20 Top Street Foods Around The World (And Where To Find Them)

Street food is a delicious invitation into the heart of a culture. Across the globe, these vibrant bites tell stories of tradition, community, and flavor. Here are 20 must-try street foods and where to find them.

1. Tacos al Pastor – Mexico City, Mexico

Imagine the tantalizing aroma of marinated pork, sizzling as it’s shaved off a vertical spit. Tacos al Pastor are a beloved icon in Mexico City, where late-night taquerías fill with laughter and the scent of spices. These tacos are tucked into tiny corn tortillas, topped with a slice of juicy pineapple, fresh onion, and cilantro.

Each bite offers a burst of flavor, balancing sweet, savory, and spicy. You’ll find these at vibrant street stands across neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Centro Histórico. Whether afternoon or midnight, they promise a taste of Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.

2. Bánh Mì – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Bánh Mì is the perfect marriage of French and Vietnamese cuisine. Picture a crispy, airy baguette, filled to the brim with rich pâté, cold cuts or grilled meats, and crunchy pickled vegetables. This iconic sandwich is a symphony of textures and flavors, with chili and fresh herbs adding a vibrant kick.

Strolling through District 1 or District 3 in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll spot stacks of baguettes peeking from sidewalk carts. This street food favorite tells a story of history and innovation in each bite.

3. Pad Thai – Bangkok, Thailand

In the lively streets of Bangkok, the sound of sizzling woks and the aroma of tamarind sauce signal the presence of Pad Thai. This beloved dish features rice noodles stir-fried with egg, tofu or shrimp, and a medley of flavors including bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime.

Night markets, such as those in Yaowarat and Khao San Road, are bustling hubs where locals and tourists alike savor this quintessential Thai classic. Each serving invites a dance of sweet, sour, and savory tastes that define Bangkok’s culinary spirit.

4. Currywurst – Berlin, Germany

Currywurst, a cherished Berlin creation, is a testament to the city’s innovative street food scene. Picture a griddled sausage, chopped into delightful coins and generously doused in curry-spiked ketchup. Served alongside is a heap of golden fries, perfect for dipping.

Kiosks and Imbiss stands across Berlin offer this flavorful snack, especially at bustling train stations and corners. Currywurst is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural phenomenon that captures the heart and taste buds of Berliners and visitors alike.

5. Jerk Chicken – Kingston, Jamaica

Jerk Chicken is the soul of Jamaica, with its smoky, spicy allure capturing hearts worldwide. Marinated in a blend of Scotch bonnet and allspice, the chicken is slow-grilled until tender, with a slightly charred finish.

Roadside stands and drum smokers in Kingston, and along the route to Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, are where this flavorful dish thrives. Each piece tells a story of tradition, community, and the vibrant spirit of Jamaica’s culinary landscape.

6. Arepas – Bogotá, Colombia

In the heart of Bogotá, the comforting aroma of freshly griddled arepas fills the air. These corn cakes, crispy on the outside, are split and filled with delights such as cheese, meats, or eggs.

Street carts and small stalls, especially near bustling plazas and university areas, offer these versatile treats. Arepas are a celebration of Colombia’s rich culinary traditions, embodying warmth and community in every bite.

7. Poutine – Montreal, Canada

Poutine is Canada’s comfort food masterpiece, a dish that brings together the perfect trifecta of crispy fries, cheese curds, and savory gravy. In Montreal, this hearty delight turns into a melty, indulgent feast that locals and visitors can’t resist.

Late-night counters, snack bars, and poutineries around central Montreal, particularly in the Plateau, are where this iconic dish shines. Poutine is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth and indulgence.

8. Vada Pav – Mumbai, India

Vada Pav, often called Mumbai’s burger, is a spicy, savory delight. A mashed-potato fritter, seasoned and fried to golden perfection, is tucked into a soft bun with a variety of chutneys and a dash of green chili.

On busy street corners and near train stations across Mumbai, you’ll find vendors with trays of these golden fritters. Vada Pav is a flavorful testament to Mumbai’s vibrant street food culture, offering a spicy, comforting bite of the city.

9. Takoyaki – Osaka, Japan

Takoyaki, a delightful Osaka specialty, are crispy, custardy balls of batter filled with tender octopus. Watching them being skillfully turned on a special grill is as entertaining as eating them. Topped with sauce, mayo, bonito flakes, and seaweed, they offer a unique flavor journey.

Street stalls in entertainment districts like Dotonbori are where this ubiquitous snack thrives, adding to Osaka’s reputation as Japan’s culinary capital. Takoyaki is a playful, flavorful experience that captures the essence of the city.

10. Falafel in Pita – Tel Aviv, Israel

Falafel in Pita is Tel Aviv’s beloved street food, a crunchy, flavorful bite that draws crowds to its simple perfection. Chickpea fritters are freshly fried and stuffed into a warm pita, accompanied by vibrant salads, pickles, and a generous drizzle of tahini.

