You Can Find The Tastiest Street Food in These Countries

Everyone keeps talking about the best restaurants for fine dining across the world but they are always forgetting street food. The love for street food is probably the only characteristic that we as humans share, so why not just admit it?

If you are planning a street food journey across the globe, here are the cuisines you just have to try.

Vietnamese Street Food

The late Anthony Bourdain simply loved Vietnamese food and rightfully so. In Vietnam, besides lovely people, you can find street food that will make you lick your fingers and come back for a second and third serving.

Must-Try Dishes

1. Pho: This iconic Vietnamese soup is made from chewy rice noodles served in a flavorful beef or chicken broth, topped with fresh herbs and lime. It’s a staple that you’ll find everywhere, from street stalls to fine dining restaurants.
2. Banh Mi: A perfect blend of French and Vietnamese cuisine, the Banh Mi is a crispy baguette filled with meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. If you ask us, it is the ultimate (Vietnamese) sandwich.
3. Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls): These fresh spring rolls are made with shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, and vermicelli noodles, wrapped in rice paper, and served with a savory dipping sauce.
4. Egg Coffee: A Hanoi specialty, this unique drink is made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and coffee, creating a rich, creamy topping over hot coffee​.

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So what about desserts? Vietnamese sweet soups, or chè, are popular street desserts. Chè can be made with a variety of ingredients, including beans, fruit, tapioca, and coconut milk. Served either hot or cold, chè is a delightful way to end a street food meal in Vietnam.

Top Street Food Spots

1. Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City): This market is a food lover’s paradise. It offers a wide range of street food options from grilled meats to fresh seafood.
2. Hanoi Old Quarter (Hanoi): Known for its narrow streets and vibrant atmosphere, the Old Quarter is the best place to sample traditional Vietnamese street food like Pho and Banh Mi​.

Italy

Italy is renowned for its wine and fine dining, but let’s not forget the incredible street food that fills its streets and markets. Italian street food offers a delightful blend of flavors and regional specialties, as well as traditional recipes passed down through generations.

Must-Try Dishes

1. Panini: Italy’s famous sandwiches, known for their variety and freshness; a typical panini might include ingredients like prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, all pressed in a crunchy baguette. It’s a portable, delicious meal perfect for any time of the day.
2. Arancini: These Sicilian rice balls are filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, then coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. They’re a favorite snack across Italy, especially in Sicily​​.
3. Supplì: Rome’s answer to arancini, these are rice croquettes typically stuffed with mozzarella and tomato sauce. Supplì are a must-try when wandering through the streets of Rome​​.
4. Piadina: A flatbread from Emilia-Romagna, the piadina is folded and filled with a variety of ingredients such as prosciutto, cheese, and arugula. It’s a versatile and satisfying option for a quick bite​.
5. Porchetta: Originating from central Italy, porchetta is a savory, fatty, and moist boneless pork roast. Typically seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and other herbs, it’s served in a sandwich or on its own at food markets and festivals​ ​.
6. Gelato: No Italian street food experience is complete without gelato. This creamy, rich ice cream comes in countless flavors, from classic chocolate and vanilla to more adventurous options like pistachio and stracciatella​.

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Top Street Food Spots

1. Mercato di Testaccio (Rome): This market is a hub for traditional Roman street food, offering everything from supplì to panini. A popular spot is Mordi e Vai, known for its hearty sandwiches filled with local specialties​ ​.
2. Palermo Street Food Market (Sicily): This market is famous for its arancini and other Sicilian delights like sfincione (a type of thick pizza) and panelle (chickpea fritters)​ ​.
3. Rialto Market (Venice): Known for its fresh seafood and cicchetti (small snacks or side dishes), this market is a must-visit for anyone looking to sample Venetian street food​.

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Mexico 

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When you think of Mexico, your mind might immediately picture images of sun-drenched beaches, festivals, and lively markets. But for the foodies, Mexico’s charm lies in its streets filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling meats and freshly made tortillas. 

