For passionate travelers, one of the most exciting ways to discover a new place is through its street food. These quick, flavorful, and affordable dishes often reflect centuries of tradition and local taste—and they’re often better than anything you’ll find in a restaurant. Whether you’re craving spice, something sweet, or a savory snack on the go, the streets of the world are lined with culinary treasures waiting to be devoured.
If you travel with your taste buds leading the way, here are some of the best street foods around the world you simply can’t miss.
1. Tacos – Mexico City, Mexico
Tacos are more than just a meal in Mexico—they’re a way of life. On nearly every street corner in Mexico City, you’ll find a taquero slicing meat, warming tortillas, and assembling bite-sized flavor bombs that represent the heart of Mexican cuisine.
Must-try variations:
- Tacos al pastor: Marinated pork shaved from a spit, topped with pineapple, cilantro, and onion.
- Tacos de suadero: Juicy, slow-cooked beef.
- Tacos de carnitas: Slow-cooked pork, often served with pickled vegetables.
Local tip: Head to the bustling Mercado de Coyoacán or Taquería Los Cocuyos in the historic center for unforgettable tacos.
2. Banh Mi – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam’s answer to the perfect sandwich, banh mi blends French colonial influence with Vietnamese ingredients. Served in a crusty baguette, it’s loaded with savory meats, pickled veggies, herbs, and spicy condiments.
Common fillings:
- Grilled pork, pate, cold cuts, or fried eggs.
- Garnished with cilantro, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, and chili sauce.
Local tip: Visit a stall like Banh Mi Huynh Hoa—often hailed as the best in Saigon—for a hearty, flavor-packed bite.
3. Pad Thai – Bangkok, Thailand
One of Thailand’s most iconic dishes, pad Thai is a staple of Bangkok’s vibrant street food scene. Stir-fried rice noodles, tamarind sauce, egg, tofu or shrimp, and crushed peanuts come together in a perfect sweet-sour balance.
Best spots to try:
- Thip Samai near the Old City is legendary.
- Street carts around Sukhumvit and Khao San Road offer cheap and authentic versions.
Pro tip: Ask for extra lime and chili flakes to dial in your personal flavor profile.
4. Arepas – Bogotá, Colombia
Arepas are thick, corn-based patties that are a cornerstone of Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, they’re stuffed or topped with a range of fillings.
Popular versions:
- Arepa con queso: Stuffed with gooey cheese.
- Arepa de huevo: Deep-fried and filled with egg and meat.
- Arepa rellena: Packed with shredded beef, chicken, or beans.
Where to go: Try roadside stalls or local markets like Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao in Bogotá.
5. Falafel & Shawarma – Beirut, Lebanon
Falafel and shawarma are street food royalty in Beirut. You’ll find them served in warm pita bread with garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables—an explosion of textures and flavors.
What’s the difference?
- Falafel: Crispy chickpea or fava bean patties, fried and fragrant.
- Shawarma: Thinly sliced spiced meat, slow-roasted on a vertical spit.
Where to try it: Grab a bite from Boubouffe in Achrafieh or a late-night shawarma from one of Beirut’s countless street vendors.
6. Currywurst – Berlin, Germany
A comfort food icon in Germany, currywurst is a no-fuss, satisfying snack found all over Berlin. It consists of steamed then fried pork sausage, chopped and topped with curry ketchup and curry powder.
Where to try it:
- Curry 36 and Konnopke’s Imbiss are cult-favorite currywurst stands.
- Best enjoyed with a side of fries and a cold beer.
Local insight: It’s especially popular as a late-night snack after clubbing or concerts.
7. Churros – Madrid, Spain
Though often associated with dessert, churros are a beloved street food snack in Spain, especially when dipped in rich hot chocolate. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these fried dough sticks are a sweet treat at any time of day.
Try it here:
- Chocolatería San Ginés in Madrid is legendary for churros con chocolate.
- Street carts and cafes across Spain serve them fresh, especially in the mornings.
8. Jollof Rice & Suya – Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria’s vibrant street food culture is full of bold flavors. Jollof rice is a staple: spicy, tomato-based rice often served with fried plantains or grilled meats. Suya, on the other hand, is skewered beef coated in spicy peanut mix and grilled over open flames.
Where to eat:
- Suya stands are everywhere in Lagos—look for the smoke and sizzling skewers.
- Try University of Suya in Ikeja for one of the best-known spots.
Pro tip: Ask for extra onions and spicy pepper for the real Lagos flavor.
9. Takoyaki – Osaka, Japan
In Japan’s “kitchen city” of Osaka, takoyaki is the king of street snacks. These savory octopus balls are made from a batter cooked in special round molds, then topped with sweet soy sauce, mayo, seaweed, and bonito flakes.
Best places to try:
- Dotonbori is lined with takoyaki vendors.
- Takoyaki Juhachiban and Creo-Ru are local favorites.
Watch for: The mesmerizing way vendors flip the batter balls with chopsticks until they’re perfectly golden.
10. Poutine – Montreal, Canada
A deliciously messy comfort food, poutine is made with fries, fresh cheese curds, and brown gravy. It’s a Quebecois specialty that’s beloved across Canada.
Where to go:
- La Banquise in Montreal offers a menu full of creative poutine variations.
- Street carts and late-night diners also serve up this gooey, satisfying dish.
Final Thoughts
Street food is more than just quick eats—it’s a connection to local culture, tradition, and identity. These dishes reflect the heartbeat of a city, where chefs serve food from recipes passed down through generations or innovated on the fly. So skip the tourist traps, follow the locals, and dive mouth-first into the best food the streets have to offer. Your taste buds—and your Instagram—will thank you.
