Street food around the world

Explore local street food favourites from the four corners of the world

As the name suggests, street food is a type of cuisine that is typically sold by street vendors in cities and public places. Many of the world’s most popular street food dishes, such as tacos, pizza, and dumplings, once began life as affordable meals for the hungry hoi polloi. Now this convenient cuisine has become a global food phenomenon, thanks to the ease of travel and foodie culture, as tourists seek the local authenticity, diverse flavours and affordability of street food around the world.

From street treat to national treasure

Some street foods transcend their humble beginnings to become celebrated national dishes that reflect their cultural identity and heritage. Did you know that here in the UK, fish and chips was once considered to be street food?

In Thailand, a simple stir-fried noodle dish with tangy, sweet and savoury flavours is now famous the world over as Pad Thai. In Vietnam, a baguette filled with grilled meats and pickled vegetables has become the nation’s French-fusion favourite, Banh Mi. And in Ethiopia, a sourdough flatbread called Injera, is both the national dish and the utensil that’s used to eat it.

Street food hot spots

Many cities and regions have gained international renown for their exceptional street food scenes. From the bustling night markets of Bangkok to the vibrant streets of Mexico City, let’s take a gastronomic tour of some of the world’s top street food destinations and dishes.

Mexico City

Experience a fiesta of flavour with favourites including tacos al pastor, tamales and mouth watering churros. 

Tokyo

From sushi rolls to takoyaki (octopus balls) and comforting bowls of ramen, Japan’s street food scene will leave you in a state of umami bliss.

New Orleans

Savour the soulful flavours of Creole cuisine with mouthwatering beignets, spicy gumbo and po’ boys stuffed with crispy fried seafood.

Marrakesh

Get lost in the alleys of the medina while savouring fragrant lamb tagine, spicy harira soup, kefta kebabs and delightful Moroccan pastries.

Istanbul

Indulge in mouthwatering doner kebabs, simit (sesame bread rings), and balik ekmek (fish sandwiches, while wandering the vibrant streets

Ho Chi Minh City

Taste the authentic flavours of Vietnamese street food with banh xeo (crispy pancakes), fresh summer rolls and hearty bowls of bun bo Hue.

Palermo

Explore the vibrant food markets and indulge in arancini (stuffed rice balls), panelle (chickpea fritters) and the iconic cannoli.

Penang

Enter a food lover’s paradise with mouthwatering char kway teow, pungent satay and tangy asam laksa.

Seoul

Delight in the flavours of Korean street food, from addictive kimchi pancakes to sizzling hotteok (sweet pancakes) filled with molten goodness.

So next time you find yourself in a new city or country, ditch the fancy restaurants and dive into the vibrant world of street food. You may discover a new favourite dish or even a new culture. Ready to plan your foodie adventure?