Budget bites in Tijuana

In Tijuana a budget meal usually lands between MX$50 and MX$100. You can fill up on a breakfast plate, a coffee‑break snack, or a slice of pizza and still have change left for a soda. The city’s street‑level prices keep the wallet happy while the flavors stay bold. ANDALUCÍA Café sits on Blvd. Cucapah in Villafontana and keeps most dishes in the MX$70‑MX$90 band. I start the day with their chilaquiles, a plate that comes out steaming, topped with a drizzle of salsa and a side of refried beans. The portion is enough for two, and the price tag reads roughly MX$85. Their coffee‑based drinks, like a cold brew latte, hover around MX$65, making a morning stop both tasty and affordable. A short walk east lands you at Corteza Madre on Miguel Alemán Valdez. This cafe leans into seasonal drinks; the matcha latte I tried was priced at MX$68 and came with a frothy top that held a dusting of powdered green tea. Their banana bread slice is sold for MX$55 and feels like a sweet, buttery hug. Even the pistachio‑infused pastry sits under MX$70, so you can snack through a workday without watching the meter. Pizza lovers head to Pizzería Suprema on Calle Pablo L. Sidar in the Aviacion district. The thin‑crust slice with caramelised onions and spicy honey is listed at MX$95, but the portion stretches to cover a hungry appetite. A whole personal pizza, loaded with spinach and bacon, costs MX$150, which is still a solid deal compared to larger chains. Their NY‑style crust stays crisp, and the price stays under the MX$100 ceiling for a single slice. If you have to pick one value champion, it’s the pizza slice at Pizzería Suprema. At MX$95 you get a hearty portion, premium toppings, and the crunch of a well‑baked crust. No other spot in the city matches that combo of size, flavor, and price, making it the go‑to cheap dinner for locals and visitors alike.