How do you decide which cuisine or street food to try first? In a world, with thousands of choices, how will you know which is best out of the best?
Here we have a list of the most iconic ready-to-eat or quick-snack food items or cuisines from around the world. These are the most popular street food items that have been eaten for centuries, and to date, people love these street foods all around the world. Some of them have historical importance and traditional values. Some of these cuisines were introduced by immigrants into these foreign lands. A few of these food items, such as French fries, somehow got falsely named. Their flavour, aroma, taste, colour, and variety are things that can’t be forgotten, if you try them once, you will want to try them again and again.
So, get ready to explore the world of food, taste and tradition, with too many varieties. You are in for a treat here:
Churros—Spain
A sugary, crispy, and crunchy treat for every food lover in town. It is made with choux pastry dough, a mixture of flour, water and salt, piped into hot oil with a piping bag. This is a deep-fried dough from Spanish and Portuguese cuisine with an appearance similar to a large closed star tip. These elongated deep-fried structures are sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
They are most commonly eaten in Spain and Latin America for breakfast dipped in champurrado and hot chocolate. In some countries it is filled with different ingredients, such as in Mexico with dulce de leche, in Cuba they are filled with guava and in Uruguay with cheese. In Spain and much of Latin America, churros are available in cafes for breakfast, although they also accompany as a day-time quick snack. Churros are also sold by street vendors, who may fry them freshly on the street stand and sell them hot. Typically, churros are straight or bent into U-shapes or circular shapes with a coat of white sugar and are popular during Christmas.
Masala Dosa—India
Masala Dosa is India’s traditional southern cuisine which is popular throughout the country. It is made from rice, lentils, urad dal, toor dal, chana dal, fenugreek and dry red chilli and baked into a slick pancake. It is usually stuffed with potatoes, onions, and mustard seeds and served commonly with chutneys, and sambar.
A perfect and mouth-watering dosa, it is made by soaking rice and lentils overnight in water and then grinding them into a batter, which is fermented overnight. There are some decent variations of the dish, such as Mysore masala dosa, rava masala dosa, onion masala dosa, and paper masala dosa. As per preference, this dish can be consumed as any meal of the day. It is usually served with famous coconut chutney which depicts the sweet taste of South India and its culture. It is popular in South India but can be found in all other parts of the country as well as overseas.
Falafel— Egypt and Israel
Falafel is a deep-fried, ball-shaped fritter of Egyptian origin. It is usually listed as Israel’s national dish and is also found commonly in countries like Palestine and Lebanon. It is often served in a laffa, pita, samoon, or wrapped in a flatbread known as a taboon. In the middle of the twentieth century, immigrants in Israel started making Falafel in the streets. They used to sell falafel wrapped in paper. With time, that ancient Israeli dish transformed into fast food and acclaimed global recognition.
Falafel is usually made with fava beans in Egyptian cuisine. But the modification occurred with time and in Palestinian cuisine it is made chickpeas. The Palestinian chickpea version of the falafel has been embraced into Israeli cuisine, where it features prominently and has been called a national dish of Israel. Falafel balls are usually served with pickled vegetables, hot sauce, and salads, and garnished with tahini-based sauces. As per preference, it is also eaten alone as a snack!
Guacamole— Mexico
Guacamole is a Mexican avocado-based dip, salad, or spread. It is a part of modern Mexican cuisine which is consumed usually as a dip and salad ingredient. During early 1900s, it was frequently referred by, name alligator pear. Major ingredient of the guacamole is raw avocado and thus withhold nutrients which are rich in dietary fibres, vitamins such as K and E, and potassium. Prepared frozen guacamoles are available in stores. It is preferably paired with Nachos, tortillas or corn chips.
Fattoush— Lebanon
Fattoush is a salad made with cut or torn pita bread, toasted, grilled or fried, along with radish, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, onions, pepper, and garlic. The vegetables that are infused in Fattoush are cut into large pieces. Sumac gives a sour taste to the Fattoush, while some recipes all include pomegranate molasses along with sumac. This dish is famous among communities in the Levant.
