Food and Travel Guides teamed up with some really talented Food Travel Bloggers to have a look at what Amazing Worldwide Street Food Spots they would recommend. We really love the outcome of this collaboration and hope you do too. Feel free to like, comment and share.
Have you been to any of the following Food Destinations? Let us know in the comments what you think of them! Bon Appetit!
Team at Food and Travel Guides
Table of Content "Amazing Worldwide Street Food Spots"
1. Mexico City Street Food by Travel Mexico Solo
2. Office Para Street Food in Kolkata, India by Backpack & Explore
3. Empanadas in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo by Punta Cana Travel Blog
4. Palermo Sicily Italian Street Food by Moyer Memoirs Empty Nest Travel Adventures
5. Street Food at Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Japan by Greta's Travels
6. The Muslim Market in Xi'an, China by Grey Globetrotters
7. Street Food on Temple Street, Hong Kong by Knycx Journeying
8. Tasty Street Food from Tibet in India by Wayward Wayfarer
9. Polish Street Food in Warsaw by Wyld Family Travel
10. Camden Market Street Food in London by London Dreamings
11. Dotonbori District Street Food in Osaka, Japan by Directionally Challenged Traveler
12. Taiping Malaysian Street Food by Penang Insider
13. Fengjia Night Market, Taichung, Taiwan by Hop on World
14. Kuala Lumpur Street Food, Malaysia by Tara Lets Anywhere
15. Berliner Street Food, Germany by A World in Reach
16. Food Capital of Italy: Bologna Street Food by Italy Foodies
17. Seoul Street Food is Soul Food for Foodies by Truly Expat
18. Delicious Street Food in Hanoi, Vietnam by Uprooted Traveler
19. Yogyakarta Street Food in Java, Indonesia by Guide Your Travel
20. Roadside BBQ: Traditional Street Food in Samoa by Culture Shock Adventure
21. Night Market Street Food in Taipei, Taiwan by Claire Pins Travel
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The King of all Taco: Taco el Pastor
Mexico City Street Food
by Shelley of Travel Mexico Solo
Mexico has a huge street food culture, but perhaps none is more famous than the street food of Mexico City. Known as the taco capital of Mexico, for street food lovers who want to sample the many different tacos from Mexico, you'll want to check out the street food in Mexico City — though it has much more than just tacos!
The street food you'll see the most in Mexico City, day and night, are tacos. They come in so many different varieties, styles and flavors, though the king of Mexican tacos is "tacos al pastor".
You will see these tacos all over town, and in fact, some streets even have two or three pastor tacos shops. To eat where the locals do, head to the famous Calle Lorenzo Boturini said to have some of the most delicious taco shops in the city.
There are also other great street food tacos in Mexico City, like "tacos arabes" (Arabian tacos), tacos de canasta (basket tacos), "tacos campechanos" (tacos with a mix of two types of meat), and "suadero tacos".
Suadero is a thin cut of meat, located between the belly and the leg. It can be from the cow or pig, but in Mexico City, it will usually be pork meat. This cut is very popular in Mexico City, and this is the second most popular street taco besides tacos al pastor.
While everyone must try the tacos in Mexico City, there are other street foods to sample as well. Among the most popular street foods in Mexico City, many would be surprised to know that it's actually the "torta", which is a Mexican sandwich made on a soft bread called "bolillo".
As tacos can be a bit messy, the torta is easier to grab and go — and not get a stain on your shirt from eating. There are tortas with every filling, but for a true locals' experience, try a "guajolota" (a torta stuffed with a tamale), or torta de chilaquiles (a torta stuffed with tortilla chips, salsa, beans, and more).
Some other favorites are "elote", Mexican corn on the cob covered with mayo, cheese, and chili powder. The machete is basically a long quesadilla, which can hold a lot more ingredients than a regular quesadilla because of its long length.
