When it comes to exploring a city’s – or a whole country’s – culture and culinary scene, few things are as authentic as experiencing its street food. If you’re a foodie on the road as well, you’ll know that savoury snacks and sweet treats on the street really reflect the soul of a place. And no better way to get a glimpse into its traditions, flavours, and diversity than to walk the roads and eat like the locals. So, here are 10 of the best cities in the world that are renowned for their vibrant street food culture.
1. Bangkok, Thailand
Now Bangkok’s street food scene is simply legendary. Bustling markets and roadside stalls offer a myriad of delicious Thai delicacies, and you can get everything from spicy Thai and aromatic green curry to crispy fried insects and mango sticky rice. Here, you’ll really find a feast for the senses and something for everyone.
2. Istanbul, Turkey
In Istanbul, you’ll find the best kebabs, falafel, and freshly baked simit (that’s a form of a Turkish bagel) the world has to offer. Iconic dishes such as the döner kebab (not the sad excuse we have here in the UK!), börek (delicious savoury pastries), and Turkish delight as you wander through the colourful bazaars. And, of course, it’s only here that you can find Turkish sand coffee.
3. Mexico City, Mexico
And who doesn’t love Mexican food! The street food in Mexico is just a gastronomic delight. With tacos, tamales, and elotes (grilled corn) being staples of the street food scene. Eating food directly from where it originates is as authentic as it gets – so dig into those chilaquiles, quesadillas, and churros!
4. New York City, USA
Less of a local and national cuisine, New York City offers a vibrant melting pot of different cultures – which is also reflected in its incredibly diverse street food scene. You can find literally everything here, from German hot dogs (yes, that’s where they originated!) and pretzels to halal carts and gourmet food trucks, the city offers an eclectic mix of all flavours and cuisines on every corner. And under the Visa Waiver Program, you don’t even need to worry about a visa.
5. Melbourne, Australia
Similar to NYC, Melbourne is an excellent place to discover a multicultural array of flavours. The street food scene here is equally as diverse as its population. From Vietnamese banh mi and Greek souvlaki to Italian pizza and classic Australian meat pies – every taste can be catered to here. Remember, if you’re eager to try out a little bit of everything, to get yourself an eVisitor visa for Australia first. Oh, and a special mention goes out to Bondi Beach, too!
6. Seoul, South Korea
Next up, we’ve got a wonderful fusion between tradition and innovation, with vendors in Seoul serving up everything from classic Korean street snacks like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes) to quite modern and trendy creations like cheese-filled corn dogs and Krean fried chicken. To travel here, make sure you’re applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation.
7. Hanoi, Vietnam
Staying in Asia, Hanoi’s street food vendors serve up some of the most flavourful dishes in the southeast of the continent. Amazing delicacies such as pho (noodle soup), bah mi (Vietnamese sandwiches), and bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) can be found here – and some more adventures stuff, too. Both for the brave, as well as the soft-hearted.
8. Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei will invite you with its numerous night markets, which are a paradise for every foodie, offering the vast array of Taiwanese street snacks. Everything here is being made fresh – from xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and gua bao (steamed buns) to stink tofu and bubble tea – after all, this is its home country.
9. Mumbai, India
It’s known as the “City of Dreams” for a reason – and that reason might just be their food. Street food stalls can be found here plenty, offering diverse ranges of snacks and dishes. Including British favourites such as pav bhahi, vada pav, and pani puri. We love our Indish food, so what better destination than India itself, to explore their rich and spicy flavours?
10. Tokyo, Japan
And lastly, of course, Tokyo. How could we not mention Japan? There are so, so many wonderful snacks and specialities to be found here, such as the classic sushi rolls, yakitori (grilled skewers), Takoyaki (octopus balls). Excellent re-energiser for exploring the unique capital city of the country.
Of course, these 10 cities are just a fraction of the incredible street food cultures waiting to be explored around the world (like Israel!) – but they are definitely a good place to start. Bon appétit and bon voyage!