Guotie—China
Guotie is a Northern Chinese pan-fried variety which is typically filled with Chinese cabbage, rice wine, scallions, ginger, and sesame seed oil. It is an ancient dish coming from the period of the Song dynasty and today becoming a popular street food with different variations. Guotie is a straight-long dumpling which has a light-soft and crunchy texture. During its preparation of the dumpling is slightly fried and then steamed. This appetizing dish is typically accompanied by a dipping sauce.
Tacos—Mexico
A taco is a traditional hand-sized Mexican street food made with wheat or corn-based tortilla which is then folded around the filling and eaten by hand. In Northern Mexico, they eat the classic carne asada, which is thinly sliced meat grilled over coals and topped with salsa, guacamole, onions, and a lime wedge. Tacos are a common form of antojitos, or Mexican street food, which has spread around the world. There is an infinite variety of tacos, and people prefer it with various combinations and sauces. There are numerous versions and sizes of tacos that you will love to try.
Dutch Fries with Mayonnaise—Netherlands
Dutch fries, also known as friet, frieten, or patat, are beloved in the Netherlands. These fried fries are dressed with creamy mayonnaise on top. The Dutch make numerous choices of fritessaus, including one that’s known as fritessaus American. Sometimes other toppings such as curry ketchup or chopped onions are also served with it. These crispy potato sticks are very on the streets of the Netherlands.
Vegan Corn Dogs—USA
These are a delightful plant-based treat which originated from the famous street food Hot dog. This is made by using a brand of vegan hot dogs that are wet when removing them from the packaging. Also, corn dogs were your favorite carnival or fair food. They are usually paired with dippers like ketchup, mustard sauce and mayonnaise. These are a simple, light, and crispy batter made with cornmeal.
Arancini—Italy
Arancini are Italian rice balls that are stuffed, coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried. Arancini is an Italian street food dish, which utilises the main ingredient rice, along with a filling of peas, mushrooms, mozzarella or caciocavallo cheese. After cooking, the shape and colour of the arancini resemble an orange. Arancini were introduced in 10th century Sicily during Arab rule. Arancini come in various shapes and sizes.
Veg-Baozi (Dumplings)—China
Baozi or bao is a type of yeast-filled bun in various cuisines. The bun is usually filled with vegetables, and the buns are most often steamed. It is provided with dipping containing vinegar or soy sauce. These are usually served in their steaming basket, along with soup. Still at various places in China, Baozi is served in bamboo steaming baskets, sold by numerous street vendors. Dish baozi is a variation of mantou from Northern China.
Vegan Yakisoba—Japan
Vegan Yakisoba is a delicious Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that has gained popularity in Western countries. Yakisoba is commonly found in Japan at food stalls, convenience stores, street markets, and restaurants. Yakisoba uses wheat-based noodles. These noodles do not contain eggs but instead contain Kansui, which gives them a yellow colour and chewy texture. The noodles are typically fried on a large iron plate with a fruity sauce and ingredients such as cabbage, bean sprouts, and protein. Homemade vegan Yakisoba sauce can include ingredients like soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free version), sugar or maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, powder, ketchup, and cornstarch.
Vegan Sweet and Sour Tofu
This sweet and sour tofu contains ingredients such as soft tofu, carrot, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onion, tomato puree, cornstarch, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. It’s also refined sugar-free, making the whole dish healthier than traditional sweet and sour. It is fulfilling street food which is high in protein, low in fats, low in carbs, and has low percentage of sodium. It is a comfort meal which people either eat the way it is or pair it with rice.
Vegan Bolani—Afghanistan
Vegan Bolani is an Afghani stuffed, pan-fried flatbread made with unleavened dough which is stuffed with a variety of ingredients, such as potatoes but also grated chives, pumpkin, red lentils. It can also be served with plain or mint afghani yogurt or dip which is called Chakkah and is usually served with a doogh drink. Vegan Bolani can also be made by baking them instead of frying them. Vegan Bolani is not just a popular Afghani Street snack but it is also made at home on special occasions.