The "tlacoyo" is a football-shaped open-face taco that you can find for sale on street corners all over Mexico City. This is an ancient, prehispanic food that's been eaten on the streets of Mexico for thousands of years!
Shelley is a former Miami travel magazine editor who ditched the office for the world! After traveling solo to 16 states in Mexico, she settled down in Mérida, Mexico, in 2019. Today, she runs Travel Mexico Solo and helps travelers plan their perfect Mexico trip. Catch up with her on Instagram, Facebook, and Anchor, for Mexico podcast episodes.
Office Para Street Food in Kolkata, India
by Sinjana Ghosh from Backpack & Explore
Office Para got its name from being the center of business in Kolkata long before the IT boom arrived and took over the traditional career choices of an average Indian. Located in the historic BBD Bag a.k.a Dalhousie Square, this has been home to government offices since British colonial rule. Even today it is home to major financial institutions, headquarters of some centralized banks, the Kolkata Reserve Bank, and the Kolkata Stock Exchange. And with so much work around comes the appetite for good food.
The colonial architecture of the grand old buildings in this area fascinates many architecture-enthusiasts. But for long, the street food of office para has been the best-kept secret of the Dominique Lapierre’s City of Joy. Mouth-watering, hygienic, and fulfilling meals at the cheapest price that you can imagine- this is what makes office para special.
This is a place where you can get your choice of customized meal freshly prepared before your eyes within Rs. 50 (that’s less than $1). Luchi Alur dom, Ghugni Porota, Chowmein, Roti Sabzi – these are some of the most popular choices of lunch at office para. Like a pure Kolkatan, you should conclude your meal with a dessert – a glass of Malai Lassi, or a bowl of Kesar Kulfi or the Bengali Mishti Doi.
For snacks the options are plenty. From everyone’s favorite Fuchka (similar yet different from Golgappas of North India and Pani puri of Mumbai) to Ghugni chaat, eggroll, fish chop, and samosas, there’s no dearth of quick bites in Kolkata. But if there’s only one place in the city where you can go to quench your thirst for ultimate Indian street food it’s here.
Post pandemic, the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry has taken an initiative to turn Dalhousie Square into a cultural and street food hub after office hours. This also necessitated an enormous training program for the humble and friendly street-food vendors to undergo a complete makeover. So next time, do not miss the experience of eating your heart out in office para when planning your Kolkata Trip.
Sinjana Ghosh is a travel blogger and the author of the book Postcards from India. She blogs about her travels in India and beyond on her blog Backpack & Explore. It's full of practical travel guides for time-poor travelers as well as funny anecdotes, historic tidbits, and the back-story of places. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Empanadas in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
by Chris from Punta Cana Travel Blog
The Dominican Republic is not necessarily known for world-class street food, but there are certain dishes and snacks you have to try while on vacation. One of these is empanadas, a fried samosa-kind dough filled with all kinds of ingredients, typically chicken, beef, cheese, and/or vegetables. You can get empanadas everywhere in the Dominican Republic and at nearly every hour of the day. Dominicans mostly eat them either for breakfast or dinner.
However, there are different kinds of empanadas. While the typical street food empanada is mostly a greasy dough with a random filling, there are certainly places in the country where it is highly recommended to eat empanadas. The top 3 empanada street food stalls in the Dominican Republic are the following:
1) Santo Domingo, Siciliy’s: the hands-down best empanadas in the entire country. They usually have around 20 different fillings, including approx. 7-8 vegetarian options. They have creative combinations for their fillings such as eggplant and ricotta, sweet plantain and cheese, or bacon and mushrooms.
2) Punta Cana, Delicias de Bavaro: the most local spot to eat in Bavaro and Punta Cana, with the freshest empanadas in the entire area with approx. 7-10 different flavors.
3) San José de las Matas, D’Leonora Empanadas: a street food stall with decades of history in the area. They are using yucca dough to prepare their empanadas, a unique variation.
