Besides visiting the famous tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, San Francisco is also home to a thriving food scene.

Known for its eclectic international mix of ethnicities, it is no surprise that food within the Bay Area often gets influenced by cuisine from all over the world. Though San Francisco does have a reputation for pricey dining, the city still has an overwhelming amount of hidden affordable food options which are just as yummy, if not better.

So, to help you plan ahead for your trip to San Fran, here are 10 affordable eats which you can factor into your itinerary.

Cafe New Honolulu

Photo Credit: Silvia Lopes Monteiro and Chen J.

If you ever find yourself craving some Chinese food when you’re in the Bay Area, Cafe New Honolulu is the place to check out.

A quaint cafe that is reminiscent of the Cha Chaan Teng in Hong Kong, the cafe serves up an extensive menu of delicious Cantonese fare from a simple Satay Beef Instant Noodle Soup (USD$6.95) to an elaborate plate of Beef with Scrambled Egg Chow Fun (USD$10.50).

888 Stockton Street
CA 94108
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-923-8488
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm

Golden Boy Pizza

Photo Credit: Golden Boy Pizza

Originally opened in 1978, Golden Boy Pizza is the place to get that freshly baked slice of pizza. Located in San Francisco’s North Beach, this Sicilian-style pizza is served on a pillowy focaccia with generous amounts of pizza topping at the starting price of USD$3.50 per slice.

542 Green Street
CA 94133
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-982-9738
Mon to Thu and Sun: 11.30am – 12am
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 2am

Popson’s Burgers

Photo Credit: Popson’s Burgers

Though San Francisco does have a good supply of cheeseburger specialists around, Popson’s Burgers is dubbed as probably the best.

Settled nicely between the mix of fast food and fancy with an affordable price point (starting from USD$6.75), the meat patty is made from fresh Five Dot Ranch beef that’s grounded daily. Unlike ordinary burgers, the patty is thin and smashed on the griddle to form a savoury crust that goes between the buttery sesame seed bun.

998 Market Street
CA 94102
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-658-7554
Daily: 11am – 9pm

Red’s Java House

Photo Credit: Red’s Java House

Located on a pier that just about juts out into the Bay sits a small-looking shack called Red’s Java House.

Made famous after an episode of the San Francisco edition of No Reservations with the late Anthony Bourdain, the cheeseburger at this quaint little shack has become its star dish. Packed with just a few pickles and some onion chunks, the burger comes together in a classic sourdough bread at the reasonable price of USD$3.42.

Pier 30
CA 94105
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-777-5626
Mon, Wed to Fri: 7am – 6pm
Tue, Sat and Sun: 9am – 6pm

Sorabol Korean BBQ & Asian Noodles

Photo Credit: Sorabol Korean BBQ & Asian Noodles

Situated in the food court of Westfield San Francisco Centre, Sorabol Korean BBQ & Asian Noodles serves up a wide variety of delicious Korean food.

You can choose from having the classic mains such as the Spicy Beef Soup or Yuk Gae Jang (USD$10.95) or put together your own Korean mixed rice with the dishes (starting from USD$8.95) available!

845 Market Street
Westfield San Francisco Centre
Concourse Level
CA 94103
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-777-5959
Mon to Thu and Sun: 10.30am – 8.30pm
Fri and Sat: 10.30am – 9.30pm

Super Duper Burgers

Photo Credit: Super Duper Burgers

Owned and operated within the Bay Area, Super Duper Burgers pride themselves in making burgers that are locally-sourced and organic.

Their burgers are always made fresh from scratch daily, ensuring the highest of quality delivered to every guest. In addition to their commitment to good food, the establishment is committed to doing their bit for the environment with their 100% compostable packaging. Burger prices start from USD$7.75.

2304 Market Street
CA 94114
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-558-5123
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm

Taqueria Cancun

Photo Credit: Taqueria Cancun

Dubbed as one of the more popular Mexican restaurants in San Francisco with a large and loyal following, Taqueria Cancun is known by many for producing their sumptuous chicken and vegetarian burritos (USD$9.50).

Though it may not compare in terms of appearances to the other more glamorous competition, the burritos here are definitely more wallet-friendly and worth the visit.

2288 Mission Street
CA 94110
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-252-9560
Mon, Wed and Thu: 10am – 12.30am
Fri and Sat: 10am – 2am
Sun: 10am – 1.30am
Closed on Tuesday

The Sentinel

Photo Credit: The Sentinel

Known as a pretty popular sandwich shop amongst San Francisco locals, The Sentinel serves up made-to-order sandwiches that are between USD$8.50 to USD$12, which are made quickly and are perfect if you’re looking for something on-the-go.

In addition to the range of hot and cold options, The Sentinel also has an array of specials available on different days.

37 New Montgomery Street
CA 94105
San Francisco
California
Mon to Fri: 7am – 2.30pm
Closed on Saturday and Sunday

Tommy’s Joynt

Photo Credit: Tommy’s Joynt

This old-school cafeteria-style food service or Hofbrau is a favourite amongst locals which serves hot dinner platters that consists of a choice of meat, mashed potatoes or veggies, beans or salad, and bread and butter at just USD$12.90 each!

1101 Geary Boulevard @ Van Ness
CA 94109
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-775-4216
Daily: 10am – 1.30am

Wing Lee Bakery

Photo Credit: Anchi Li

Since San Francisco is widely known for its bustling Chinatown, a dim sum meal should definitely not be excluded from your itinerary.

Located on Clement Street and Sixth Avenue, Wing Lee Bakery is a quaint spot where you can enjoy sweet and savoury dim sum that is under USD$2!

503 Clement Street
CA 94118
San Francisco
California
Tel: 415-668-9481
Mon, Wed to Sun: 7am – 6pm
Closed on Tuesday