20 Best Street Foods from Around the World
WORLD CUISINES
Street food isn’t just cheap and delicious—it’s a cultural experience. Whether you’re wandering through a bustling night market in Asia or grabbing a quick bite from a vendor in South America, street food offers authentic, flavor-packed dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Here are 20 of the best street foods from around the world that you have to try!
1. Tacos al Pastor – Mexico
These marinated pork tacos are cooked on a rotating spit, sliced onto soft tortillas, and topped with pineapple, cilantro, onions, and salsa. A perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
2. Bánh Mì – Vietnam
A Vietnamese sandwich made with a crispy French baguette filled with pâté, pickled vegetables, herbs, and grilled meat or tofu. The fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors makes it one of the best sandwiches on Earth.
3. Samosas – India
These crispy, deep-fried pastries are stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. Served with chutney, they’re a flavorful and satisfying snack.
4. Arepas – Colombia & Venezuela
Thick, grilled corn cakes that are split and filled with cheese, shredded beef, black beans, or avocado. Arepas are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
5. Pad Thai – Thailand
This famous stir-fried noodle dish is made with rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, eggs, tofu, peanuts, and lime. The perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
6. Döner Kebab – Turkey & Germany
Thinly sliced spiced meat (usually lamb or chicken) cooked on a vertical spit, stuffed into a pita or flatbread, and topped with yogurt sauce, veggies, and chili sauce. Popular all over Europe!
7. Pani Puri – India
A fun and flavorful street food, these crispy, hollow balls (puri) are filled with spiced potatoes, chickpeas, tamarind chutney, and spicy mint water. A burst of flavors in every bite!
8. Takoyaki – Japan
Crispy octopus-filled batter balls topped with bonito flakes, seaweed, mayo, and takoyaki sauce. A must-try street food in Osaka!
9. Empanadas – Argentina & Latin America
Flaky pastries stuffed with savory fillings like beef, cheese, chicken, or veggies. Fried or baked, they’re perfect as a snack or meal.
10. Churros – Spain & Mexico
Deep-fried crispy dough sticks, coated in sugar and cinnamon, and often served with thick chocolate dipping sauce. Hot, crispy, and irresistible!
11. Gimbap – South Korea
Korea’s version of sushi rolls, made with rice, seaweed, vegetables, and meat or fish. A quick, portable snack that’s fresh and flavorful.
12. Jollof Rice – Nigeria & West Africa
A spicy, tomato-based rice dish often served with grilled chicken or fish. Each country has its own version, but Nigeria and Ghana are known for the best.
13. Hotteok – South Korea
A Korean street pancake, filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed nuts, then grilled until crispy outside and gooey inside. A sweet and warm winter treat!
14. Bunny Chow – South Africa
A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry, originally created by Indian immigrants in Durban. Messy, but absolutely delicious!
15. Bhel Puri – India
A crunchy, tangy snack made with puffed rice, crispy sev, potatoes, chutneys, and fresh herbs. One of India’s most popular chaat (street snacks).
16. Satay – Indonesia, Thailand & Malaysia
Grilled skewered meat (chicken, beef, or lamb) served with spicy peanut sauce. Perfectly smoky, tender, and bursting with flavor.
17. Poutine – Canada
A Quebec classic, made with crispy fries, cheese curds, and hot brown gravy. Rich, comforting, and a must-try in Canada.
18. Pretzels – Germany
A crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bread twist, often salted or buttered. A staple of German street markets, especially during Oktoberfest.
19. Pupusas – El Salvador
Thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, or pork, then griddled to crispy perfection. Served with tangy cabbage slaw and salsa.
20. Tamales – Mexico & Central America
A traditional dish of masa (corn dough) filled with meats, cheese, or chilies, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, and steamed to soft, pillowy perfection.
Which Street Food Will You Try First?
Street food is more than just a meal—it’s a way to experience culture through flavor. Which one of these have you tried? Let us know in the comments!