Carne Asada Fries—USA
Carne Asada Fries is an American Southwest dish in a local speciality of its origin place, San Diego. This is an American-Mexican fusion dish that typically consists of finely chopped carne asada, a shoestring variety of French fries, sour cream, cotija cheese, guacamole and salsa. In 2015, fast food chain Del Taco began to sell the item. But this street food item is usually not present on the menu at more traditional Mexican restaurants.
Chole Bhature—India
Chole Bhature is one of the most popular street foods of North India. It is a combination of spicy chana or white chickpea curry and bhatura, a deep-fried bread made from maida. It is also a street food or a complete meal which is accompanied by onions, green chutney or achaar. Chole is prepared by cooking chickpeas and adding spices such as cumin, coriander seeds, turmeric powder, and chilli powder. Bhature is prepared by combining flour, salt, and oil, and kneading the dough. In North India, especially street food hub Delhi, Chole bhature can be found at most street carts.
Vegan Cornish Pasty—England
This is a flaky, buttery rough puff pastry which is the vegan version of the traditional Cornish pasty. This vegan version is filled with tender veggies enveloped in a rich, thick, flavoursome sauce. This filling includes classic ingredients like potato, swede, and onion. Usually, the sauce is infused with rosemary and thyme. This vegetable filling normally includes potatoes, carrots, swede and sometimes jackfruit. The traditional seasoned vegan street food which is a mix of potato, swede, and onion is wrapped in a crimped rough-puff flaky pastry.
Tortas—Mexico
Torta is a Mexican sandwich filled with ingredients like refried beans, queso, jalapeños, sliced or shredded cheese, pickled onions, or tender avocado. The torta is made with a fluffy bun, alike a hoagie roll. This the vegan version of original Tortas. The bun is soft on the inside and perfectly crusty on the outside and is sliced lengthwise and then slathered with delicious butter. Usually, its ingredients are customisable. They are a unique Mexican creation, which flourished in Mexico City, apart from their place of origin Puebla. Tortas are usually sold at food stalls and small restaurants widespread across Mexican cities.
Vegan Nachos—Mexico
These vegan nachos are cheesy, spicy and fresh. They don’t have all of the saturated fat and cholesterol. There is a great part of these nachos that they can be made with a mixture of any type of bean. This taco seasoning mix is usually mixed with fire-roasted tomato juice and cayenne. Veggies like cilantro, tomatoes, onions, and spinach. It is a light, crispy, and wholesome street food snack nobody can get tired of!
Liège Waffle—Belgium
Liège waffles, the most popular variety of waffles, were first made in the Wallonia region of Belgium. It is a smaller, dense and heavy brioche-like dough, it is made with pearl sugar, and unlike the Belgian waffle, the Liège waffle is traditionally eaten plain. It contains a unique caramel-like flavour which is due blend of pearl sugar and gives waffles a crunchier, chewier, stickier bite unlike the Brussels-style waffle is lighter with a crispy bite. This is also made from raised dough. Liège waffles are often sold by street vendors as a handheld street food.
Vada Pav—India
Vada pav is a sandwich-like, vegetarian fast food dish native to the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is also called the Bombay burger due to its physical resemblance to burgers. The street food consists of a deep-fried potato dumpling placed inside an almost half-sliced bread bun (pav). It is generally accompanied by one or more chutneys and a green chilli pepper along with coconut, peanuts, garlic, tamarind, and chiles. In 1966, the first vada pav stall was outside Dadar railway station commenced by Ashok Vaidya of Dadar.
Maakouda—Maghreb
Maakouda street food is a traditional potato fritter that is popular throughout the Maghreb, especially in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. These fritters are usually prepared plain but as per preference people also stuff them with cheese. They are prepared with potatoes, parsley, garlic, flour, salt, and pepper. The potatoes are first boiled and mashed. Then, they are mixed with other ingredients. Maakouda used to be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or an ingredient in a long sandwich roll that’s usually sold as street food and served with harissa, coriander, and lemon juice.
