Exploring a city’s cuisine is part of any traveler’s trip. But you’ll likely get to know more about your destination by trying out some street food! Expand your taste buds and don’t be afraid to try something new and exotic. Street foods are the local delicacies and hidden gems of major tourist spots. And only for you, we’ve compiled the cities that have the best street food to offer.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok has become famous for its street food, thanks to Kasma Loha-unchit. A Thai chef who aims to preserve the best flavors of Thailand through her cooking classes and books on traditional cuisine.
Bangkok street food is best eaten at a food court called “Sampeng Lane”, which is home to some of the best eats in Bangkok. Fried insects are available for sale on Khao San Road and Thip Samai Pad Thai restaurant claims that they sell more pad thai than anywhere else in Thailand.
London, England
Street food in London is best known for its curry, which can be found all across the city. The best place to get a good plate of Indian cuisine is Brick Lane, where you’ll find stalls selling vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions of spicy delicacies like chicken tikka masala.
Going to London without trying a pie and mash meal is definitely not an option. Try a traditional London fare of mashed potatoes with peas in gravy topped off with meat between two halves of a flaky pastry crust.
Seoul, South Korea
In Seoul, the best street food is easily found around the Noryangjin Fish Market. The best way to eat it? Right off the grill of course! You’ll also be able to find some other great Korean dishes at Dongdaemun’s night market and Gwangjang market in the Jongno-gu district. They sell a variety of best street foods like bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables), gimbap (seaweed rice rolls), and tteokbokki (Korean version of fish cakes).
From snacks to the best local delicacies, Seoul has a lot in store for you.
Tokyo, Japan
In Tokyo, the best street food is found in small stalls, known as Yatai. These can be spotted all over the city and you’ll find the best Japanese best dishes like ramen or takoyaki (octopus balls). If you prefer to eat at home though, there are plenty of traditional izakaya bars which serve up classic Japanese best street food dishes.
Tokyo’s street foods are definitely worth checking out!
Mexico City, Mexico
If you’re not vegan, the best Mexican street food will be found in Mexico City. Some of the things to try are Torta Ahogada or Cemita sandwiches. Torta ahogada is a torta sandwich with spicy broth poured over it, while Cemita sandwiches have sesame seed buns and meat inside them. There are also tacos al pastor which has meat like pork or beef, best served with pineapple.
Istanbul, Turkey
In the fight between the best street food cities, Istanbul is a clear contender! You’ll be able to find the best Turkish dishes like döner kebab and baklava in Istanbul.
The best time of the year to stop by for some best Turkish eats? During Ramadan when you can eat all day long since it’s not considered fasting in Turkey! Try some of their dishes like baklava, kumpir (baked potato best filled with various ingredients), döner kebab, and Turkish tea.
Singapore
Speaking of the best street food, Singapore does it best! You can find many local dishes like chicken rice and laksa among their street food cuisine. If you’re looking for something sweet to satisfy your cravings, chendol is a popular dessert made with green jelly noodles (noodles) in coconut milk or sugar water. If the weather’s hot, try shaved ice to cool you down.
Singapore has so much to offer and envokes such a thrilling adventure into food!
Hong Kong
The best street food in the best cities often comes with a long line. But if you’re looking for local dishes that are worth the wait, the fishball noodles and egg waffles of Hong Kong will make you happy!
No matter what time of year it is, Hong Kong has something for everyone. Some of the things to try are char siu bao (barbecue pork bun), egg tarts, stinky tofu, and pineapple bread!
Rome, Italy
Rome’s street food is a little different from other cities because it’s best eaten at the end of the day. They believe the best meal should be eaten last.
The best dishes to try are fried arancini (rice balls), supplì (fried rice ball with cheese inside), and pizzette (small pizza) which you can find in Piazza Navona.
If you’re looking for something sweet best time of year best gelato shops that serve everything from pistachio and lemon to hazelnut and dark chocolate.
Street food in Rome is not just popular with tourists, but also locals looking for a great meal!
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
When it comes to street food, Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi sandwiches are quite popular. You’ll be able to find dishes like cha ca la vong (fish eaten with noodles and herbs) or nem cua bien sot (fried crabs) in Ho Chi Minh’s best street food spots.
If you’re looking for seafood, the best time of the year to go is during Tết – Vietnamese New Year! You can have the best shrimp noodle soup or nem ran cua bien, which are fried crabs with rice paper crackers in them.