Wandering the bustling streets and markets of Tel Aviv, you’ll find countless stands offering this vegetarian delight. Falafel is more than just a snack; it’s a staple that embodies the diverse flavors and lively spirit of Israel.

11. Souvlaki / Gyros – Athens, Greece

Souvlaki and Gyros are Athens’ gifts to the street food world, each bite a savory celebration of Greek flavors. Char-grilled skewers or sliced spit-roasted meat are wrapped in soft pita, with fresh tomato, onion, fries, and creamy tzatziki.

In central Athens, especially near Monastiraki and Syntagma, gyro and souvlaki shops are bustling with locals and tourists alike. These flavorful wraps offer a taste of Greece’s rich culinary heritage, in a handheld feast.

12. Churros con Chocolate – Madrid, Spain

Churros con Chocolate is a Madrid tradition, a sweet indulgence that warms the soul. Freshly fried dough sticks, dusted with sugar, are served with a cup of thick, hot chocolate for dipping.

Churrerías and cafés around central Madrid, especially near the old town and main plazas, offer this delightful treat. Whether for breakfast or dessert, churros con chocolate is a cherished ritual that captures the heart of Spanish cuisine.

13. Empanadas – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Empanadas are Argentina’s portable, flavorful delight, each hand pie packed with tradition and taste. With crimped edges, they’re typically filled with beef, chicken, ham, cheese, or spinach, making them versatile and satisfying.

Empanada bakeries and hole-in-the-wall counters across Buenos Aires invite you to grab a mixed dozen and explore the variety. These savory pastries are more than just a snack; they’re a taste of Argentina’s culinary artistry.

14. Kebabs / Döner – Istanbul, Türkiye

Döner Kebabs are a flavorful cornerstone of Istanbul’s vibrant street food culture. Layers of spiced meat are carved from a vertical spit and stuffed into flatbread with a fresh mix of salad and sauces.

Döner and kebab stands are found on busy streets, ferry terminals, and markets across Istanbul’s European and Asian sides. Each bite is a savory journey, embodying the rich culinary traditions and welcoming spirit of Türkiye.

15. Xi’an-Style Roujiamo – Xi’an, China

Roujiamo, often dubbed the “Chinese hamburger,” is a flavorful street food gem from Xi’an. Tender, braised meat, often lamb or pork, is finely chopped and stuffed into a crisp, chewy flatbread.

In Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter and surrounding markets, street stalls serve these aromatic sandwiches, offering a taste of ancient culinary traditions. Roujiamo is a delightful blend of texture and flavor, showcasing the region’s rich history.

16. Hot Dog with “The Works” – New York City, USA

Hot Dogs with “The Works” are an iconic taste of New York City, found at bustling street carts across the city. A snappy hot dog is nestled in a soft bun, topped with mustard, onions in sauce, and sauerkraut, or whatever the cart is famous for.

From Midtown to Downtown, pushcarts near parks and busy corners serve this quintessential New York experience. These hot dogs are more than a meal; they’re a slice of the city’s vibrant street life.

17. Tostadas and Ceviche – Tijuana, Mexico

Tostadas and Ceviche in Tijuana are a coastal delight, offering fresh seafood atop crisp tortillas. Shrimp, fish, or mixed ceviche is crowned with salsa, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime, creating a refreshing and vibrant bite.

Street seafood stands and small marisquerías throughout Tijuana, especially near the markets, serve these delicious treats. Each tostada is a celebration of the region’s bounty and culinary creativity.

18. Bunny Chow – Durban, South Africa

Bunny Chow is a Durban street food classic, a spicy curry served in hollowed-out bread. Originally created for workers needing a quick, hearty meal, it usually features mutton, chicken, or beans.

Takeaway curry shops and canteens around Durban’s city center and Indian neighborhoods are the places to explore this flavorful dish. Bunny Chow is a unique fusion of cultures, reflecting South Africa’s diverse and vibrant culinary landscape.

19. Sausage Sizzle – Sydney, Australia

Sausage Sizzle is an Australian tradition, a simple yet satisfying bite that often graces community fundraisers and local events. A grilled sausage is nestled in sliced white bread, topped with onions and your choice of sauce.

From hardware-store parking lots on weekends to local gatherings, this affordable snack is a beloved part of Sydney’s culinary scene. Sausage Sizzle is more than just a meal; it’s a slice of Aussie hospitality and community spirit.

20. Pastéis de Nata – Lisbon, Portugal

Pastéis de Nata are Lisbon’s sweet treasure, custard tarts with a perfect balance of flaky crust and creamy filling. Their caramelized tops, dusted with cinnamon and sugar, add a delightful touch to this iconic treat.

Bakeries and pastry shops all over Lisbon display trays of these golden delights, inviting you in for a taste. Pastéis de Nata are more than dessert; they’re a symbol of Portugal’s rich pastry tradition.