
Best Budget Eats in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
1. Maboneng Precinct
A vibrant inner-city neighborhood with a mix of street food stalls and artisanal eateries offering affordable, authentic South African dishes.
- Diverse Cuisine: Offers a variety of traditional African dishes alongside modern fusion cuisine.
- Cultural Experience: Provides an immersive cultural experience through its street art, markets, and live music events.
- Safe Environment: Has a reputation for being safe and welcoming, making it an ideal location for solo travelers.
2. Braai Republic
A popular spot for locals to enjoy traditional South African barbecue at affordable prices.
- Authentic Braai Experience: Offers a true South African braai experience with a variety of meats and sides.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Features an outdoor seating area for a relaxed, casual dining experience.
- Affordable Prices: Pricing is reasonable compared to other restaurants in the city, making it budget-friendly.
3. Maria's Diner
A classic diner serving traditional South African dishes at affordable prices, open 24/7.
- Always Open: Operates 24/7, making it a convenient option for late-night cravings.
- Traditional Dishes: Offers a variety of traditional South African dishes like bobotie and boerewors.
- Affordable Prices: Pricing is budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for travelers on a tight budget.
4. Chaf Pozi
A street food stall in Yeoville serving delicious and affordable Zimbabwean cuisine.
- Authentic Cuisine: Offers authentic Zimbabwean dishes like sadza and nyima yevya.
- Affordable Prices: Pricing is extremely budget-friendly, making it a great option for travelers on a tight budget.
- Unique Location: Located in Yeoville, one of Johannesburg's most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods.
5. Taste of Africa
A food market offering a variety of African cuisines at affordable prices in Melville.
- Variety of Cuisines: Offers a wide selection of dishes from different African countries.
- Budget-Friendly: Pricing is affordable, making it an attractive option for budget travelers.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Features a lively atmosphere with music and vibrant decorations.
6. The Little Hairy Pig
A food truck serving gourmet burgers at affordable prices in Braamfontein.
- Gourmet Burgers: Serves creative, flavorful burgers made with quality ingredients.
- Affordable Prices: Pricing is reasonable compared to other restaurants in the city, making it budget-friendly.
- Mobile Location: The food truck moves around different locations in Braamfontein, providing flexibility for diners.
7. Lindfield's Patisserie
A bakery offering delicious pastries and sandwiches at affordable prices in Parkwood.
- Wide Selection of Pastries: Offers a variety of sweet and savory pastries, including vegan options.
- Affordable Prices: Pricing is reasonable compared to other bakeries in the city, making it budget-friendly.
- Relaxed Environment: Features a cozy, relaxed environment for enjoying pastries and coffee.
8. Fork in the Road
A street food market offering a variety of affordable eats in Braamfontein.
- Variety of Food Stalls: Features multiple food stalls offering different cuisines, from burgers to sushi.
- Budget-Friendly: Pricing is affordable, making it an attractive option for budget travelers.
- Lively Atmosphere: Features a lively atmosphere with music and vibrant decorations.
9. Mash's Corner
A popular spot in Johannesburg serving traditional South African dishes at affordable prices.
- Authentic Dishes: Offers a variety of traditional South African dishes like pap and wors.
- Affordable Prices: Pricing is budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for travelers on a tight budget.
- Unique Location: Located in Hillbrow, one of Johannesburg's most vibrant neighborhoods.
10. Zam Beef Stew
A food stall in Alexandra township serving delicious beef stew at affordable prices.
- Authentic Cuisine: Offers a traditional South African dish made with tender, slow-cooked beef.
- Affordable Prices: Pricing is extremely budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for travelers on a tight budget.
- Unique Cultural Experience: Provides a unique cultural experience by immersing visitors in the vibrant Alexandra township.
11. Taste of India
A restaurant in Melville serving delicious and affordable Indian cuisine.
- Authentic Cuisine: Offers authentic Indian dishes like butter chicken and samosas.
- Budget-Friendly: Pricing is affordable, making it an attractive option for budget travelers.
- Variety of Dishes: Offers a wide selection of Indian dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options.
12. Café del Sol
A Spanish-inspired restaurant in Melville serving affordable tapas and drinks.
- Authentic Tapas: Offers a variety of traditional Spanish tapas, like patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo.
- Budget-Friendly: Pricing is affordable, making it an attractive option for budget travelers.
- Lively Atmosphere: Features a lively atmosphere with music and vibrant decorations.
13. The Lucky Bean
A café in Melville serving affordable breakfasts and lunches.
- Affordable Prices: Pricing is reasonable compared to other restaurants in the city, making it budget-friendly.
- Variety of Dishes: Offers a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options.
- Cozy Environment: Features a cozy, inviting environment with comfortable seating.
14. Braai Bros
A food truck in Braamfontein serving affordable gourmet burgers and braais.
- Gourmet Dishes: Offers creative, flavorful dishes made with quality ingredients.
- Affordable Prices: Pricing is reasonable compared to other restaurants in the city, making it budget-friendly.
- Mobile Location: The food truck moves around different locations in Braamfontein, providing flexibility for diners.
15. Curry's Corner
A street food stall in Jeppestown serving delicious and affordable curries.
- Authentic Cuisine: Offers a variety of traditional Indian and African curries.
- Affordable Prices: Pricing is extremely budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for travelers on a tight budget.
- Unique Cultural Experience: Provides a unique cultural experience by immersing visitors in the vibrant Jeppestown neighborhood.