Tacos, kebabs, and steamed buns—what do all of these foods have in common? They’re all super popular street foods that taste like heaven! Fortunately for our taste buds, every nation in the world has its own famous street foods people enjoy daily. These special foods have spread worldwide, becoming a signature dish representing their country.
There are too many worthy contestants to list, so we’ve narrowed our selection to 20 must-try street foods from around the world! Have you tried any of these mouth-watering foods yet? Which one are you looking forward to tasting the most? Let’s go on a journey of flavors!
Tacos, Mexico
Do you know how some street foods are hard to come by? Good luck finding a place that doesn’t serve Mexico’s iconic tacos!
This popular Mexican food gem now comes in many variations. It consists of wheat or corn tortillas that are folded and filled with any meat, along with must-have ingredients like guacamole, vegetables, and salsa.
Tteokbokki, South Korea
Originating in South Korea, spicy rice cakes known as tteokbokki have become a staple in the local street food scene. Typically cooked in a spicy sauce, this simple yet delicious snack is perfect for those who can handle some heat.
Don’t miss these next time you’re in Korea sightseeing or listening to your favorite K-pop band!
Koshari, Egypt
No street treat speaks ‘Egypt’ better than the country’s national dish and widely-adored street food, koshari. Made of rice, pasta, chickpeas, and lentils, this unusual food mix is topped with fried onions and tasty tomato sauce with cumin to create a masterpiece that even you couldn’t resist.
Barbecued Snags, Australia
When traveling in Australia, you’ll find thick barbecued sausages made of all kinds of meat, such as duck, pork, beef, chicken, and lamb. These culinary treats are often filled with gourmet stuffing made of cheese and spices.
When you’ve heard of an Aussie party without this beloved snack, let us know!
Bunny Chow, South Africa
First of all, don’t worry; no bunnies are harmed while making bunny chow.
This delicious street snack with ties to India has become one of South Africa’s most enjoyed foods after taking over the streets of Durban. Bunny chow is made of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a curry.
Halo-Halo, Philippines
The strangest dessert is halo-halo, a Filipino dessert that translates into “mix-mix.” The reason for that? Everything from jellies, flan, sweet beans, fruits, and ice cream to coconut flakes and corn is mixed together in one glass before drizzling with sweetened condensed milk.
While halo-halo isn’t your usual summertime dessert, it grows on you fast once you get used to the rich flavors!
Ramen, Japan
Another dish that has become known worldwide is ramen, a Japanese adaptation of Chinese noodle soup.
From noodles and boiled eggs to sliced pork with scallion toppings, this warm, soupy dish is perfect for those always on the go.
Pierogi, Poland
Filled dumplings known as pierogi are a staple street food in Poland and have ties to countless variations not only in Poland but also across other countries in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe.
The dumplings consist of unflavored dough wrapped around a filling typically made of mashed potatoes, cheese, and sometimes vegetables and minced meat. The best part? They’re fried in butter and garnished with a sweet or savory drizzle.
Poutine, Canada
This classic Canadian dish, which consists of French fries and cheese curds drizzled with brown gravy, emerged in Quebec in the late 1950s.
Though commonly served as street food, poutine has gained popularity over the years and is now on the menus of some of the finest restaurants in the country.
Arancini, Italy
Looking for an authentic Italian street food? Look no further!
Arancini are deep-fried rice balls filled with sticky cheese and authentic Bolognese sauce. Their soft interior and crunchy exterior perfectly balance as they melt in your mouth. What more needs to be said?
Fish And Chips, UK
Originating in England, fish and chips remains one of the nation’s top-selling dishes. It is found in restaurants and street food stands alike and consists of deep-fried, batter-coated fish and potato chips.
The dish has spread through commonwealth nations like New Zealand and Australia. It can also be found in many places across the United States.
Crêpe, France
France is well-known for its crispy croissants, romantic cities, and smooth wine. But it has a lot more to offer, too!
On the list of top French street foods are crêpes, a sweet or savory snack that resembles a thin pancake filled with stuffings ranging from fruits and vegetables to cheese, meats, and various spreads.
Döner Kebab, Turkey
If you haven’t tried a proper döner kebab, you’re doing your taste buds a great disservice.
This beloved dish of Turkish origin has taken over the world. It is made of sliced meat roasted on a vertical rotisserie. The dish is typically served in a pita or wrapped flatbread with various veggies and a garlic-flavored yogurt sauce.
Choripán, Argentina
Choripán combines chorizo, which means sausage, with pan, which means bread. The sandwich-like dish is very popular in Argentina and common all over South America.
Crusty bread and juicy sausages are reason enough to plan your next trip carefully!
Brik, Tunisia
Have you ever heard of brik? If not, it’s about time you do.
This Tunisian street food is commonly sold by street vendors around the country and is made of fried dough filled with meat and vegetables. The dish has countless regional variations that developed through time.
Chichinga, Ghana
Chichingas, or Ghanaian chicken kebabs, are a great way to fill your stomach. The special thing about these barbecue sticks is the spicy, peanut-based marinade that chicken is soaked in before it is grilled for your enjoyment.
Guay Teow, Thailand
Guay Teow is a traditional Thai dish and one of the world’s most famous soups. It consists of noodles, soup, and a choice of meat, ranging from pork to chicken to beef. Fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, or chili flakes are often added to enhance the flavors of guay teow.
Baozi, China
Baozi, or bao for short, are filled, steam-cooked buns that have remained a staple food in all Chinese cuisines for centuries after their invention in the third century.
The bao comes in thousands of variations, with many possible fillings and preparation methods, allowing for creativity in cooking.
Aloo Tikki, India
Served all across the Indian subcontinent, aloo tikki is a delicious croquette made of boiled potatoes, peas, and a variety of spices, such as curry, that give the dish its signature flavor.
This snack is commonly enjoyed in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Pulled Pork, USA
We all know that the U.S. is famous for street foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, and pizzas. This is why we wanted to present something a bit different this time.
If you are in the States, you will likely find a vendor offering BBQ pulled pork. In that case, stop, place your order, and enjoy!