Famous Street Foods of the World: An Integral Part of Culture and Everyday Life

Famous street foods of the world each have a story to tell about the culture and history of their people, and with their unique flavors, they can take you on a delightful journey. Street foods are an integral part of the culture and daily life in many countries. These foods are not only known as a quick and affordable meal, but they also tell stories and showcase the unique tastes of history and traditions from different cultures around the world. From hot kebabs in the streets of Tehran to street noodles in Bangkok and Mexican tacos in the alleys of Mexico City, each of these street foods, with their simplicity and deliciousness, represents a part of local identity and culture. In this blog post from flysepehran, we aim to introduce some of the best and most popular street foods in the world.

What you will read in this article about the best street foods in the world:

Vietnam, as one of the major hubs of street food, is famous for its unique flavors. One of the most popular and well-known street foods in the country is “Bánh mì,” which traces its roots back to the colonial era and the French and Chinese influences on Vietnam. “Bánh mì” refers to a baguette filled with various meats and diverse seasonings. The bread and meat of this sandwich come from the French and Chinese heritage, while the flavors of coriander, chili, and pickles are characteristic of this street food from Hanoi and other parts of Vietnam. Initially, this sandwich was served with bread, beef or pork, and simple seasonings, but later, ingredients like shrimp were added to give it more variety.

Burrito; Popular street food from Mexico

Among the top street foods in the world, the burrito, which has Mexican origins, is one of the most famous and popular street foods in the United States. Burritos are particularly popular in the state of San Francisco and are made from a combination of beans, rice, sour cream, spicy seasonings, and lettuce wrapped in a thin flatbread similar to lavash. What makes the burrito’s flavor special and different is the guacamole sauce, which is known as one of the most popular Mexican sauces. Guacamole is made from a mix of avocado, tomato, lime, and onion and gives this street food an incredible taste.

Jianbing; Popular Chinese street food

One of the most famous street foods globally is “Jianbing,” which, as a popular Chinese street food, has many fans in Chinese neighborhoods across various countries. This traditional Chinese dish, often called “Chinese crepe” or “fried pancake,” is usually made with eggs and fried dough. However, the ingredients inside can vary depending on the region in China. From sweet to savory flavors and from crispy to chewy textures, this food is made and served in different combinations. Typically, Jianbing includes eggs, spring onions, lettuce, coriander, chili sauce, and hoisin sauce wrapped in fried dough.

Gyros; The most famous street food in Europe

One of the most well-known street foods in Europe, besides Italian foods, is the Greek “Gyros,” which is also highly popular in many European countries. Gyros is a popular Greek street food made with various meats such as beef, lamb, or chicken. These meats are placed on vertical skewers and cooked. In making Gyros, the meat is sliced thinly and then placed inside pita bread with tzatziki sauce and vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and cucumbers.

Interestingly, the word “Gyros” comes from the Greek word “gheereezo,” meaning “to turn,” referring to the vertical spit on which the meat continuously rotates and cooks. Some believe that Gyros was first cooked during the time of Alexander the Great when Alexander’s soldiers would skewer meat on their swords and roast it over a fire.

Oden / Amok; The most popular street food in Korea

Street foods in South Korea are among the most popular and best street foods in the world. One of these foods, known as “Amok” or “Oden,” is a type of fish cake with a relatively thick texture. This traditional Korean food, still popular in many cities in South Korea, including Seoul, and among foreign tourists, is placed on a metal or wooden skewer. To prepare Amok, the fish cake is boiled in a salty broth, which keeps it fresh and moist. Usually, this delicious food is served with a cup of the same broth. Amok, originally inspired by the Japanese dish “Oden,” is more commonly known as Amok in South Korea.

Batata Vada; Indian Sandwich

Undoubtedly, India is one of the leading countries in street food, with many popular street foods belonging to this country. “Batata Vada” is one such food, which originates from the state of “Maharashtra” in India. This delicious vegetarian food is made from mashed potatoes with spicy Indian seasonings. The mixture is then shaped into a ball, dipped in chickpea flour batter called “Besan,” and finally deep-fried in hot oil.

Typically, this food is served with “Chutney,” made from coconut, tamarind, and garlic. Batata Vada is also a part of a popular Indian sandwich called “Vada Pav,” where Batata Vada and Chutney are placed on soft bread called “Pav.” Interestingly, Vada Pav is one of the most well-known and popular street foods in India.

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Shawarma; Popular Middle Eastern food

Middle Eastern street foods are among the most famous street foods in the world, and one of the most popular of these is the “Shawarma sandwich,” known as an Arabic street food. Shawarma is made with either chicken or lamb in many Arab countries and other Middle Eastern nations. In this dish, large pieces of meat are slowly cooked on a skewer, then thinly sliced and served in hot pita bread with various vegetables, pickles, sauces such as hummus and tahini, and sometimes even fried potatoes.

