I found this article, the ‘Top Traditional Street Foods around the World That Every Foodie Needs to Try’ from ‘What’s On Paris’. The author of the article writes that street food is a great way to experience a country’s culture and flavours, is affordable, delicious and has been popular world-wide for many years.

From spicy treats to sweet dishes from around Europe and Latin America, street foods from every country have unique and rich qualities tied to their history and available produce locally available to the local citizens. They even said that some of the world’s most famous street foods are their own special experience, a tour through a land’s history and cuisine which should never be missed.

The 13 best street foods from all over the world are:

Tacos – Mexico

The dish can be served in many forms, with a variety of meats, cheeses, and fillings. Usually placed within soft corn or wheat tortillas, and usually covered in fresh salsa, onions, cilantro and lemon to make an enjoyable sweet, savoury, tart, and spicy combination.

Pad Thai – Thailand

A mix of savory, sweet, sour dish not to be missed, that locals cook instantly so that each plate served is piping hot. They contain noodles made from rice and are mixed with eggs, tofu, shrimp, peanuts and bean sprouts which makes it very savory and tasty and have a mixture of textures within the dish.

Hot Dogs – USA

A very popular, classic American street food can be bought on almost every street cart available across the U.S, but are more famously bought at sports games and other social events. Most commonly topped with mustard, ketchup, onion and cheese but can be served with other sauces such as chilli sauce.

Crepes – France

Thin French pancakes that can be made either sweet or savory. Sold at a market on site, sweet versions come with chocolate sauce, bananas or strawberries. Alternatively, they can be sold with ham, egg, cheese or mushrooms. Great light snacks or sweet treats.

Takoyaki – Japan

These round spheres made from wheat-flour batter and contain a lump of octopus are a popular Japanese snack that can be purchased from street stalls. They are usually covered with a topping of takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, dried fish flakes and green laver to give a crunchy and soft texture inside with the smoky flavor of fish. The most common type is during Japanese festivals.

Arepas – Venezuela and Colombia

Sweet and savory corn cakes that are grilled, baked, or fried and served with a topping such as meat or chicken mixed with vegetables, or meat and beans mixed with cheese, or just avocado; they can be enjoyed at any time of day and are fairly filling.

Dner Kebab – Turkey

A dish said to be the most famous street food delicacy throughout the world. Meat is seasoned and roasted on vertical spits before being shaved off and served on a wrap or flat-bread with salad and a sauce. It can be served in a variety of different meats such as chicken or beef.

Churros – Spain

A sweet, Spanish fried dough pastry that is often covered in sugar, and can be enjoyed on its own or with a dipping sauce of hot chocolate. They can be found on most street stalls and make a perfect tasty sweet treat.

Banh Mi – Vietnam

French-influenced sandwiches that are cheap, tasty and made using a French baguette that contain vegetables, meat and fresh herbs. They can be spread with butter or mayonnaise and covered with chilli sauce, they can also be made into a more vegetarian dish by removing the meat.

Falafel – Middle East

Made from ground chickpeas and fava beans, Falafel is a tasty snack which can be purchased at almost any street stall. They are most commonly served inside pita bread and have a mix of salad and a sauce called Tahini or if sold on a plate, covered with the salad and Tahini sauce.

Poutine – Canada

This delicious dish can be summed up as fries topped with cheese curds and a savory gravy, making you feel full and satisfied on any trip, especially when eating it in Canadian winter.

Satay – Indonesia

Meat on sticks covered in a tasty peanut sauce. Chicken, beef, lamb and even fish can be grilled for the Satay which can be very addictive with the sweet creaminess of the peanut sauce and smoky meat which you will have to give a try when visiting Indonesia.

Napoletana – Italy

A thin, traditional pizza covered with ingredients and served in slices in rectangular shapes over a bed of dough, it is served very hot and it is considered a typical Italian street food to eat with or without sauce.

Why street food is so good to experience:

• It’s cheap.
• The food is freshly made.
• It gives you local, unique tastes.
• You experience a new culture through its food.

Street food travel advice:

• Be alert when experiencing the new delicacy and observe how many locals are purchasing it.
• Keep an eye on how the dish you wish to eat is being cooked to insure it is safe.
• Always buy sealed bottle water.

Conclusion

Examples of classic street food from around the world exemplify the characteristic taste, culture and originality of the different countries. Examples are Mexican tacos, Turkish doner kebab, Vietnamese banh mi and Japanese takoyaki, each having their own characteristic taste due to the tradition and culinary skill from each country.

The discovery of street food excites the ‘foodie’ and makes people curious and eager to experience the different taste and the unique culture in whichever country one finds them. Street food whether in foreign countries or one’s homeland, never fails to offer a satisfying culinary experience and social outing that can’t be forgotten.