Street food is always popular among tourists, as it is tasty, convenient and quite cheap. Moreover, some street food places have even been awarded Michelin stars.
Thailand
It’s hard to find a place in Bangkok that doesn’t have some sort of street food stall. Wherever you go in the capital of Thailand, regardless of the time of day, you will hear the smell of food cooking over an open fire. There will be noodle dishes, soups, curries, and grilled meats.
Pad Thai and grilled chicken satay are considered classics of Thai cuisine. These dishes are so good that there are sellers who have even earned Michelin stars, revered in the restaurant business. Some chic restaurants with fashionable interiors sometimes fail to receive the coveted star, but here simple street kiosks with a few small plastic chairs and tables are awarded the international quality mark.
Türkiye
Istanbul is one of the best places to experience local cuisine without visiting large restaurants in busy tourist areas. Through street food in Istanbul you can get a complete picture of traditional Turkish cuisine. Moreover, it can be bought cheaply and quickly eaten on the go.
Sesame bagels called simit, which have become one of the symbols of the city, are very popular among tourists. It is believed that the first simit was created 600 years ago. Turkish tea, served in a traditional glass, and freshly baked simit create a wonderful gastronomic tandem.
On the streets you can also taste fried chestnuts, stuffed gozleme flatbreads, kumpir baked potatoes with various fillings, a fish sandwich with vegetables and herbs – balyk ekmek, as well as Turkish sweets.
Vietnam
The history of Vietnam can be studied not only in local museums, but also tasted. Through Vietnamese cuisine, you can trace the influence of various peoples on this country. For example, Chinese influences can be felt in pastries, French influences in sandwiches, Malaysian influences in sauces.
Different regions of the country have special taste characteristics, so the food you will find in different cities will vary significantly. In the north of the country, more subtle spices are used, the central part is partial to chili peppers, and in the southern regions they prefer sweet foods. Different taste preferences are also noticeable in the preparation of the national dish pho – soup with noodles and beef.
Mini baguettes – banh mi, rice pancakes, as well as such extremely exotic national dishes as balut – a duck egg in which an embryo has already formed, are also very popular here.
India
India produces 75% of the world’s spices, which are added to dishes all over the planet. Chaat became popular as an afternoon snack after Mughal dynasty officials invited chefs from Varanasi to open a shop in Delhi.
There are many other interesting dishes to try in India as well. For example, pani puri are hollow balls of dough fried in oil, the filling of which can vary. Dahi vada – lentil fritters soaked in yogurt – is also popular. They can be seasoned with various spices. This dish is considered popular during the holidays, but is also often sold at street food stalls. If you want to be sure that eating local food will not affect your health, many people recommend going on special food tours with a professional guide.
Street food is becoming increasingly popular in many countries. You can have a quick and inexpensive meal, and at the same time get acquainted with the gastronomic preferences of local residents. In some places, street food has become their calling card. We have compiled a list of cities and countries where the most delicious food is served on the street.
Türkiye, Istanbul
Street food in Istanbul is already an integral part of Turkish culture. Start your acquaintance with the culinary traditions of the country with the most popular and savory kokorech dish. The main ingredient of such an appetizer is lamb intestines, which are fried with chopped offal of dairy lambs on charcoal.
and served with a bun and pickled vegetables. Less exotic dishes are belyk ekmek (fish in bread) and borek (puff pastry with filling). For desserts, try simit, a glazed bagel sprinkled with sesame seeds, and dondurma, a traditional Turkish ice cream made with goat’s milk.
Belgium, Brussels
Street food in Belgium is varied – from snails in vegetable broth to the famous waffles topped with Chantilly cream. Every year Brussels hosts traditional gastronomic fairs and food festivals. The most popular street dish, which the Belgians prepare in a special way, is French fries. Frits are served with mayonnaise, cheese and other sauces. Belgian waffles Gaufres can be tasted for just 1 euro. Waffles are prepared both sweet and savory, but a delicious sweet dessert topped with whipped cream, cream or fruit.
France Paris
France is famous for its cheeses, wine and, of course, its baked goods. Arriving in Paris, be sure to try a fresh crispy baguette or fragrant croissant with chocolate filling. But the most popular street food dish is considered to be large thin pancakes – crepes, which are served with orange sauce and liquor.
Germany
Germany is famous throughout the world for its sausages, so it is not surprising that the most popular street dish, currywurst, consists of fried sliced sausage, seasoned with curry and spicy ketchup, with French fries or a bun as a side dish. No less popular are sausages made from minced beef or pork – bratwurst. In German fast food you will also try a rather unusual sandwich with herring, pickles and fresh onions in crispy halves of wheat bread.
Mexico, Mexico City
Mexican cuisine is very diverse and has a unique taste. The main ingredient in most dishes is corn. We recommend starting your gastronomic tour through the streets of Mexico City with a tamale – a roll of steamed corn dough with meat, vegetable or sweet filling. No less popular in Mexico City are elote (corn on the cob) and esquite (corn kernels), which are served with hot chili peppers, cheese and mayonnaise sauce.
