Travelling to a new destination is not just for pleasure; it accompanies our curiosity to learn about local cultures and traditions, which we explore through architectural marvels, natural landscapes and of course, food. Every country is preening itself with distinguished foods that any food enthusiast would want to try to make their trip veritable. And if you want to immerse yourself in the deep-rooted culinary culture of any place, you should skip the gourmet restaurants and hit the streets. Because this is where you’ll get the real taste of the country you’re travelling to.
Here’s 16 Best Street Foods Of The World:
1. Arcini and Gelato -Italy
Italy is largely associated with pizza and pasta, and rightly so. The authentic Italian cheesy delights are popular all over the world for a reason – they’re super delicious. But there are more foods than just pizza that are a staple on the streets of Italy. First, quell your craving for pizza with the street versions like – Pizza al tagio and set out to explore other street foods like Arancini – a fried rice ball with a variety of fillings. And you just can’t take a stroll in Italy without having a gelato – a light, airy ice-cream like dessert that is a specialty of this place.
(Also Read: 17 Best Italian Food Recipes | Easy Italian Recipes)
Gelato is a lighter version of ice cream. Image: istock
2. Meat Pie – Australia
Go to Australia and you’ll find meaty meat pies everywhere – from plush restaurants to crammed streets. The flaky pastry is filled with a delightful meat filling and is enough to satiate your hunger for a long time.
3. Jerk Chicken – Jamaica
There is really no need to search for the best street food in Jamaica. Jerk chicken is the obvious choice. Marinated chicken is grilled to give a juicy, full-of-flavours dish that leaves your wanting for more.
4. Bunny Chow -South Africa
A hole is carved out in a square bread and filled with different meat mixtures to give a filling and delicious on-the-go meal. Bunny Chow may sound strange but you’ll be surprised to know that it draws influences from Indian cuisine too.
5. Tacos and Tostada – Mexico
You may have tried tacos in your own country but it’s an entirely different experience to have it right off the Mexican streets. Tostada is another popular street food that you’ll find in every nook and cranny of Mexico.
(Also Read: 15 Most Cooked Mexican Recipes)
Tacos have won hearts of people everywhere. Image: istock
6. Takoyaki – Japan
No, we are not asking you to miss the wide range of sushi that you’ve come to love by now. But if you want the real street experience of Japan, get Takoyaki – fried balls stuffed with octopus and tempura – from any food stall.
7. Bakso – Indonesia
This meatball soup is made with minced beef balls, cooked with noodles and eggs and other ingredients. The soup is so satiating, both for your appetite and heart.
8. Jiaozi, China
These Chinese dumplings are the most popular street foods in the country. They are either shallow fried or deep fried, dunked in soy vinegar and created in the shape of ancient gold ingots, which are believed to bring one good luck.
9. Gimbap – Korea
Gimbap is made with cooked rice seasoned with salt and sesame oil, and other ingredients including spinach, carrot, danmuji (yellow picked radish), and stir-fried meat. All ingredients are rolled in roasted ‘gim’ (dried sheets of laver seaweed) and served in bite-sized slices. Gimbap (or Kimbap) is a must-try dish in Korea.
10. Churros – Spain
While Spain offers a lot of savoury delights, there is nothing like churros to round off your visit there. Crispy sticks are rolled in cinnamon sugar and dipped in chocolate. Slurping, already?
11. Tom Yum Goong and Mango Sticky Rice – Thailand
Tom Yum Goong is the most popular Thai soup, usually made with shrimp. Thai flavours enhanced by a hint of lemongrass make this soup a super refreshing treat. But if your sweet tooth is nudging you, just go blindly for mango sticky rice on the streets of Thailand.
12. Pretzels – U.S.A
Baked bread shaped in a knot is either served plain or stuffed. Pretzels are one of the most common and popular street foods in the U.S and you can’t come back from there without trying it.
Pretzels make for a convenient snack. Image: istock
13. Simit – Turkey
Simit is not just the most common street food, it is also the go-to breakfast of locals there. It is a round-shaped bread encrusted with seeds like sesame seeds and flax seeds.
14. Pho – Vietnam
You’ll be spoilt for choice on the street of Vietnam for a quick, delicious eat. But Pho is something you just cannot miss out on. A hearty soup made with rice noodles, herbs and meat, Pho reflects Vietnamese food culture to its truest elements.
(Also Read: 8 Vietnamese Dishes You Must Try)
Pho is a famous soup from Thailand. Image: istock
15. Kottu – Sri Lanka
In Colombo and elsewhere, you’ll find locals as well as tourists lining up for a meal of Kottu – roti cut into small pieces and then mixed with grilled meats and vegetables.
16. Pani Puri – India
Go to any place in the country and you’ll find a vendor selling pani puri (gol gappa) accompanied by spiced water. Pani Puri is undoubtedly one of the most popular streets foods of India.
Are you also a globetrotter with food in mind? You have to try the most popular street foods of these places on your next visit.