It's strange how people feel anxiety at eating food in unfamiliar settings. I've concluded that there is some primal instinct that kicks in, the fear of putting something unknown inside your body (completely hypocritical, I know). There is also the anxiety of the language barrier: not knowing what is available or how to ask for it. But if both problems can be overcome, as you note, the financial advantage is obvious. The disparity in price in Thailand for food is huge. All it takes is a few Thai words and sitting in a plastic chair by the street to bring a meal down from $10 to $2.
It is easier on the wallet to sit down at a local place, indeed. Also, once the locals recognize you on the next visits, they are more interested in talking. Fastest way to relate to the culture.
It's strange how people feel anxiety at eating food in unfamiliar settings. I've concluded that there is some primal instinct that kicks in, the fear of putting something unknown inside your body (completely hypocritical, I know). There is also the anxiety of the language barrier: not knowing what is available or how to ask for it. But if both problems can be overcome, as you note, the financial advantage is obvious. The disparity in price in Thailand for food is huge. All it takes is a few Thai words and sitting in a plastic chair by the street to bring a meal down from $10 to $2.
It is easier on the wallet to sit down at a local place, indeed. Also, once the locals recognize you on the next visits, they are more interested in talking. Fastest way to relate to the culture.
People like to see that, as well. It makes them feel like you value the same things they do.