Tulum might be known for its trendy beach clubs and pricey resorts, but budget travelers, don’t worry — you can eat well here on a budget. Whether you’re passing through on a backpacking trip or settling in for a week of sunshine and cenotes, this guide to the best cheap eats Tulum has to offer in 2025 has you covered.
Tulum was actually the destination of my very first solo trip, and I have so many great memories of dining at these very spots. These recommendations come from firsthand experience, and lots and lots of tacos.
affiliate disclosure: Please note this post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I personally use and believe in. Your support makes it possible for me to provide valuable travel content. Thank you!
Getting to Know Tulum’s Food Scene
Tulum, located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, has become quite the popular destination in recent years. While it doesn’t have the deep-rooted culinary history of places like Oaxaca or Puebla, you’ll find a mix of traditional Mexican staples and trendy fusion spots.
If you’re traveling on a budget, Tulum Centro offers a more authentic and affordable dining experience compared to the pricier options along the beach. While most of the best cheap eats in Tulum are concentrated downtown, I have mentioned below a spot for cheap eats Tulum Beach.
One of the best ways to eat well without overspending? Look for busy spots where locals gather — it’s a reliable sign of great food at a fair price.
Top Cheap Eats Tulum: Where to eat on a budget
I’ve linked each of these spots to their Google Maps location so you can easily save them to your lists as you go. Prefer a visual overview? Scroll down to see the full map with all the locations pinned.
Best Tulum Street Food
I love the informal charm of street food, where a quick bite turns into an authentic experience. Many stands offer simple, makeshift seating, creating a communal vibe where locals and visitors gather to eat.
You’ll usually find me grabbing a taco drizzled with salsa verde, a smoky elote (grilled street corn), or tamales. If you’re looking for cheap eats in Tulum, don’t skip the street food — it’s where you’ll find some of the best prices.
You can stumble upon street food stands just by wandering the streets of Tulum, but here are a few popular spots to start with:
- Behind the main park
- check out Tacos Al Pastor, usually right on the corner
- Best Tacos Pepe
Pro Tips for Street Food
Choose the Busy Stands: Opt for street food stands that are buzzing with locals. A crowded spot not only indicates popularity but also ensures a high turnover of food, guaranteeing freshness and minimizing health concerns.
Follow the Lines: If there’s a line at a street food stand, consider it a good sign. Locals ofter know the best spots, and a queue suggests that the food is worth the wait.
Watch It Cook: For the freshest and safest street food experience, select items that are cooked right in front of you.
Best Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Tulum
- Taqueria Honorio:
- This beloved spot in Tulum draws both locals and visitors. A good ole classic taqueria. If you’re looking for one place to add to your list, this is it. I frequented this place many times during my time in Tulum. Despite it being extremely popular and busy, they have quick and attentive service. tip: Go in the morning or for lunch — they close at 3 PM!
- Taqueria La Chiapaneca:
- Another excellent and super affordable taqueria. This local favorite delivers not only on taste but also on affordability, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying and economical meal. Went here several times during my time in Tulum. Can’t beat 15 peso tacos.
- Loncheria La Esquina:
- A low-key, no-frills lunch spot offering solid Mexican staples at great prices.
- El Camello Jr.:
- Not the cheapest on this list, but for an authentic seafood experience that won’t break your budget, El Camello Jr. is a must-visit. This local favorite is known for its great seafood and big portions.
- El Rincón Chiapaneco:
- Service might be a tad slow, but they offer authentic, yummy food at a great price – a local’s favorite.
And there you have it — your straightforward list of cheap eats in Tulum. I recommend saving a few to your Google Maps so you can easily pull them up and see what’s nearby as you explore.
Where to Find Cheap Eats on Tulum Beach
Cheap eats Tulum Beach are practically non-existent, but one standout is Taqueria Enfuima. And good news: after being temporarily closed for a few years, they’re open again as of 2025!
They’re known for reasonably priced tacos starting at 40 pesos (~$2), plus cheaper drinks than other beach spots, and a casual beachfront vibe. While some reviews mention hit-or-miss quality, most agree it’s a solid choice if you’re craving something more budget-friendly without leaving the beach.
If you do find yourself in the hotel zone at Tulum Beach this is a great option, otherwise your best bet for budget meals is to head into town, where you’ll find consistently lower prices overall.
Cheap Eats Tulum Tip: Grocery Stores and Cooking
For shorter trips I don’t often utilize grocery stores for buying food for cooking, especially in destinations that I already find very affordable to grab a bite out. But if you’re on a longer trip it can make a lot of sense to cook your food at your accommodation or hostel to save money or indulge in a comfort food.
- Super Aki:
- Location: Av. Satélite Sur, Tulum
- Super Aki is a popular local supermarket offering a range of products at competitive prices. It’s a great place to find fruits, vegetables, meats, and pantry staples.
- OXXO Convenience Stores:
- Multiple Locations
- OXXO stores are everywhere in Mexico, and Tulum is no exception. OXXO is a convenient spot to grab snacks, beverages, and small essentials. Perfect for quick and easy purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Maximize Google Maps for Cheap Eats in Tulum
Planning a few food spots in advance can go a long way — especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget. While stumbling upon places is part of the fun, having a few options saved on Google Maps makes it easy to find affordable eats nearby when you’re out and about. A quick glance at your saved options on your map can steer you toward good food and away from overpriced places when you’re hangry 🫢
I’ll share with you a trick for finding affordable spots and checking menu prices. Many places on Google Maps feature menu photos, offering a peek into what they offer and their prices. While some may be outdated, users often update them every few months. You can also search the reviews section using keywords like pesos, cheap, price, or affordable, to reveal insights about the prices you can expect.
And the best part? You can curate your own list on Google Maps by clicking on the links provided or saving the map below.
How to save this map: When you click the star icon beside the map title, it will be saved to your Google Maps account. To access it on your phone or computer, simply open Google Maps, tap the menu button, navigate to ‘Your Places,’ select ‘Maps,’ and you’ll find this map in your list.
Google maps is just one of the many resources I use to plan a trip. Check out more of my favorite resources here.
As Tulum continues to grow in popularity — and with it, prices — keeping your food budget in check is one of the easiest ways to save money while still enjoying all the delicious food Mexico has to offer.
I plan on adding many more blog posts about the places I’ve traveled to in Mexico. It’s one of my favorite places to travel and is easy, affordable and close if coming from the US. Leave me a comment if you have questions or topics you want me to cover in my next Mexico post!