Pro tip: an empanada must be hot when eating. Refuse to eat any empanadas which have been fried more than 10 minutes ago – it just won’t taste good.
But there are also other snacks and dishes in the country than just empanadas. In case you fancy something else, the following are popular street food options in the Dominican Republic as well:
Plato del Dia – the most common lunch you get in every “Comedor” (a kind of open local restaurant where lunch is served) is the Plato del Dia, consisting of rice, beans, salad, and meat.
Chicharron – a salty snack or dish, particularly sold at roadside stalls and on nightly hangout spots. Chicharron is a deep-fried pork rind, which gets usually served with lemon sauce and optional yucca.
Yaroa – Yaroa is a favorite Dominican Street food consisting of three layers: French fries, meat, and cheese. Those ingredients are topped with loads of ketchup and mayonnaise, making it a super greasy and filling street food in the Dominican Republic.
If you’d like to know more about Chris and his second home country, the Dominican Republic, check out his website Punta Cana Travel Blog. After traveling through all parts of the world, he is living in this beautiful and underrated country since 2015 - mostly in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. Chris knows all the pristine beaches and secluded waterfalls you can explore in Punta Cana and the entire country and loves it if visitors leave their all-inclusive resort to discover the beauty, diversity, Caribbean smiles, and Latin vibes the Dominican Republic has to offer. Check out Chris' Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest too.
Palermo Sicily Italian Street Food
by Moyer Memoirs Empty Nest Travel Adventures
Sicily is well-known for its abundance of unique street food. The historical city of Palermo, Sicily has an amazing amount of street markets with food stalls vending all sorts of fresh Sicilian produce and other Sicilian treats for your tastebuds’ delight.
There are two main outdoor markets for authentic Palermo street food. The Ballero and Capo markets are bustling squares and stone alleys crammed full of food goodies. The noise volume is always on high as some vendors yell out their daily special to get your attention and others strike up invigorating conversations with friends. The vibrant colors of the foods and the smells of the street market envelope you as you slowly stroll past each unique display.
Palermo is notorious for serving up a spleen sandwich to the amazement of unsuspecting visitors. The veal or calf spleen is boiled and then fried in fat. It has a strong flavor that isn’t for everyone, but any true foodie would have to try the spleen sandwich while in Palermo.
Equally unique for Palermo street food is the "stigghiola", or roasted intestines that are served as a kebap! After a helping of stigghola, there are many more options to choose from like "frittola", "sfincione", "panella", and "cazzili".
Perhaps the most famous Palermo street food is arancini. The Sicilian rice balls are filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, and sauce before frying them to a crisp. They are a very popular snack and are sold at many stalls throughout the markets.
Make sure to save room for the Palermo desserts! Sicilians are the proud creators of cannoli. These delicious sweets treats are fried dough that can be filled with ricotta, ice cream, or gelato. Speaking of gelato, the Sicilian gelato is a lighter version that is still full of flavor.
Is your mouth watering yet with the discussion of all the Palermo street food? The must-try list of unique street food is long when visiting any Sicilian food market.
Michelle Moyer is from Ohio and blog at Moyer Memoirs Empty Nest Travel Adventures. As an empty-nester, she gained more freedom to roam the world. She often travels with her hubby or her adult daughters. As a fellow member of the 9-5 workforce, she will help you maximize your vacation time by planning ahead. She writes detailed hints and advice so that those who follow in her footsteps to destinations unknown can reap the knowledge of someone who has been there and done that. Never Stop Exploring! Now go explore Michelle's Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
Street Food at Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Japan
by Greta Omoboni from Greta's Travels
If you’re looking for the best street food in the world, make sure to add Nishiki Market in Kyoto to your bucket list. This incredible street food market is a must on every Kyoto itinerary.
Located close to the famous Gion neighborhood of Kyoto, this unique marketplace is home to a multitude of different delicacies. Here you can find pretty much everything, from wagyu beef sushi to dango skewers. You can also try traditional takoyaki or even mocha ice cream.