Yemista—Greece
Yemista is a Greek dish, traditionally, which was made with vegetables such as tomatoes and green peppers, stuffed with rice and vegetables’ inner parts. These stuffed vegetables are baked in the oven. In Greece, it’s a typical summer dish. It is mainly considered a vegan dish, but some people add yoghurt to this street food. It is recommended to prepare the dish when the vegetables are at the top of the season as the dish needs to feel fresh. It is garnished with a spoon of Greek strained yoghurt and accompanied by feta cheese.
Samosa—India
If one wishes to try Indian cuisine, then Samosa is the perfect wait for it. Samosa is a deep-fried South Asian triangular pasty which is filled with ingredients such as spiced potatoes, onions, peas. Since earlier times, samosas are often accompanied by chutney. These fulfilling small snacks cum street foods are popular in the cuisines of South Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, and East Africa. Also, in Saudi Arabia, they are typically filled with cheese and apart from only triangle shape they are also made in squares and rolls. Some samosas also contain sweet ingredients such as pomegranate, mango, and raisins.
Misal Pav—India
Misal pav is a street food dish from the Indian state of Maharashtra which consists of pav and misal. There are different versions of misal pav such as Pune misal, Khandeshi misal, Nashik misal and Ahmednagar missal but the most famous Misal pav from Nashik which is known for its high spice content and unique taste. Misal has two parts where there is a thick curry of matki, called usual, and a watery gravy, also called rasa. Sometimes this street food is also prepared with mung beans. It is prepared and garnished using onion, ginger, garlic and other spices. Apart from being spicy, it also has high nutritional values.
Vegan Grilled Cheese Sandwich—USA
Vegan grilled cheese sandwich is made with toasty sourdough bread and a flavorful vegan cheddar cheese spread. This is one of the best-selling vegan sandwiches around the world. It is made with wholegrain bread of your choice. Cheese is the top ingredient of it. But sometimes, it is also stuffed with veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, and mustard sauce. It is a sandwich which is mostly sold by street vendors as a street food, and is loved by people around the world.
Pizza Montanara—Italy
This special form of pizza requires deep frying the dough shortly before it is topped with cheese, marinara sauce, and basil, and then thrown into an oven for a final touch. The traditional speciality of this pizza can be served in one of two ways, first in the form of the stuffed, calzone-like pizza frittata and secondly, in the form of a more pie-like pizza Montana. It is a variety of Italian pizza that dates way back in time and is believed to have its roots in the mountains surrounding Naples. It is counted among the most-loved Italian street foods.
Akara Street Food: Black Eyed Pea Fritters— Africa
Akara is golden, crunchy, puffy bean fritters, often made with cowpeas or black-eyed peas, from the West African region African-style fritters are seasoned with onions and scotch bonnet peppers. Akara street food is usually eaten stuffed inside bread, like a burger, or with a cornmeal porridge called pap, for breakfast. It is among the famous street foods of Nigeria.
Lumpiang Shanghai—Philippines
Lumpiang Shanghai is the most popular variety of lumpia with vegetables like carrots and chopped scallions, wrapped in a thin crêpe. Lumpiang Shanghai is usually sold at numerous street stalls as a common street food throughout the country. Lumpiang Shanghai usually uses ground pork which is sautéed with finely chopped carrots, garlic, onions, shallots, and salt and pepper to taste. It can also use other common lumpia dipping sauces like banana ketchup, sweet chilli sauce, garlic mayonnaise, or vinegar.
Tanghulu Street Food—China
Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese street food consisting of several rock sugar-coated fruits of Chinese hawthorn on a bamboo skewer. It is named for its calabash-like shape. Hawthorn berry is the most popular option because it has a strong sour taste that can balance the sweetness of the candy coating. Fruits, such as cherry tomatoes, kiwifruit, strawberries, blueberries, pineapples, mandarin oranges, or bananas. In Hathorne, seeds are removed and before being skewed they are filled with sweet red bean paste.
