13 Street Foods Everyone Should Experience Around the World

The world’s street food scenes are filled with vibrant flavors and rich traditions waiting to be discovered. As you wander through cities and towns, you will encounter food that is simple yet bursting with taste. Street food is about connecting with local culture and enjoying food the way it is meant to be enjoyed. These quick bites offer a window into a country’s culinary heritage and are often made with ingredients found only in that region. 

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Pad Thai – Thailand

Pad Thai is a beloved Thai dish that you can find in food stalls all over the country. This stir-fried noodle dish combines rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, eggs, peanuts, and lime, creating a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. It is typically served with a side of fresh vegetables and a sprinkle of chili flakes to adjust the heat. Pad Thai is a popular street food for its simplicity, quick preparation, and mouthwatering taste.

Whether enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Pad Thai reflects Thailand’s ability to balance flavors in every bite. Street vendors prepare it right in front of you, ensuring it is always fresh and satisfying. It’s affordable, flavorful, and always an experience to watch it being cooked in a sizzling hot wok. This dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Thailand.

Tacos – Mexico

Tacos are at the heart of Mexican street food culture. Filled with grilled meat, such as al pastor or carnitas, along with fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, and salsa, these handheld delights are full of flavor. The soft corn tortillas add the perfect texture and complement the juicy fillings. Vendors often serve tacos with a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavors, making them a refreshing treat.

Tacos are available on every corner in Mexico, from bustling cities to quiet towns. Each region offers its own unique variation, showcasing the diversity of Mexican cuisine. While tacos are often eaten as a snack, they can easily make a satisfying meal. For the best experience, visit a local taco stand and enjoy them while standing on the street with a fresh, homemade taste.

Banh Mi – Vietnam

Banh Mi is a delicious Vietnamese sandwich that combines crispy baguette bread with fresh and flavorful fillings. Often filled with meats such as pork, chicken, or beef, it also includes pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili for an added kick. The combination of crunchy, savory, and tangy flavors makes this sandwich a unique street food experience. The French influence in Vietnam has led to the creation of this delicious fusion dish.

You can find Banh Mi in street stalls throughout Vietnam, where it is often served as a quick lunch or snack. The filling options are versatile, and you can ask for adjustments based on your taste preferences. Its affordability, convenience, and mouthwatering combination of ingredients make it a must-try. Every bite offers a taste of Vietnam’s history and culinary creativity.

Pani Puri – India

Pani Puri, also known as golgappa, is a popular Indian street food that is sure to excite your taste buds. This dish consists of crisp hollow puris filled with a spicy, tangy water and a variety of fillings, such as chickpeas, potatoes, and tamarind. The puris are filled with the water at the stall, making each bite a burst of flavor. It is often enjoyed in groups, with friends eagerly waiting for their turn to enjoy the refreshing treat.

The street vendors of India serve Pani Puri with an assortment of flavorful chutneys, each adding a unique twist. Its combination of crunch and spice, along with its refreshing tang, makes it a perfect snack in the hot weather. Pani Puri is widely available across India and can be found at roadside stalls in almost every city. It’s a fun and flavorful experience that will leave you wanting more.

Jerk Chicken – Jamaica

Jerk Chicken is a staple of Jamaican street food that combines smoky, spicy, and savory flavors. The chicken is marinated in a rich blend of spices like allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and ginger, then grilled over open flames. The smoky charred flavor from the grill enhances the tender, juicy chicken, making it a delicious treat. Often served with rice, peas, and fried plantains, it is a satisfying meal.

This dish is a reflection of the Caribbean’s vibrant flavors and cooking traditions. Jerk Chicken is popular in Jamaica, where street vendors serve it fresh from the grill. The spices used in the marinade give the chicken a unique flavor profile that is both spicy and aromatic. For the best taste, find a local stall and enjoy the smoky goodness that comes from traditional Jamaican cooking.

Crêpes – France

Crêpes are thin, delicate pancakes that originated in France and have become a popular street food around the world. Filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, they are often made fresh right before your eyes. Common sweet fillings include Nutella, sugar, and fresh fruits, while savory options might include ham, cheese, and eggs. Their light and thin texture make them easy to fold and eat on the go.

In France, crêpes are often served at street markets or food stalls, where vendors prepare them fresh on a griddle. The versatility of the fillings allows you to customize the crêpe to your liking, making it a favorite for many. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a snack, crêpes offer a taste of French culinary tradition that everyone should experience. Their delicious, satisfying flavor makes them a must-try for visitors.