The market is concentrated on one main shopping street, which runs for five blocks, even though you will find many shops and stalls in the streets surrounding it.
Visiting Nishiki Market isn’t just a foodie experience. Nishiki Market has been around for several centuries, with the first shop opening in 1310. It started out as a fish wholesale district and evolved to include more street food options as it grew over the years. Many stores have been operated by the same family for generations.
The market is obviously free to enter, and is open every day from around 9 AM to 6 PM, although specific timings and days off will vary from shop to shop. Nishiki Market runs parallel from the busy Shijo Avenue, and you can easily walk there in less than five minutes from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line or Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line.
Nishiki Market is one of the best places to try Japanese street food, as well as learn about Japan’s history. If you’re looking for the best street food in the world, it can’t miss from your bucket list.
Greta Omodoni is an Italian travel blogger and content creator based in London. She started Greta’s Travels when she was working 9-5 as a management consultant, both as a way to share her travel stories, but also with the aim to escape the office life (spoiler alert, it worked)! Wherever she's in the world, you can usually find her hiking a mountain, catching a wave, enjoying a sunset on the beach, or tasting everything the local cuisine has to offer.
The Muslim Market in Xi'an, China
by Coralie Thornton from Grey Globetrotters
The #1 attraction for most visitors to the Chinese city of Xi’an is a trip to see the famous Terracotta Army. Incredibly, many tourists return to their hotels afterward to eat in the hotel restaurant before setting off the next day, having ticked Xi’an off their bucket list. But those folk are missing a massive culinary treat.
The Muslim Market is authentic foodie heaven and it’s totally unique to Xi’an thanks to its large Muslim population. This vibrant market is located within the old city walls of Xi’an, moments from the historic Drum Tower.
The intoxicating aroma of spices and the cacophony of street vendors will draw you towards the myriad stalls that crowd the streets. The biggest dilemma is what to try! While you’re deciding, it’s fun to browse and watch Xi’an’s famous rice noodles being freshly made right in front of you. If you don’t speak Chinese, you don’t need to worry - just point to the pictures on the menu if you fancy trying something (and you really should).
Don’t miss the fiendishly tasty, uber-popular local dish “roujiamo” or Chinese hamburger; marinated lamb or beef in a freshly baked bun. You’ll need to queue, but it’s well worth the wait – but do remember to pack some wipes as those buns are super juicy!
We also tried insanely good crayfish that was absolutely dripping with fiery chili oil, freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, mooncakes, and refreshing plum tea.
This market is no tourist trap – it’s a favorite local haunt too, and very busy at lunchtime. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with city workers who flock here to pick up tasty bites. Visit in the evening and you’ll see all the stalls brightly lit up with neon.
Expect to haggle for your food or treat yourself to a food tour with an experienced guide.
Coralie Thornton blog about her travels at Grey Globetrotters. Whether you’re looking for detailed destination guides, off-the-beaten-track gems, travel tips, or information about safe solo travel for women over 50, you’ll find it all there. Also, check out Coralie's Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more.
Street Food on Temple Street, Hong Kong
by Knycx Journeying
Hong Kong is a food paradise with unique and diverse choices of cuisine from East to West. To truly take a deep dive into Hong Kong’s dramatic local food scene, there’s no way better than venturing into the streets and alleys in Temple Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, and not only sampling them but also it’s a feast to your eyes.
While the entire Yau Tsim Mong area embraces an old-fashioned Hong Kong charm like you have seen in many Kung Fu, martial art, and gangster movies; Temple Street is the epic center of all the actions connecting Jordan and Yau Ma Tei.
As the sun goes down and the neon lights turn on, the street transformed from a busy place to a night market, where hawker set up their stalls in front of the shop front, showcasing things from antiques, arts, and electronics, to fortune-telling and more.
