20 Must-Try Street Foods From Around The World

When you travel, there’s no better way to taste a country’s true flavor than by sampling its street food. Whether you’re navigating the colorful chaos of an Indian bazaar or strolling through a night market in Taiwan, street food offers an authentic glimpse into a nation’s culinary soul. It’s affordable, flavorful, and often steeped in centuries of tradition. In this article, we take you on a global tasting tour with 20 must-try street foods from around the world. From sizzling skewers to sweet treats, prepare to add these iconic dishes to your foodie bucket list.

1. Tacos al Pastor – Mexico

• Description: Pork marinated in pineapple, chili, and spices, cooked on a vertical spit, and served in corn tortillas.
• Why Try It: A fusion of Mexican and Lebanese culinary traditions, this taco is bursting with sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
• Best Place to Eat: Mexico City, especially at night stalls in Roma or Condesa.
• Pro Tip: Top with onions, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice.

2. Pad Thai – Thailand

• Description: Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts, flavored with tamarind and fish sauce.
• Why Try It: Thailand’s national dish and a flavorful balance of sweet, salty, and tangy.
• Best Place to Eat: Bangkok’s night markets, especially on Khao San Road.
• Pro Tip: Ask for chili flakes and lime on the side to adjust heat and acidity.

3. Banh Mi – Vietnam

• Description: A crispy French baguette filled with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, chili, and various meats or tofu.
• Why Try It: Combines French colonial influence with Vietnamese ingredients into one perfect sandwich.
• Best Place to Eat: Ho Chi Minh City street stalls.
• Pro Tip: Try the pork and pate version for a rich, savory bite.

4. Jerk Chicken – Jamaica

• Description: Chicken marinated in a spicy blend of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and garlic, then grilled over pimento wood.
• Why Try It: A fiery, aromatic dish that embodies the spirit of Jamaican cuisine.
• Best Place to Eat: Roadside stalls in Montego Bay or Kingston.
• Pro Tip: Pair it with festival bread and wash it down with a cold Red Stripe beer.

5. Arepas – Colombia/Venezuela

• Description: Cornmeal cakes grilled or fried and stuffed with cheese, meats, or avocado.
• Why Try It: Versatile, gluten-free, and delicious at any time of day.
• Best Place to Eat: Bogotá or Caracas street vendors.
• Pro Tip: The Reina Pepiada (chicken and avocado) filling is a must-try.

6. Gimbap – South Korea

• Description: Seaweed-wrapped rice rolls filled with vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat or fish.
• Why Try It: A convenient and tasty Korean street snack that’s perfect on the go.
• Best Place to Eat: Seoul’s Myeongdong market.
• Pro Tip: Don’t confuse it with sushi—gimbap uses sesame oil, not vinegar.

7. Pani Puri – India

• Description: Hollow crispy shells filled with spicy potatoes, tangy tamarind water, and chickpeas.
• Why Try It: A flavor explosion in every bite—spicy, sour, sweet, and crunchy.
• Best Place to Eat: Mumbai or Delhi’s roadside chaat stalls.
• Pro Tip: Eat them quickly before they get soggy!

8. Döner Kebab – Turkey

• Description: Thinly sliced meat (usually lamb or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in flatbread with salad and sauce.
• Why Try It: Hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
• Best Place to Eat: Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district.
• Pro Tip: Try it late at night—it’s a popular post-party snack.

9. Takoyaki – Japan

• Description: Octopus-stuffed dough balls cooked in a special pan and topped with mayo, bonito flakes, and takoyaki sauce.
• Why Try It: Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and uniquely savory.
• Best Place to Eat: Osaka, the birthplace of takoyaki.
• Pro Tip: Let them cool slightly—they’re molten hot inside.

10. Falafel – Middle East

• Description: Deep-fried balls of ground chickpeas or fava beans served in pita with vegetables and tahini.
• Why Try It: A vegetarian favorite with bold spices and crunch.
• Best Place to Eat: Jerusalem or Beirut street vendors.
• Pro Tip: Add pickles and a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.

11. Currywurst – Germany

• Description: Sliced sausage topped with spiced ketchup and curry powder, often served with fries.
• Why Try It: Comfort food with a unique Berlin twist.
• Best Place to Eat: Curry 36 in Berlin.
• Pro Tip: Ask for extra sauce for dipping your fries.

12. Churros con Chocolate – Spain

• Description: Fried dough pastries dusted with sugar, served with thick hot chocolate.
• Why Try It: A perfect sweet treat, especially for breakfast or late-night snacking.
• Best Place to Eat: Madrid’s San Ginés Chocolatería.
• Pro Tip: Dip, don’t pour—Spanish hot chocolate is thick like pudding.

13. Bunny Chow – South Africa

• Description: A hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with spicy curry.
• Why Try It: Invented in Durban, it’s bold, messy, and satisfying.
• Best Place to Eat: Durban food stalls.
• Pro Tip: Eat with your hands like a local.

14. Souvlaki – Greece

• Description: Skewers of marinated meat (often pork or chicken) grilled and served with pita and tzatziki.
• Why Try It: Simple, flavorful, and deeply traditional.
• Best Place to Eat: Athens street corners or markets.
• Pro Tip: Don’t miss the version served with fries tucked inside the pita.

15. Pierogi – Poland

• Description: Dumplings filled with potato, cheese, meat, or fruit.
• Why Try It: Comfort food with a rich history.
• Best Place to Eat: Kraków’s street food stands.
• Pro Tip: Try them pan-fried for crispy edges.

16. Kebabs – Iran

• Description: Grilled skewers of lamb, chicken, or beef, often served with rice or flatbread.
• Why Try It: Rich in spice and perfectly grilled.
• Best Place to Eat: Tehran’s food markets.
• Pro Tip: Squeeze fresh lime and sprinkle sumac for extra zest.

17. Hot Dogs – United States (New York Style)

• Description: Grilled or steamed sausage in a bun with mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut, or onions.
• Why Try It: Iconic American street food with endless topping possibilities.
• Best Place to Eat: Street vendors across NYC.
• Pro Tip: Try a “dirty water dog” from a traditional cart.

18. Poutine – Canada

• Description: Fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy.
• Why Try It: Rich, indulgent, and uniquely Canadian.
• Best Place to Eat: Quebec’s local snack bars.
• Pro Tip: Some versions add pulled pork or mushrooms for a gourmet twist.

19. Empanadas – Argentina

• Description: Baked or fried pastry pockets filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
• Why Try It: Perfect handheld snack with a flaky crust.
• Best Place to Eat: Buenos Aires street stalls.
• Pro Tip: Try the spicy beef filling, known as “carne picante.”

20. Bubble Waffles – Hong Kong

• Description: Egg-shaped waffle served plain or with ice cream, fruit, or chocolate.
• Why Try It: A fun, modern take on traditional waffles.
• Best Place to Eat: Mong Kok street markets.
• Pro Tip: Try the chocolate or matcha-flavored batter for something different.

Street Food Etiquette: Eating Like a Local

• Cleanliness First: Always check for food safety—busy stalls are usually the freshest.
• Cash Is King: Carry local currency in small denominations.
• Try New Things: If locals are lining up for something unfamiliar, join them!
• Respect Local Norms: Some cultures eat with hands; others may frown on public snacking.

Conclusion: The World on a Plate

From smoky skewers in Istanbul to spicy pani puri in Delhi, street food reflects the heartbeat of a culture. It’s the quickest route to understanding what locals eat, how they live, and what they love. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip abroad, don’t miss the chance to explore the world one bite at a time.

Ready to hit the streets? Save this list, pack your appetite, and prepare for a global flavor adventure you won’t forget.