Here are the must-try street foods that will make your Mexican culinary journey unforgettable:

Must-Try Dishes

1. Tacos al Pastor: Perhaps the most iconic of all Mexican street foods, these tacos get their flavor from the marinated pork. And it is a treat to watch them cook as the street chefs put them on the vertical spit. They are usually served with pineapple, onions, and cilantro for a perfect blend of savory and sweet​.
2. Elote (Grilled Corn): Street vendors serve grilled corn on the cob, slathered with mayonnaise, cheese, chili, and green lime. It’s a popular and delicious snack that you can find in many parts of Mexico and worth checking out​.
3. Tamales: Made from masa (corn dough) and filled with meats, cheeses, or chilies, tamales are wrapped in corn husks and steamed. They are a staple of Mexican cuisine, enjoyed during festivals and everyday life​​.
4. Churros: These deep-fried dough sticks are rolled in cinnamon sugar and often served with a side of chocolate for dipping. They are a sweet treat found at many street stalls across Mexico​​.

Top Street Food Spots

1. Mercado de Coyoacán (Mexico City): This market is famous for its diverse food offerings, including tacos, tamales, and churros. It’s a vibrant place to experience the best of Mexican street food​​.

2. Mercado 20 de Noviembre (Oaxaca): Known for its rich culinary heritage, Oaxaca offers a variety of street foods like tlayudas (large, crispy tortillas topped with beans, meat, and cheese) and mole dishes​​.

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India: A Street Food Extravaganza

India’s street food is as diverse as its culture.  From the streets of Delhi to the coastal lanes of Mumbai, Indian street food is a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

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Must-Try Dishes

1. Chaat: A popular street food, especially in North India, chaat includes a variety of snacks like pani puri, bhel puri, and aloo tikki. These dishes are known for their tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors​​.
2. Vada Pav: Often referred to as the Indian burger, vada pav is made of a potato fritter sandwiched (be careful they have a kick) in bread roll, served with chutneys and fried green chili. It’s a staple street food in Mumbai​​.
3. Pani Puri: Hollow, crispy puris filled with spicy tamarind water, chickpeas, and potatoes. This dish is a favorite across India and is known for its burst of flavors in every bite​ ​.
4. Dosa: A South Indian specialty, dosa is a thin, crispy pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often served with sambar (lentil soup) and chutneys​​.

Top Street Food Spots

1. Chandni Chowk (Delhi): One of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi, Chandni Chowk is a haven for street food lovers, offering everything from chaat to kebabs​​.
2. Juhu Beach (Mumbai): Famous for its street food stalls, Juhu Beach is the place to try Mumbai’s specialties like vada pav and pav bhaji (spicy vegetable mash served with bread​).

Greek

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Greece is famous for its ancient history, beautiful islands, and incredible cuisine. Greek street food offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, showcasing the country’s rich culinary traditions. From bustling Athens to the picturesque streets of Thessaloniki, Greek street food is a must-try for any food lover.

Must-Try Dishes

1. Souvlaki: Perhaps the most iconic Greek street food, souvlaki consists of skewered and grilled pieces of meat, typically served in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. It’s a perfect combination of smoky, juicy meat and fresh, tangy toppings​​.
2. Gyros: Similar to souvlaki, gyros are made from meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is shaved off and served in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki, and sometimes fries. It’s a delicious and filling street food staple​.
3. Spanakopita: This savory pie is made with layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs. It’s a popular snack or light meal, available at many street food stalls and bakeries across Greece​ ​.
4. Loukoumades: These Greek doughnuts are small balls of dough, fried until crispy, then drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon and nuts. They are a sweet treat enjoyed by locals and tourists alike​​.
5. Koulouri: A traditional breakfast item, koulouri is a sesame-seed-coated bread ring, similar to a bagel. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go​​.

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Top Street Food Spots

1. Monastiraki Square (Athens): A bustling area known for its vibrant street food scene, offering everything from souvlaki to koulouri. It’s a great place to start your Greek street food adventure​ ​.

Thessaloniki Waterfront: Famous for its koulouri and seafood, the waterfront area in Thessaloniki is perfect for enjoying delicious street food with a view​.