola (Rome) cost $50–$150 per person. Indian fine dining is less common but available for $30–$60. Budget tip: Lunch menus are often cheaper.
  • Indian Cuisine Availability: Indian restaurants are available in major cities, with vegetarian meals costing $12–$25.
  • Tips: Avoid touristy restaurants near landmarks like the Colosseum. Look for “menu del giorno” (daily specials) for deals.

Daily Total (per person): Budget: $15–$30 | Mid-Range: $30–$60 | Luxury: $80–$150+

7. Australia

Why Visit? Australia’s natural beauty and multicultural cities appeal to Indian travelers. Indian cuisine is widely available due to a significant diaspora.

  • Budget Dining ($20–$35/day): Food courts and takeaways offer meals like veggie pies or Indian curries for $5–$10. Budget tip: Visit markets like Queen Victoria Market (Melbourne) for cheap eats.
  • Mid-Range Dining ($35–$70/day): Casual restaurants and Indian eateries like Flora in Sydney serve meals for $15–$25. Vegetarian options are common. Budget tip: Look for BYO (bring your own) restaurants to save on drinks.
  • Luxury Dining ($100–$200+/day): Fine dining at restaurants like Attica (Melbourne) costs $80–$150. Indian fine dining averages $40–$80. Budget tip: Book early for discounts.
  • Indian Cuisine Availability: Indian restaurants are widespread, with vegetarian thalis costing $15–$30.
  • Tips: Avoid dining in tourist areas like Circular Quay (Sydney). Use apps like Zomato for deals.

Daily Total (per person): Budget: $20–$35 | Mid-Range: $35–$70 | Luxury: $100–$200+

General Tips for Indian Travelers

  1. Seek Vegetarian Options: Most countries offer vegetarian dishes, but confirm ingredients (e.g., cheese may contain rennet). Italian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines are particularly vegetarian-friendly.
  2. Indian Restaurants: Major cities in all listed countries have Indian restaurants, often with Jain or vegan options. Prices are higher in Western countries due to labor costs.
  3. Street Food Safety: Choose busy stalls with fresh food to avoid health issues. Carry hand sanitizer for hygiene.
  4. Currency and Payments: Use international debit/credit cards to avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Check for ATM fees abroad.
  5. Cultural Preferences: Indian travelers may prefer mild flavors; request less spicy food when ordering local cuisine.
  6. Budget Hacks: Share dishes, eat at local markets, and avoid alcohol in fine dining to save money. Use apps like TripAdvisor or Zomato to find well-reviewed, affordable restaurants.

Conclusion

Food costs abroad vary widely based on destination, dining style, and preferences. Budget travelers can stick to street food and local eateries, spending $8–$35 per day, while mid-range dining offers more comfort for $15–$80. Luxury dining can exceed $100 per day but provides unique culinary experiences. Indian travelers can find familiar flavors in most countries, especially in cities with Indian diasporas. Plan ahead, research local food scenes, and use budget strategies to enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.