Satay – Indonesia

Satay is a popular Indonesian street food made from skewered and grilled meat, usually chicken or beef, served with a rich peanut sauce. The meat is marinated in a mixture of spices before being grilled to perfection, giving it a smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness. The peanut sauce, creamy and savory, adds the perfect touch to the skewers, making them irresistible. Satay is often served with rice or a simple cucumber salad on the side.

This dish is a common sight in Indonesia, where street vendors offer satay as a quick and tasty snack. It’s widely popular in Southeast Asia and is often enjoyed with friends at food stalls. The simplicity and delicious flavor of satay make it a great choice for anyone looking to explore local flavors. Its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky makes it a street food favorite in Indonesia.

Kebabs – Turkey

Kebabs are a well-known street food throughout Turkey, offering a variety of meats that are grilled to perfection. Popular variations include lamb, chicken, or beef, all marinated in a blend of herbs and spices before being skewered and cooked on a grill. The smoky aroma of the grilled meat is enough to draw you in, while the juicy, tender bites make it unforgettable. Kebabs are often served with flatbread, fresh vegetables, and a dollop of yogurt or garlic sauce.

In Turkey, you can find kebabs at almost every street corner, where vendors serve them fresh off the grill. They are a popular option for lunch or dinner, offering a hearty and flavorful meal. The unique blend of spices used in the marinade gives the meat a rich taste, making each bite full of flavor. Kebabs are a must-try for anyone visiting Turkey, as they reflect the country’s culinary heritage.

Arepas – Venezuela

Arepas are a versatile Venezuelan street food made from cornmeal dough, which is grilled or fried to a crispy, golden brown. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, shredded meat, avocado, or beans, offering a satisfying meal on the go. Arepas are commonly served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making them a beloved comfort food for locals. The texture is crispy on the outside while remaining soft and warm on the inside.

Street vendors across Venezuela serve Arepas with different fillings to cater to various tastes. Whether you prefer something savory, like cheese and ham, or something heartier, like shredded beef or chicken, there is an Arepa for everyone. It’s a cheap and delicious way to taste authentic Venezuelan food while experiencing the local culture. Arepas are perfect for travelers looking for something filling and flavorful.

Dim Sum – China

Dim Sum is a popular Chinese street food made up of small bite-sized portions served in steamer baskets or on small plates. These treats can be steamed, fried, or baked and are filled with a variety of ingredients, including shrimp, pork, and vegetables. Some of the most famous dim sum options include dumplings, buns, and spring rolls. The range of textures and flavors, from soft and delicate to crispy and savory, makes dim sum a beloved dish for many.

In China, you can find Dim Sum in bustling markets or at street food stalls, where it is served fresh and hot. These small dishes are perfect for sharing with friends or family, allowing everyone to try a little bit of everything. Dim Sum is often enjoyed with a cup of hot tea, adding to the experience of this traditional Chinese snack. It is a great way to sample different flavors and textures in one meal.

Empanadas – Argentina

Empanadas are a delicious and portable Argentine street food made from dough filled with various ingredients, such as meat, cheese, or vegetables. The dough is folded over the filling and then baked or fried until golden and crispy. The result is a crunchy exterior that holds a warm, flavorful filling, making it an ideal snack or meal. Empanadas are often served with a side of chimichurri sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.

You can find Empanadas all over Argentina, especially at food stalls and bakeries. They come in many different flavors, with the most popular being filled with minced meat, onions, and olives. Empanadas are perfect for enjoying while walking around or during a picnic in the park. The variety of fillings ensures that there is an Empanada to suit everyone’s taste.

Baozi – China

Baozi are fluffy, steamed buns filled with a variety of savory fillings, such as pork, beef, or vegetables. The soft dough is light and slightly sweet, providing a perfect contrast to the rich and savory fillings inside. These buns are often served as a breakfast or snack and can be found in street stalls across China. Baozi can also be stuffed with sweet fillings, like red bean paste, making them a versatile treat.

Street vendors in China often serve Baozi fresh from the steamer, where the buns are soft and piping hot. They are a favorite breakfast item for locals, often enjoyed with a cup of soy milk or tea. The popularity of Baozi has spread beyond China, with variations of the dish found in other parts of Asia as well. For a quick and satisfying meal, Baozi is a must-try.

Samosas – India

Samosas are a deep-fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. This popular street food is crispy on the outside, with a savory and spiced filling on the inside. The combination of crunch and spice makes samosas an irresistible snack for those with a love for bold flavors. They are often served with chutneys, which add an extra layer of flavor.

You can find Samosas in street markets all over India, where they are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Whether served as a snack or appetizer, samosas are perfect for those looking to sample a variety of flavors. The filling is customizable, and many street vendors offer a variety of fillings based on regional preferences. Samosas are a delicious and affordable way to experience the flavors of India.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.