Palau on a budget – the best places to buy cheap food

Palau in Micronesia is a charming Western Pacific island paradise known for its exquisite landscapes and beauty. However, it can be an expensive one too as everything is in US dollars on the island.

So where can you buy cheap food in Palau? What are the cheap supermarkets in Palau? Where can you get a cheap meal in Palau:?

Palau on a budget – the best places to buy cheap food have all the answers.

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Where to buy cheap food

If you want to save money in Palau and keep costs down, buy food from any of the local supermarkets, grocery or convenience stores in Palau.

Best supermarkets

Here’s a list of some supermarkets in Palau to buy cheap food to keep your costs down.

Surangel’s

One of the best and most popular supermarkets in Koror is Surangel’s. It’s close to many central hotels in Koror and just across the road from the WCTC Shopping Center.

The supermarket has a vegetable and fruit section as you enter the store and aisle upon aisle of reasonably cheap food staples that won’t blow your budget out.

There is a great selection of frozen and packaged foods. If you need a last-minute beauty or medicine item, there is also a section of the store that has what you are looking for.

The staff greet you so warmly when you enter, that it’s a pleasure to shop there. My number one supermarket in Koror for service, range of food and cheap prices.

Hours: 7am – 10pm Saturday to Thursday, 7am-5.3opm Fridays.

Location: Surangel’s Building, Main Street, Koror, Palau.

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WCTC Shopping Center

On the ground floor of the WCTC Shopping Center is the WCTC supermarket. The supermarket food is like Surangel’s, so it’s also another cheap supermarket in Palau to visit.

It has a respectable range of food – frozen and packaged, fruit and vegetable, local and international food products such as Japanese, Chinese, Filipino and American. Also, it has a hot food section where you can grab a hot ready to go meal such as fried rice or other delicious dishes.

If you are after a drink of alcohol, there is a small selection to choose from. There is also a small range of kitchen, cleaning and washing essentials.

The mall has a retail department store on the second and third floors.

Hours: 7am to 10pm daily.

Location: Inside WCTC Shopping Center, Main Street, downtown Koror, Palau.

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Payless Market

Another cheap supermarket in Palau is Payless Market. Right next to a gas station, it has fresh bakery items on display as you enter the supermarket to whet your appetite. It has a larger layout with a fruit and vegetable area, quite a large frozen meat section including fresh fish, and several aisles of packaged foods. If you need other non-food items, there is a large variety.

Hours: 7am to 9pm

Location: Neco Plaza, downtown Koror near the State Government building.

Globus Mart

Globus Mart is a mini-supermarket combined with a retail store. As you enter the store, you will see the food section. It’s more like a convenience store with a limited variety of items, but if you are after last-minute snacks or beverages, you find them here.

If you go up a floor, you will see an electronic section with everything you could need for your mobile, computer and those must-have gadgets all at reasonable prices.

If fashion or footwear is your thing, go to the underground level for wall to wall items available at very affordable prices.

Hours: 6am to 11.45pm daily.

Location: Main Street, Koror, Palau.

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Where to buy a cheap meal in Palau

If you are looking for a cheap meal and want to save money in Palau, there are many dining or takeout options available. Here are some popular places that have good portion sizes, quality, and prices.

MJ Burger and Restaurant

MJ Burger and Restaurant is a popular place to eat if you are looking for cheap food in Palau. It has a casual, roadside feel, which makes for a relaxed meal. With budget-friendly prices and generous serving sizes, a family can dine out affordably.

The menu offers a variety that satisfies every taste. If you want classic American burgers and fries, or pizza, you’re in luck. If Asian rice or pasta dishes are more your thing, you’ll be happy.

You can dine in or take out. The choice is yours. Also, if you get hungry late at night, they have an after-hours counter where you can order your favourite meal to take away.

I got takeout from MJ’s, and the food was so yummy I went back again. Another place to save money in Palau.

Hours: Monday to Sunday 12.00pm to 6am, 10am to 12am.

Location: Main Street, Koror Palau.

Rock Island Café

Rock Island Café is another budget friendly dining or take out option for a meal. It has an extensive and diverse menu with the following options:

• Chicken and Fries
• Salads
• Vegetarian meals
• American cuisine
• Spanish food
• Italian dishes including pizza
• Curries
• Deserts

If you’re after breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, this is your place!

Hours: Sunday to Thursdays 9am to 9pm. Fridays 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 6pm to 9pm.

Location: Main Street, Koror Palau.

Chapter One

There are a few Chinese restaurants on Main Street Koror that offer cheap food in Palau, but only one lives up to the promise: Chapter One Chinese Restaurant.

In the Palau Hotel complex on Main Street, Koror, it’s a must-visit. The prices are affordable, and the food is melt in the mouth quality. It has a casual atmosphere and has a unique décor feature where the ceiling and walls have comments, signatures and art from all the visitors who have visited the restaurant. If you are waiting for your takeout meal, have a look. You will see something different each time.

Hours: 9.30am to 10pm daily.

Location: Outside the Palau Hotel, Main Street, Koror, Palau.

Things to know

Some things to know about your visit to Palau.

Payment

You can use cash, credit, and debit cards in downtown Koror, Palau when purchasing food or dining out. Prices are in US dollars only.

Shopping bags

Plastic shopping bags are available when buying items at supermarkets. However, if you bring your own bags with you, you will receive a small discount on your bill for being a responsible and sustainable customer. Palau promotes sustainability as part of its Palau Pledge.

Portion sizes

The portion sizes in Palau are like American ones, which are quite large. If travelling in a group and dining out, you may find it more economical to buy a few dishes and share. There will definitely be plenty to go around.

Have you visited Palau? Would love to hear your thoughts about this underrated destination. Comment below.

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