One of the quickest โ and most delicious โ ways to understand a country is through your stomach. Street food isnโt just food. Itโs a story on a plate (or a stick, or a banana leaf). Itโs where locals grab breakfast on the go, where families share a snack, and where travelers get their first real taste of a culture.
The best part? Itโs often affordable, easy to find, and full of flavor. Whether you’re the kind of traveler who plans every meal or someone who follows the scent of grilled meat through a busy alley, this guide is for you.
Weโve rounded up 18 countries with the BEST street food. So grab a napkin (and your passport), because things are about to get tasty.
18 Countries With the BEST Street Food
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
1. Thailand
Feast on pad thai, grilled meats, and mango sticky rice in Bangkokโs famous night markets. Try a bowl of boat noodles for lunch, and end your evening with banana roti or coconut ice cream in a fresh coconut shell.
Where to go: Yaowarat Road (Chinatown), Chatuchak Weekend Market, or just about any corner.
2. Mexico
Street food is life in Mexico. From tacos to tamales, elotes to esquites, the flavors are big, bold, and everywhere. Donโt miss quesadillas with squash blossoms or tacos de canasta (basket tacos).
Where to go: Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Guadalajara
3. Vietnam
The streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are full of sizzling pans, bubbling broths, and crispy banh xeo. Grab a stool and enjoy pho, bun cha, fresh spring rolls, or an iced egg coffee.
Where to go: Old Quarter in Hanoi, Ben Thanh Market in HCMC
4. India
Sweet, spicy, sour, crunchyโIndian street food hits every craving. Try chaat, dosas, samosas, and pani puri. And donโt forget a cup of chai made fresh on the street.
Where to go: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and pretty much anywhere with a crowd around a cart.
5. Japan
Itโs not just sushi. Japanโs street food is warm, fun, and full of umami. Try takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and skewers of yakitori.
Where to go: Osakaโs Dotonbori, Tokyoโs food alleys and depachika (underground food halls)
6. Turkey
In Istanbul, youโll smell simit (sesame bread rings), lamb skewers, and roasted chestnuts on every block. Try lahmacun (Turkish pizza) or grab a balik ekmek (fish sandwich) near the Bosphorus.
Where to go: Eminรถnรผ Square, local ferry stations, Istiklal Avenue
7. South Korea
Street food here is fiery, fun, and often deep-fried. Donโt miss tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), or gimbap (Korean sushi rolls).
Where to go: Seoulโs Myeongdong Market, Hongdae, and university neighborhoods
8. Peru
Street food in Lima is simple, fresh, and full of Andean-meets-coastal flavor. Try anticuchos (grilled heart skewers), picarones (sweet donuts), and ceviche served with sweet potato and corn.
Where to go: Miraflores, Surquillo Market, and Parque Kennedy
9. Morocco
Youโll smell Marrakechโs food before you see it. Try tagine cooked over charcoal, lentil harira soup, msemen (pan-fried bread), and snail soup if youโre brave.
Where to go: Jemaa el-Fnaa square, night markets, and roadside grills
10. Indonesia
Indonesiaโs street eats are deeply spiced and endlessly satisfying. Donโt miss nasi goreng (fried rice), bakso (meatball soup), or grilled satay with peanut sauce.
Where to go: Yogyakarta, Bali (especially local night markets)
11. Taiwan
Taiwanese night markets are packed with smells, lights, and people. Try stinky tofu if you dare, or go for fan favorites like oyster omelets, popcorn chicken, and bubble tea.
Where to go: Taipeiโs Shilin and Raohe Night Markets
12. China
Chinaโs street food varies by region โ but itโs all delicious. Try roujiamo (meat-stuffed flatbread), jianbing (savory breakfast crepes), dumplings, and skewers dripping with chili oil.
Where to go: Xiโanโs Muslim Quarter, Chengdu, and Beijing hutongs
13. Malaysia
Malaysiaโs street food is a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisinesโaka flavor overload. Try nasi lemak, char kway teow, and roti canai with spicy curry.
Where to go: George Town, Penang; Jalan Alor in Kuala Lumpur
14. Philippines
From smoky lechon to grilled isaw (chicken intestines), Filipino street food is bold and fun. Grab turon (banana spring rolls) for dessert and wash it down with halo-halo.
Where to go: Manila, Cebu, Davao City
15. Georgia (the Country)
Hearty and cheesy, Georgian food is comfort food. Try khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali (dumplings), and churchkhela (a sweet made from grapes and nuts).
Where to go: Tbilisiโs street stalls and local bakeries
16. Nigeria
In Lagos, the air is thick with the smell of suya (spicy meat skewers). Try puff-puff (fried dough balls), moi moi (bean cakes), and jollof rice served on the go.
Where to go: Lagos, Abuja, and major street corners
17. Colombia
Colorful and satisfying, Colombian street food includes arepas (corn cakes), empanadas, fresh juices, and chorizo skewers.
Where to go: Bogotรก, Medellรญn, Cartagena
18. Ethiopia
Street food in Addis Ababa means injera rolls, spicy lentils, and crunchy sambusas. Get a cup of strong local coffee while you’re at it.
Where to go: Addis Ababaโs markets and roadside cafรฉs
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FAQs
That depends entirely on you – but our money’s on India and Japan!
The three biggest factors in good street food are:
1) Readiness – street food is quick to make.
2) Local ingredients – they make all the difference in flavour!
3) Expertise – street food vendors have years of experience, and know how to make street food mouth-watering.
Singapore’s generally considered to have the most expensive street food.
