The 12 best street food spots in the world

A culinary journey in its own right, street food is popular around the globe. Here’s our selection to make you salivate in the four corners of the world!

Street food is a pleasure shared by many travelers. Whether you’re a confirmed gourmet or simply curious, you’re bound to have tried street food. Tasty and economical, it’s an authentic way to discover a country. It also gives you the opportunity to meet and share with the locals throughout your stay. Whether savory or sweet, street food can be found in all four corners of the globe. Smorrebrod in Denmark, empañadas in Argentina or baozi in China… there’s something for everyone!

Feeling hungry? Then embark on a culinary world tour with our selection of the best street food spots.

1. Thailand

In markets, on the roadside or in food courts, street food is everywhere in the Land of Smiles. Bangkok is particularly renowned for its wide variety of street food spots. International flavors or local specialties, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. The dishes are so varied that you can easily eat a different one every day for weeks on end.

Thailand’s must-try street food :

• Pad thai (fried rice noodles)
• Tam som (green papaya salad)
• Coconut ice cream

2. Spain

The country that invented tapas, Spain has a colorful and sunny gastronomy. On the beach, in town or in a park, you can enjoy street food everywhere. In particular, you’ll find it on street food trucks and market stalls. Spain is one of the European countries with the best street food spots.

Spain’s must-try street food :

• Churros (tube-shaped fried dough coated in sugar or chocolate)
• Gazpacho (cold vegetable soup)
• Tortilla (thick potato omelette)

3. Israel

In Israel, street food is a delicate blend of Eastern and Western cuisines. Much more than a quick bite to eat, it’s a veritable art of living. In Tel Aviv‘s street food spots, the subtle, spicy aromas awaken all your senses. In the heart of Jerusalem, visit the gigantic Mahané Yehuda market to discover new flavors.

The must-try street food in Israel :

• Falafels (fried chickpea puree balls)
• Sabich (vegetarian pita seasoned with a mango sauce, originally from Iran)
• Tahini (smooth sesame cream often served with sandwiches)

4. Colombia

In South America, cooking is sacred. And Colombia is no exception. Whether you’re in Bogota, Cali or Barranquilla, you’ll always find something to feast on at Colombia’s street food spots. Whether traditional, sweet and sour, gourmet or vegetarian, street food in Colombia is infinitely varied, to suit the tastes and preferences of locals and travellers alike.

The must-try street food in Colombia :

• Arepas (corn cakes topped to taste)
• Pandeyuca (cassava flour and cheese bread)
• Raspado (syrup and condensed milk granita)

5. Germany

Germany is renowned for its rich gastronomy. And like many other European countries, it has mastered the art of street food. The country has adapted its traditional local recipes to the on-the-go sauce, and several cities such as Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg have their own street food festivals.

Germany’s must-try street food :

• Currywurst (sausage with curry ketchup sauce and French fries)
• Handkase (cow’s milk cheese served with vinegar and onions)
• Pretzel (knot-shaped pastry covered with coarse salt)

6. Malaysia

Like all its neighbors in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is brimming with exquisite sweet and savory dishes. From stalls on wheels to food courts, you can discover dishes inspired by Indonesian, Chinese and Indian cuisine. To discover Malaysian culture through its cuisine, head to Penang, the country’s most popular street food spot.

The must-try street food in Malaysia :

• Char kway teow (fried noodles, shrimp and clams in soy sauce and chili)
• Asam laksa (rice noodle soup with fish and tamarind)
• Lok lok (skewers soaked in boiling water and served with tasty sauces)

7. Hawaii

Hawaiian street food is an encounter between local culinary traditions and American and Asian influences. Most dishes are prepared with tuna or octopus, raw or cooked, but always delicious. Food trucks are legion and constitute the best street food spots. You’ll find the most in Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital.

Hawaii’s must-try street food :

• Poke (raw fish salad marinated in soy sauce)
• Loco moco (white rice with chopped steak and fried egg)
• Poi (taro root purée)

8. Bulgaria

In the Balkans, and particularly in Bulgaria, street food is synonymous with sharing and conviviality. Halfway between Turkish and Greek flavors, Bulgarian street food is based on the country’s traditional dishes, revisited by local artisans in the markets and street food spots of all the major cities.

Bulgaria’s must-try street food :

• Burek (meat, cheese and spinach pastry)
• Tarator (cold yogurt and cucumber soup)
• Gevrek (sesame seed bread flavoured with lemon)

9. Italy

For a change from traditional pizze, pasta and gelati, try Italian street food! Gastronomy is omnipresent in the country: light and sunny, it can be enjoyed in many places outside restaurants. From Tuscany to Sardinia, not forgetting Rome of course, the country abounds in street food spots, each more abundant and surprising than the last.

Italy’s must-try street food :

• Arancini (filled and fried rice balls)
• Panino (ciabatta bread sandwich with filling, served hot)
• Focaccia (bread with olive oil)

10. Mexico

In Mexico, street food can be enjoyed at any time of the day or night. From breakfast to late-night snacks, street food offers a palette of rich, fragrant colors and flavors in the simplest of ways, just like the country’s culture.

The must-try street food in Mexico :

• Tacos (corn cakes filled with meat, onion, sauce and cilantro)
• Elote (corn on the cob with mayonnaise, cheese, chili pepper and lemon juice)
• Horchata (a cold drink made with rice and cinnamon)

11. Vietnam

All over Vietnam, street food spots are brimming with colorful dishes, offering a selection as extensive as it is incredible. Street food is just like the locals who prepare it: it’s itinerant and warm. You’ll find traditional specialties as well as secret dishes prepared all day long in markets, food courts and street corners.

Street food in Vietnam:

• Pho (beef broth with herbs and shallots)
• Banh mi (baguette stuffed with pork, raw vegetables and a spicy sauce)
• Nem ran (fried rice cake filled with meat or fish)

12. Greece

Like many Mediterranean countries, Greece has a rich and convivial gastronomy that conveys values of exchange, sympathy and joie de vivre. Explore the street food spots ofAthens, Heraklion or Thessaloniki and discover a unique and authentic street cuisine.

The must-try street food in Greece :

• Bougatsa (buttered filo pastry filled with vanilla cream)
• Souvlaki (pita bread filled with grilled vegetables and pork)
• Peinirli (pizza dough topped with cheese and/or vegetables and cooked over a wood fire)