Who doesn't love street food? The gastronomic heartbeat of bustling cities and vibrant markets around the world, it has the power to transcend borders and cultures through the magic of flavor.
Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a novice hungry for exploration, this article will take you on a tantalizing journey to the best street food destinations around the world!
In this culinary journey, we will embark on a gastronomic adventure to discover the best street food from all corners of the globe. From savory snacks to sweet treats, the streets of the world are full of treasures waiting to be explored.
Ranked by TasteAtlas, prepare your taste buds for a mouthwatering culinary journey!
10. Carnitas, Mexico
Carnitas, a Mexican delicacy with roots in Michoacan, tantalizes the taste buds with pork that is slow-cooked until tender. The dish is served with a fresh touch of cilantro, chopped onions, salsa, guacamole, tortillas, and fried beans. In the many variations of carnitas that exist throughout Mexico, such as maciza (lean meat), chamorro (leg meat), costilla (rib meat), and others, each region brings its own distinctive touch.
Even in cooking methods and condiments, such as the use of Coca-Cola or other sweet ingredients, diversity remains a great charm. One thing is for sure, carnitas always promises to be a delicious delicacy of flavor, making it one of the culinary icons of Mexican cuisine.
9. Karaage, Japan
Karaage is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of small pieces of chicken, meat or fish dipped in a mixture of flour, potato starch or cornstarch and deep-fried in hot oil. Karaage dishes have been enjoyed since the 1920s. The dish is typically flavored with soy sauce, sake, ginger, and mirin to add a touch of sweetness and flavor.
Today, karaage is commonly found in convenience stores and food stalls throughout Japan, with distinctive regional variations. Karaage has become a very popular dish due to its crunchy texture, ease of preparation, and ability to be enjoyed hot or cold.
8. Tacos, Mexico
Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a sheet of tortilla filled with various ingredients such as marinated meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa. It was first introduced to the United States in 1905 by Mexican migrants who brought their typical taco recipes with them. Generally, tacos are served with soft corn tortillas, although some people prefer flour tortillas.
There are several variations of tacos, including fish tacos and vegetarian tacos. Tacos have become a dish enjoyed around the world and have won the hearts of many cultures with their distinctive flavor.
7. Meat and Cold Banh Mi, Vietnam
Banh Mi, one of Vietnam's most famous dishes, is a unique type of sandwich. It is made with a crispy bread roll filled with various ingredients that create a delicious blend of flavors. One of the most popular Banh Mi variations is the Meat and Cold Cut Banh Mi.
This sandwich is filled with a mixture of meats, including cured and fatty pork. The curing of the pork gives the dish its distinctive and savory flavor. In addition to the meat, the banh mi is also stuffed with several types of vegetables, such as pickled carrots and daikon, which give it a fresh and slightly spicy flavor that blends well with the delicious taste of the meat.
6. Batagor, Indonesia
Batagor, which originated in the Indonesian city of Bandung, is a very popular snack in the country. The dish consists of deep-fried fish-filled dumplings and is usually served with peanut sauce. Batagor was first discovered in Bandung in the 1980s and soon became popular throughout the country.
While batagor is traditionally eaten with peanut sauce, many batagor vendors in Bandung also offer a version with clear sauce, known as batagor kuah. Whether you like spicy flavors or not, there are many variations of batagor to enjoy. You can find them at roadside stalls, mobile carts, bicycle vendors, and restaurants.
5. Roti Canai, Malaysia
Roti Canai, a popular flatbread in Malaysia, is famous for its flaky and buttery texture. The origins of roti canai in Malaysia can be traced back to the British colonial period. Indian immigrants from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, who were brought to West Malaysia during the colonial rule, were instrumental in introducing this dish to Malaysia.
Traditionally, roti canai is served with dhal curry or a mixture of the two. Some restaurants also offer it with chicken or beef curry, or as a dessert in a sweet variety. When cooked, Roti Canai has a texture similar to a soft croissant and is often dipped in sauces.
4. Guotie, China
Guotie is a popular dumpling variety that originated in the northern region of China. It is said that guotie first appeared in northern China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Originally, the dish was known as jiaozi, which are boiled dumplings. Over time, however, jiaozi were transformed into guotie, a deep-fried version of dumplings.
The filling of guotie usually consists of minced pork, Chinese cabbage, and other ingredients such as scallions, ginger, and sesame oil. There are many variations of guotie that are popular in different parts of China, such as shrimp guotie, vegetable guotie, beef guotie, and more.
3. Pastel de Nata, Portugal
Pastel de Nata is a popular egg custard tart typical of Portugal, often topped with cinnamon. The origins of Pastel de Nata can be traced back to the 18th century when it was first created by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in the parish of Santa Maria de Belem in Lisbon. Sometimes Pastel de Nata is also called Pastel de Belém, referring to a similar pastry made in a particular bakery.
The recipe for Pastel de Nata is basically quite simple, consisting of layers of puff pastry filled with an egg custard flavored with vanilla and cinnamon. There are many different variations of pastel de nata, some of which add a touch of additional flavors such as chocolate, coconut or fruit. Pastel de Nata is usually served warm and is often sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon before serving.
2. Crepes, France
Crepes are a popular French dish that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory forms. Crepes originated in France in the 13th century and are now popular around the world. In France, crepes are also traditionally served during the celebration of Candlemas (La Chandeleur), which falls on February 2 in the Christian calendar.
Crepes are made from a mixture of flour, milk or water, eggs, and a pinch of salt, without the use of leavening agents such as baking powder or soda. Crepes vary in flavor depending on the toppings and fillings used. Sweet crepes are often filled with Nutella, fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate, while savory crepes can be filled with ham, bacon, cheese, spinach, tomatoes, or other ingredients.
1. Siomay, Indonesia
Siomay is an Indonesian dish consisting of steamed fish served with eggs, potatoes, cabbage, tofu, and bitter melon. It is served with peanut sauce. The peanut sauce is an important element of Siomay Bandung and is used to enhance the flavor of the dish.
To complete the dish, a dash of sweet soy sauce and chili sauce is added, along with a squeeze of lime juice. The savory taste of the siomay, combined with the peanut sauce and the fresh taste of the lime, makes it a delicious delicacy. If you are in Indonesia, especially in West Java, you can easily find Siomay in various places.