Yakitori; A unique take on Japanese street food

Among the most famous street foods in the world, Japanese street foods are some of the most popular, and “Yakitori” is one of the most prominent. This delicious Japanese food consists of skewered grilled chicken pieces cooked over charcoal. Various parts of the chicken, from momo (thigh meat) to tebasaki (chicken wings), are used in making yakitori. Other popular variations include tsukune (chicken meatballs) and negima (a combination of chicken breast and thigh). For those who are interested in trying different flavors, sunagimo (chicken gizzards), nankotsu (chicken cartilage), and reba (chicken liver) are also interesting options.

Keropok Lekor; Popular fast food from Malaysia

Malaysia is a tourist destination that holds a special place in the street food scene, offering many options for street food enthusiasts. One of the most famous street foods in the country is “Keropok Lekor,” made from a combination of fish, flour, spices, and seasonings such as salt and sugar. This fish cracker, considered a type of street fast food, is typically served with chili sauce and has a delightful taste.

Satay; The most famous street food from Indonesia

“Satay” is one of the most famous and popular street foods from Indonesia, with international fame. This dish refers to skewered grilled meat, usually made with chicken, lamb, or fish. Satay is not only known as one of the tastiest street foods in the world but is also highly popular in luxury restaurants in Bali. In Bali, there is a special type of satay called “Satay Lilit,” which has a very delicious taste. To make satay, ground meat is typically seasoned with coconut powder, coconut milk, and various spices, then skewered and grilled. Different types of sauces are served with satay, completing its flavor.

Khinkali; Stuffed dumplings from Georgia

“Khinkali” is one of the popular and street foods from Georgia, commonly found in the streets of Tbilisi. This stuffed dumpling varies in its ingredients depending on the city in Georgia. Typically, Khinkali is filled with lamb, mushrooms, parsley, and fried onions, but in some regions, beef and other vegetables are also used. This dish is not only for meat lovers; there is also a vegetarian version made from potatoes and vegetables.

Ziemniaczki Pancakes; Famous Polish street food

“Ziemniaczki Pancakes” is one of the well-known street foods from Poland. Although many of the country’s foods may not be internationally recognized, this dish is among the best. The main ingredient of this dish is grated potatoes, combined with onions and eggs. Some people also add garlic and fresh parsley to enhance the flavor.

Meat Pie; Australian street food

This street food is made with pie crust and minced meat, along with sauce. There are different versions of this dish where ground meat can be substituted with chicken. In some cases, seafood is used instead of red meat or chicken. Some recipes also use cheese as a topping for the pie to enhance the flavor.

Char Kway Teow; Spicy dish from Singapore

“Char Kway Teow” is a famous street food in Singapore, known for its unique and diverse flavors. Asian foods, especially those with spices, are renowned for their distinctive tastes, and Char Kway Teow is no exception. This dish consists of noodles, shrimp, spices, eggs, and bean sprouts, topped with chopped spring onions and chili sauce. This dish is relatively spicy and, due to its nutritious ingredients, is considered both delicious and healthy.

Pljeskavica

“Pljeskavica” is a popular street food from Serbia, considered the national dish of the country and similar to a hamburger. To prepare this dish, minced lamb or beef is flavored with simple spices such as pepper, paprika, salt, and other seasonings. It has a simple yet delicious flavor and is easy to prepare.

Choripán, Argentina’s Popular Food

“Choripán” is a well-known and very popular street food in Argentina and other Latin American countries. This simple yet tasty dish is made from chorizo sausage, a type of grilled sausage, typically made from beef or a mixture of beef and lamb, giving it a spicy and smoky flavor. Chorizo is typically cooked over fire or a grill to enhance its rich and smoky taste.

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Martabak, sometimes also known as Matbaq, is a common street food in Saudi Arabia, resembling a pancake. This dish consists of a thin dough filled with a mixture of ground meat, eggs, garlic, onions, and various spices. For enhanced flavor, fresh vegetables such as parsley, coriander, and mint are also used. The key to making Martabak is to cook the dough evenly and thinly to achieve a fragrant, flavorful, and soft texture. This dish is commonly served as a snack or quick meal on the streets and markets of Saudi Arabia and Yemen and is very delicious.

Espatada, Portuguese street food

Espatada is one of the popular street foods in Portugal, made from pieces of beef or lamb. These meats are usually seasoned with salt and garlic, then grilled over charcoal to acquire a smoky and savory flavor. However, this dish does not always require beef or lamb and can be substituted with chicken or even fish. Espatada, due to its simplicity in preparation and excellent taste, is one of the popular street foods in Portugal, and alongside its distinctive flavor, it is usually served with various sauces and fresh vegetables.

