Cheap Eats Season 3 Episode 5 Old Town Grub

In the fifth episode of season 3 of Cheap Eats, host Ali Khan visits the Old Town neighborhood of San Diego, California, to explore the local food scene without breaking the bank. Ali starts his day at The Mission, a trendy breakfast spot known for their fusion dishes, like the Kalifornia Benedict and the chorizo and sweet potato hash. Both dishes feature fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a unique twist that sets them apart from traditional breakfast fare.

Next, Ali stops by the Carnitas' Snack Shack, a no-frills establishment that dishes out some of the best carnitas in town. The pork is cooked for hours until tender and served up in a variety of ways, from tacos and sandwiches to loaded fries and nachos. Ali can barely contain his excitement as he chows down on the Shack's signature pork sandwich, which features slow-roasted pork, bacon, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard aioli on a soft brioche bun.

For his next stop, Ali heads to Le Parfait Paris, a quaint French bakery that serves up some seriously decadent pastries. Here, Ali indulges in a croque-madame, a classic French dish made with ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce on top of a slice of brioche toast with a sunny-side-up egg on top. The dish is rich and savory, and Ali can't get enough of it.

After satiating his sweet tooth with a delicate fruit tart and a delicious macaron, Ali heads to El Indio, a Mexican restaurant that's been a San Diego staple for over 75 years. Here, Ali tries the restaurant's famous rolled tacos, which are filled with beef, pork, or chicken and deep-fried before being topped with cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. Ali also digs into a plate of flame-grilled carne asada and a refreshing agua fresca to help cool down his palate.

Finally, Ali concludes his Old Town tour at Cafe Coyote, a bustling Mexican eatery that prides itself on its fresh ingredients and attentive service. Here, Ali samples the restaurant's popular San Diego-style burrito, which is packed with beans, rice, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and a choice of meat (Ali opts for the spicy chorizo). The burrito is massive, but Ali manages to finish it off with gusto.

Throughout the episode, Ali showcases the diverse and vibrant food scene in the Old Town neighborhood, highlighting the unique flavors and personalities of each restaurant he visits. From casual taco stands to upscale bistros, Old Town Grub gives viewers a glimpse into some of the best cheap eats that San Diego has to offer.