“Dai Pai Dongs” is a street food restaurant that has tables and stools set on the side of the road, and you could just enjoy snacks or a full dinner; no trip to Hong Kong complete without eating in a Cha Chaan Teng, and enjoy a cup of legendary milk tea, together with a regular set or a French toast.
Hong Kong’s egg waffle has taken the world by storm in the last decade. This waffle-pancake hybrid is a treat that warms your heart with a crispy exterior but a spongy and soft interior. Hong Kong local bakeries offer an exciting choice of pastries that you may not usually see anywhere else in the world, too.
The complete list of Hong Kong local food could go on and on, but a few things that you simply must try are fish balls with curry sauce, the stuffed “three treasures” (eggplant, bell pepper and bean curd”, imitation shark fin soup, fried squid tentacles, deep-fried intestine, siu mai; dumplings, ox offal, and stinky tofu.
Knycx Journeying is a blog covering anything that interests us from history, culture, humanity, architecture, art, food, and music to outdoor adventure. The Blog made it the mission to inspire readers with guides, adventures, resources, tips, and more – for you to experience what this amazing and beautiful world has to offer. Find more at Knycx Journeying's Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!
Tasty Street Food from Tibet in India
by Avantika Chaturvedi from Wayward Wayfarer
Since the Dalai Lama was exiled from Tibet and had to seek shelter in India in 1960, many Tibetan refugee settlements have formed across parts of India. While their history and struggle have been long and painful, Tibetans have brought with them such cultures and traditions in India that were not seen before. Tibetan food forms a major part of this, especially Tibetan street food.
While momos have taken to Delhi's streets in hoards, the lesser-known Tibetan street food gem is "laphing". Laphing is basically a sheet made of mung bean, filled with chili garlic sauce and soy chunks, then rolled and cut into pieces and served cold.
A soupy variant of this also exists, as well as a rice sheet variant which is white in color - as opposed to mung bean's yellow. Laphing can be found widely in most Tibetan settlements across India, such as Majnu ka Tilla in Delhi, Bir in Himachal Pradesh, and Mundgod in Karnataka. This savory and spicy snack has long been one of my go-to dishes when hunger strikes!
Wayward Wayfarer is a travel blog run by Avantika Chaturvedi which mainly focuses on slow, solo, and sustainable travel across offbeat locations in the Indian subcontinent. Check out Wayward Wayfarer's Instagram as well!
Polish Street Food in Warsaw
by Bec from Wyld Family Travel
Poland is a wonderful country full of history, marvelous buildings, amazing people, and some of the best food on the planet. That may shock you but if you haven't had the chance to dig into a bowl of Periogi or devour a "zapikanka" you definitely have been missing out!
One of the best places for food in Poland is Warsaw. When you visit Warsaw and spend some time in the Old Town area you will be absolutely delighted with the street food you can just pick up and wander with.
Many people will opt for a Zapikanka as they wander. Grabbing one of these mighty tasty pieces of deliciousness is a must and there's absolutely no sharing once you take the first bite!
Zapikanka is like a sub or some people refer to it as Polish pizza. The size is up to you and so are the toppings although they do come in some set combinations. You can either get a half-size or a full-size, your choice of toppings, then it is toasted, handed to you and you are off!
On a hot day get yourself some "Lody"! Lody is soft-serve ice cream and for some reason, it tastes so much better in Poland! There are little shops, more like holes in the wall or little dispensers on the streets where you can pick yourself up a cone.
Another favorite is "Gofry". Loaded waffles are hard to eat on the run so I suggest pulling up a seat or a step from where you get your Gofry and enjoying it right where you stand.
On a cold day, you can warm yourself up with a perfect hot chocolate from E. Wedels. While not technically street food this is bound to keep you warm in a takeaway cup as you walk. You can also get some of the popular Periogi from some small shops that offer takeaway.