Spanakopita; Greek spinach pie

Spanakopita is a popular street food from Greece, usually made as a spinach pie. This dish is very popular in Greece and is considered one of the symbols of Greek cuisine. However, its history shows that it entered Greek food culture during the Ottoman invasion of Greece. A similar dish in Turkey is called Ispanaki, which closely resembles Spanakopita. In this dish, spinach is wrapped in filo dough with cheese and spices and is typically served warm and fresh.

Pepper Crab; The most popular street food in Singapore

Seafood is very popular in Asian countries, and among them, Pepper Crab or Chili Crab in Singapore is one of the well-known street foods. This dish is usually served with cooked crab completely covered in a spicy chili sauce. The sauce is a mix of various ingredients like crab, shallots, ginger, hot peppers, soy sauce, garlic, and tomato sauce, which gives the crab a unique and spicy flavor. This dish is ideal for those who love spicy flavors.

Pani Puri, the spicy taste of Indian street food

Pani Puri is one of the most popular street foods in India, also widely cooked in other countries like Pakistan, and has many fans. This dish is made by frying small hollow breads, which are then filled with ingredients such as chickpeas, potatoes, onions, chilies, and masala sauce. These small breads, known as “Puri,” are usually served with various sauces and spices, giving them a delicious and fresh taste.

Frikadeller; Danish-style meatballs

Frikadeller is a well-known street food from Denmark, made from minced meat. In this dish, the meat is formed into meatballs, then rolled in wheat flour and breadcrumbs. For added flavor, egg, garlic, and grated onion are added to the meat, and after kneading, the meatballs are fried to become crispy and tasty. This dish is a popular option on the streets of Denmark, served as a quick and delicious meal.

Dutch Mini Fluffy Pancakes

Dutch Pancakes, also known as Mini Dutch Pancakes, are a delicious street food from the Netherlands. These pancakes are small, round, and fluffy, and are thicker than regular pancakes. To flavor these pancakes, powdered sugar is used, giving them a sweet and pleasant taste. These pancakes are usually served as a dessert or snack and are among the most popular street foods in the Netherlands.

Kapsalon; A unique combination of potatoes and meat

Kapsalon is a popular dish in the Netherlands, made from fried potatoes along with red meat or chicken. This dish is typically topped with cheese and various vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, and onions, and to complete the flavor, sauces like mayonnaise are poured on top. If you prefer spicy foods, you can replace the mayonnaise with chili sauce to add a spicier taste.

Hoagie, a simple and delicious street food from Philadelphia

Hoagie is a simple and delicious street food that originates from Philadelphia, USA. This dish consists of a sandwich roll filled with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, vinegar, olive oil, sliced cheese, and a piece of meat. You can use bacon, sliced beef, lamb, or chicken for the meat. Some recipes also use turkey meat. The use of vinegar and olive oil is optional and can be adjusted according to personal preference.

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Currywurst; Potatoes and German sausage

Currywurst is a simple and popular street food in Germany, consisting of two parts: fried potatoes and fried sausage. This dish is one of the most popular options on the streets of Germany, and despite its simplicity, it has a delicious taste. One of the key factors in flavoring this dish is its sauce, which plays an important role in completing the final taste of the food due to its unique flavor.

Grilled Minced Meat Roll

“Mititei” is a street food from Romania made from ground meat rolls. These rolls are wrapped in fat and are flavored with various spices such as black pepper, thyme, garlic, and others. This dish can be made with beef or lamb and has a rich and delicious taste.

Waffle; Belgian street food

Waffle is one of the most famous street foods in Belgium, known for its crispy texture and delicious taste. To make a waffle, a thin dough is poured into a metal mold, which, after baking, takes on a checkerboard pattern and is served hot. The main ingredients of a waffle include flour, milk, eggs, butter, vanilla, and honey, which are combined to create a sweet and delicious taste.

Churros; Spanish pastry

Churros is a Spanish pastry with a crispy and crunchy texture. This pastry typically has a sweet and greasy taste and, due to being deep-fried in a large amount of oil, it is relatively high in fat. Despite its high fat and sweetness, churros are very popular because of their delicious taste and are known as a popular dessert or snack in Spain and many other countries.

Jalebi; The delicious taste of Zulbia in Pakistan

“Jalebi” is one of the popular street sweets consumed as a sweet snack across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. This sweet is very similar to Zulbia, which is made during the holy month of Ramadan. Jalebi is one of the most popular sweets in Pakistan and is usually served either hot or cold. This sweet has a crispy texture and a thick sweetness, and because of its delightful taste, it is known as a favorite treat in many different countries.

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