São Paulo is often known for its high-end restaurants and glamorous dining scene, but some of the city’s most unforgettable meals are also the most affordable. From street carts to corner bars and casual neighborhood favorites, there are endless ways to eat well without spending much.

Here are the places in São Paulo you should visit:

One beloved stop is the pastel stand at the Feira da Liberdade, where you can grab a massive pastel stuffed with cheese, beef, or even banana with chocolate for just a few reais. Right beside it, a fresh sugarcane juice (caldo de cana) adds the perfect balance. For the adventurous, stalls in the same area also serve yakisoba and tempurá with a Brazilian twist, thanks to the strong Japanese influence in the neighborhood.

In the historic Mercado Municipal, don’t miss the famous mortadella sandwich from Hocca Bar. It’s over-the-top in the best way: stacked with layers of mortadella, melted cheese, and served hot. The sandwich is easily shareable and still under budget. If you prefer something more traditional, look for the stands selling bolinhos de bacalhau or pão com pernil.

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Over in Pinheiros, Frangó is a bar famous for its huge beer selection, but it also offers delicious coxinhas and portions of fried mandioca at fair prices. For a more filling meal, the classic prato feito (PF) is your best friend. At places like Bar do Mané or Lanchonete Frevo, you’ll get a plate of rice, beans, grilled meat, salad, and maybe even a fried egg for under R$30. These are the everyday meals Brazilians love, and they’re fast, comforting, and cheap.

If you’re near Avenida Paulista, try Gula Gula, a self-service restaurant where you pay by weight and have plenty of veggie-friendly and home-style options. For dessert, grab a brigadeiro from a local bakery, or an açaí bowl from a juice bar, refreshing, energizing, and often under R$15.

When the sun goes down, São Paulo’s street carts come alive. The cachorro-quente paulista might just be the most chaotic hot dog you’ve ever seen, layered with mashed potatoes, peas, corn, cheese, and crispy potato sticks. It’s delicious, weirdly balanced, and an absolute classic of the city’s late-night food culture. You don’t need to spend a lot to eat like a king in São Paulo.

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