Vegan Bagels— USA
These are the best vegan bagels, mostly available chewy, sweet and salty. These bagels have a unique way in which they are made as a street food, which is that they must be boiled before they are baked. These are most often eaten in breakfast which is paired with tomatoes, spinach, hummus, and cucumber. This is a wholesome vegan breakfast meal to consider.
Vegan Tacos dorados de camarones—Los Angeles, USA
Vegan tacos dorados de Camarones are a Mexican street food. It consists of fried tortillas filled with different type of beans along with salsa, cabbage, and cream. It is mostly available in coastal regions, such as some areas of Mexico and also in Los Angeles. They include ingredients like lettuce or cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado and a sour cream or citrus mayonnaise sauce which are placed on top of a corn or wheat-based- tortilla.
Vegan Tom Yum Goong and Mango Sticky Rice—Thailand
Tom Yum Goong and Mango Sticky Rice are two popular Thai dishes cum sumptuous street foods that are admired by locals and tourists alike. In this dish, Tom Yum Goong is a spicy and sour soup made with mushrooms, lemongrass, galangal, makrut lime leaves, and chilli paste. This soup is also served with coconut milk. It is accompanied by steamed rice or rice noodles known as Mango sticky rice which is a sweet dessert made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and ripe mango slices. It is a simple but satisfying dish that showcases the natural sweetness and fragrance of the mango and the coconut. Most often for extra crunch, it is sprinkled with roasted mung beans or sesame seeds.
Pretzels—USA
A pretzel is a knot-shaped baked pastry. The traditional pretzel shape is a distinctive symmetrical form, with the ends of a long strip of dough intertwined and then twisted back onto itself in a particular way. But today, pretzels come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Pretzels are made with Maillard reaction of washing soda treatment which gives its traditional skin and colour. The seasoning of salt is the most crucial part of a pretzel. Apart from salt, other toppings are mustard, cheeses, sugar, chocolate, cinnamon, sweet glazing, seeds, and nuts. Pretzels have a long shelf life even as a street food.
Pani Puri—India
Pani puri or Gop gappa is clearly the King of all the street foods in India. It is the most common quick street snack preferred by people. Pani puri is a deep-fried breaded sphere filled with potato, onion, or chickpea. Its sweet and spicy flavour is the one that drags people’s attention towards it. It is often spiced with tamarind chutney, chilli powder, or chaat masala. In different states of India, it is referred to by different names such as Puchka in Bengal, puska in Assam and many more. Some of the most popular flavours of pani puri include the traditional tamarind and mint water, as well as spicy variations like green chilli water, and tangy flavours.
Vegan Fajitas with Mushrooms—Mexico
Smoky Mexican-flavoured vegan fajitas are made with mushrooms apart from mushrooms, zucchini or summer squash can be used. These fajitas are seasoned with sour cream and cheese. Extra protein nutrition is added with black and red beans. This a wholesome power-up street food that’s got to try.
Vegan Pad Thai—Thailand
Pad Thai is a popular street food in Thailand that is made with rice noodles, tofu, vegetables, and a sauce made from tamarind paste and palm sugar. Pad Thai is typically served with a variety of garnishes like lime wedges and crushed peanuts. It is glazed with sauces which are made of purely vegan ingredients with a flavor that is sweet, salty and bursting with umami flavor.
Jamaican Jerk Tofu Skewer—Jamaica
Jamaican Jerk Tofu Skewers is a delicious street food on Jamaica. It is a deep-flavoured mix of vegetables and tofu that are grilled to perfection. It is infused with red peppers, red onion, yellow peppers, zucchini, mushrooms and firm tofu. This is a marinated seasoning mixture of pepper, salt, sugar, garlic powder, dried thyme, nutmeg, and coriander powder.
