We all know that the cost of living in Sydney is incredibly high. With some of the most expensive rents in the country, it’s understandable that you might want to cut down on expenses elsewhere. If you’re on a bit of a tight travel budget you’re more than likely preparing your food in the hostel. However, sometimes you just want to head into the city and treat yourself to a meal out. With this in mind, you might be wondering if it’s possible for backpackers to eat out in Sydney on a budget. Take a look here at how to eat out on a budget in Sydney.
1. Create a budget
When you’re creating your weekly or monthly budget, be sure to allocate a small portion towards going out for a meal. Knowing how much you have to spend and allocating it to your budget can help you make wise choices about where you want to go and how much you can spend without completely blowing your budget out of the water.
2. Take a restaurant survey
Restaurants love to hear about how your visit with them went as it helps them to know what they’re doing right and what they might need to improve upon. If they ask you to complete any surveys for them take the time to do so as they may reward you for your time with a discount on your next visit.
3. Check if you’re eligible for a discount
A great way to save money when you’re eating out is to check if you’re eligible for any discounts on your meals. Backpackers and university students are often eligible for a discount at many restaurants and fast-food chains in certain days of the week. Be sure to check out their socials for latest promos.
4. Visit affordable suburbs in Sydney
When it comes to eating out in Sydney, there are certain suburbs that are going to be cheaper than others. The Sydney suburbs of Enmore and Newtown are two of the most affordable suburbs to eat out in Sydney. They’re both famous for their food cultures and both have a great range of restaurants, cafes and venues to choose from, making them both a food lover’s paradise and a great place to eat out on a budget.
5. Opt for affordable cuisine in Sydney
The good news when eating out on a budget is that there are many different styles of cuisine that are affordable in Sydney. Some of the most popular and budget-friendly are Thai, Mexican and Italian. Newtown is especially famous for its Pho, so be sure to check it out if that’s your thing.
6. Avoid ordering alcohol with your meal
Alcohol can often cost almost as much as your food itself. If you’re trying to keep your costs down be sure to avoid ordering alcohol with your meals. You can either stick to table water which will be free or you can choose to drink soft drinks which are going to be significantly cheaper than a gin and tonic or beer.
Alternatively, consider eating at a BYO alcohol venue and take along a cheap bottle of wine or a few beers to enjoy with your meal.
7. Become a mystery diner
Becoming a mystery diner is a great way to get your meals completely free and sometimes even earn a small wage on top of the meal for your efforts. Mystery diners will sign up to an agency that will assign you restaurants to try out for them. They cover the price of the meals and pay a small wage. In return, they ask that you fill out a survey and review the restaurant focusing on cleanliness, the food and the service provided. This is a pretty great gig and a creative way to eat out without spending any money.
8. Food markets and outdoor eating events
Not only are food markets and outdoor eating events a great way to have a fun evening doing something different, but they’re also a great way to have a cheap meal out. Food markets and outdoor eating events are great value for money and often offer a huge range of different cuisines for you to try in one area.
The Sydney Night Noodle Market is a particular local favourite and is much anticipated every time it’s on. While, the Sydney Fish Market is perfect for anyone craving some fresh fish and chips and a view of the water.
Eating out in Sydney doesn’t have to be as expensive as you initially expect it to be. While the costs can certainly add up fast if you’re not paying attention to what you’re ordering, with a little bit of pre-planning and utilising some discounts and vouchers, you can significantly reduce the cost of your meal.
