Street food is one of the best ways to experience a country’s culture and flavors. From spicy, savory delights to sweet, mouth-watering treats, street food vendors worldwide offer dishes that are both delicious and affordable. Whether you are a food lover or an adventurous traveler, here are some of the best street foods you must try at least once in your lifetime.
1. Tacos (Mexico)
Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine and one of the most famous street foods in the world. They are made with soft corn or flour tortillas filled with flavorful meats, fresh toppings, and zesty sauces.
Must-try varieties:
- Tacos al Pastor – Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, served with pineapple and onion.
- Carnitas – Slow-cooked pork, crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
- Birria Tacos – Spicy stewed beef tacos served with a rich dipping broth.
2. Pad Thai (Thailand)
Pad Thai is Thailand’s most famous stir-fried noodle dish, found at every street corner in Bangkok. It features rice noodles, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime tossed in a sweet-savory sauce.
Why you should try it: The perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors makes it irresistible.
3. Banh Mi (Vietnam)
A blend of French and Vietnamese influences, Banh Mi is a crispy baguette stuffed with pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, herbs, and spicy mayo. It’s one of the best sandwiches in the world, offering a crunchy, savory, and fresh bite in every bite.
Best places to try: Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi street vendors.
4. Arepas (Colombia & Venezuela)
Arepas are cornmeal cakes that are grilled, baked, or fried and filled with cheese, meat, or avocado. They are a staple in Colombia and Venezuela, served for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack.
Must-try fillings:
- Reina Pepiada – Chicken, avocado, and mayonnaise.
- Carne Mechada – Shredded beef with cheese.
5. Falafel (Middle East)
A popular Middle Eastern street food, falafels are crispy, deep-fried chickpea balls served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce.
Best served with: Hummus, pickles, and garlic sauce.
6. Pani Puri/Golgappa (India)
This addictive Indian snack consists of crispy, hollow puris filled with spicy tamarind water, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas. Each bite bursts with flavors of tangy, sweet, and spicy.
Regional variations:
- Pani Puri (Mumbai) – Spicy with tangy tamarind water.
- Golgappa (Delhi) – Slightly sweeter with thicker puris.
- Phuchka (Kolkata) – Made with tamarind and mashed potatoes.
7. Takoyaki (Japan)
Takoyaki are crispy, round octopus balls made from a wheat-based batter and topped with mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce, and bonito flakes.
Where to try: Osaka, the birthplace of Takoyaki.
8. Empanadas (Latin America & Spain)
Empanadas are pastries stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables, then fried or baked. Each country has its own version, with Argentina and Chile offering some of the best varieties.
Must-try types:
- Argentinian Beef Empanadas – Filled with minced meat, eggs, and olives.
- Cheese Empanadas (Chile) – A gooey, cheesy delight.
9. Hot Dog (USA & Germany)
A classic street food, hot dogs are grilled sausages served in a bun with toppings like mustard, ketchup, onions, and relish.
Best variations:
- New York-style – Mustard and sauerkraut.
- Chicago-style – Pickle, tomatoes, sport peppers, and celery salt.
- German Bratwurst – Grilled sausage in a crusty roll with mustard.
10. Döner Kebab (Turkey & Germany)
Originating in Turkey and made famous in Germany, döner kebab consists of spiced, slow-roasted meat sliced and served in pita bread with salad and garlic yogurt sauce.
Best served with: Spicy red sauce and pickled vegetables.
11. Churros (Spain & Latin America)
Churros are fried dough sticks coated in sugar and cinnamon, often served with hot chocolate or dulce de leche. They are a popular sweet snack found in Spain, Mexico, and South America.
Best places to try: Madrid, Mexico City, or Buenos Aires.
12. Gimbap (South Korea)
Often called “Korean sushi,” gimbap is a seaweed roll filled with rice, vegetables, egg, and meat or seafood. It’s a popular on-the-go snack in South Korea.
Best varieties:
- Tuna Mayo Gimbap – Filled with tuna and mayonnaise.
- Bulgogi Gimbap – Stuffed with marinated beef.
13. Jerk Chicken (Jamaica)
Jerk chicken is spicy, smoky, and flavorful—made by marinating chicken in a blend of spices and slow-grilling over pimento wood.
Best served with: Rice and peas.
14. Belgian Waffles (Belgium)
Belgian waffles are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and often topped with whipped cream, fruit, or chocolate.
Must-try versions:
- Brussels Waffle – Light and crispy, served with sugar or chocolate.
- Liege Waffle – Denser and sweeter with caramelized sugar.
15. Xiaolongbao (China)
Xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings, are delicate dumplings filled with flavorful broth and pork. A bite into one releases a burst of warm, savory soup.
Best places to try: Shanghai, at traditional dumpling houses.
Final Thoughts
Street food is an essential part of travel, offering authentic flavors and unique cultural experiences. Whether you prefer sweet, savory, spicy, or crunchy, there’s something on this list for every food lover.