Vegan Calzone—Italy
Calzone is a traditional Italian street food, made with leavened dough. This is a vegan version of traditional recipe of calzone. A typical calzone is made from salted bread dough, baked in an oven and stuffed only with vegetables, mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan or pecorino cheese. In Italy, usually, Sandwich-sized calzoni is often sold at Italian lunch counters or by street vendors because they are easy to eat while standing or walking. While in the United States, mainly in New York City, calzoni is typically made from pizza dough and stuffed with cheeses, and vegetables. Also, Calzones can be fried or baked, and tomato sauce or marinara is frequently given on the side as a dipping sauce.
Eggless Crepe Street Food—France
A crepe is a very thin pancake. Usually, there are two types of crepes, sweet crêpes or savoury galettes. This vegan street dessert is often served with a wide variety of fillings such as cheese, fruit, vegetables, and a variety of spreads. Sweet crêpes are generally made with wheat flour. They can also be consumed as part of breakfast. Some of its common fillings are hazelnut cocoa spread, preserves, sugar, maple syrup, golden syrup, lemon juice, whipped cream, fruit spreads, custard, and sliced soft fruits or confiture. Another choice is Savory crêpes, which is also made with wheat flour but does not include sugar. Usually, fillings for crêpes are cheese, mushrooms, artichokes, and various meat products.
Vegan Crispy ‘Duck’ Cauliflower and Pancakes— China
This is a plant-based dish and the ‘duck’ is made with five-spice seasoned, slow-roasted cauliflower and then shredded. The warm pancakes are amazing topped with the plum sauce and vegan crispy duck (cauliflower) and some fresh spring onion and cucumber matchsticks. These crispy cauliflowers street foods are glazed with maple syrup, soy sauce, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. Plain flour is used to form soft and thin pancakes.
Obwarzanek Krakowski—Poland
Obwarzanek krakowski is a traditional, baked pastry product shaped like a ring. Some eggless pastry form have been created distinctly from the traditional recipes of Obwarzanek Krakowski. This ring-shaped braided bread is boiled and sprinkled with salt and sesame or poppy seeds before being baked. Traditionally, it used to be sold from street carts. It is a popular snack in the Polish city of Kraków, where it has the status of a regional food with protected geographical indication. It has a sweetish taste and a dense, chewy texture.
Pommes frites—Belgium
Pommes Frites, also known as Belgian fries, are a beloved traditional dish cum street food from Belgium. Despite their origin in Belgium, people called them French fries. It is because US soldiers mistakenly thought they were in France and the fries that they were eating were thus French fries. Pommes Frites are made by cutting potatoes into even strips drying them, and frying them. Pommes Frites are traditionally served in paper cones. They can be paired with various condiments, including ketchup, vinegar, and local specialities.
Tornado potatoes—South Korea
Tornado potatoes, also called rotato-potato, twist potatoes, potato swirl, potato on a stick, tornado fries or chips on a stick, are a popular street food in South Korea. It is a deep-fried spiral-cut whole potato on a skewer, similar to a French fry, brushed with various seasonings such as onion, cheese, or honey. Apart from their origin country, South Korea, they are also present in Australia, Mexico and Poland. Tornado potatoes are a popular street food in South Korea.
Burrito—Mexico
A burrito is a Mexican cylindrical food item consisting of a tortilla wrapped around a mixed filling of such ingredients as cheese, beans, and vegetables. A burrito is a bit different from a taco because the circular tortilla in the case of a Taco is simply folded, not wrapped. The tortilla is sometimes lightly grilled or steamed to soften it. Burritos are filled with mouth-watering ingredients, such as rice, cooked beans, and vegetables, such as lettuce and tomatoes, cheese, and condiments such as salsa, guacamole, or crema.
These were the beloved street food items from countries you see around the globe — from Tacos in Mexico to Churros in Spain. So many dishes as per your taste and preference, that you will be bewildered about which one to try first! No matter what you like, sweets, salty, spicy, tangy, bitter, burnt, there is something for you. All you need to do is to behold and enjoy your meal with the best street food items around the world.