At Christmas time you will find so many little stalls dotted all over the old town as a part of all the markets held there. Here you can find just about anything to eat from grilled Polish sausage in bread, goulash with potato pancakes, shashlik, and fried whole potatoes with bacon and onion.
Wyld Family Travel is all about first-hand travel experiences from travel experts. Whether you enjoy family travel, couple travel, solo travel, or travel with teenagers, we have the best and most, detailed destination guides to help you plan your next vacation with ease. Also, check out the Wyld Family Travel's Facebook!
Camden Market Street Food in London
by Greta Omodoni from London Dreamings
If you’re looking for the best street food spots in the world, you have to add Camden Market in London to your bucket list. Located a short 5-minute walk away from Camden Town tube station, Camden Market is a vibrant hub of tasty street food, hipster vintage shops, tattoo and piercing parlors, and trendy outfit stalls.
Here you will find a huge variety of street food from all over the world. There are stalls selling halloumi fries, traditional Italian piadina, Venezuelan arepa, Dutch poffertjes pancakes, and even Indian curry.
There are street food stalls all over the market, but most of them are concentrated around the canal. Here there are also a number of tables and benches so that if you’re visiting with friends you can get food from different stalls but then still sit and eat together.
Halloumi Fries at Camden Street Food Market
Visiting Camden Market is one of the best things to do in Camden and features on almost every London bucket list. Being such a popular spot in London, it can get very busy. The best time to visit is around lunchtime during the week when there are fewer people around.
However on weekends there are more stalls open, so it's up to you whether you prefer fewer crowds but less street food variety, or more people and more stalls open. If you do visit on a weekend I recommend taking the tube to the nearby stations of Mornington Crescent or Chalk Farm, as Camden Town station can get very busy.
Don’t miss out on this incredible street food market, and add Camden Market to your list!
Greta Omoboni moved to London in 2012 and quickly fell in love with this incredible city. She started London Dreamings to share her love and top tips for London. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first trip or if you’re also a Londoner, London Dreamings will help you make the most of your time in London! Find more on London Dreaming's Instagram.
Dotonbori District Street Food in Osaka, Japan
by Pamela Drager from Directionally Challenged Traveler
When one thinks of destinations to visit for incredible food, Japan is often at the top of the list. Osaka has been nicknamed "Japan's Kitchen" because of its diverse and wide assortment of food available.
At the heart of the historic city of Osaka lies the entertainment district, Dotonbori. This area comes to life after 5 pm, with neon lights lighting up the sky. Dotonbori is home to plenty of shops, games, and even an oval Ferris wheel. However, people really come for the food. Literally, everywhere you look, food is being cooked. Smells radiate through the streets as you're stomach has difficulty deciding exactly where to eat in Dotonbori.
The original Osaka street food is the most common - takoyaki. The traditional recipe consists of eggs, flour, octopus, green onions, and pickled ginger. However, because there are so many restaurants that make it, there is healthy competition to make the best takoyaki, so you'll find plenty of variety around Dotonbori.
Don't fill up on the takoyaki though - you'll find plenty of other street foods to indulge in. Okonomiyaki, or a Japanese savory pancake, can be personalized to your tastes and cooked at your table. Yakiniku is a Japanese barbecue - various pieces of meat on a skewer that are marinated and then grilled over an open fire.
The only meat not marinated is Kobe beef - it doesn't need it! If you prefer fried instead of grilled, try Kushikatsu. You order by the skewer and make for a perfect snack. You can dip the skewer in a dark sauce for a delicious clash of textures. (Don't double-dip into the sauce - the pots are topped off and used for multiple customers!)
No matter where you decide to eat in Dotonbori, Osaka, you won't be disappointed - and you won't go home hungry!
Pamela is The Directionally Challenged Traveler - getting lost all around the world. She focuses on experiencing all the world has to offer - from camping in Antarctica to standing in awe at the Pyramids of Giza. Without editing photos, she hopes to show others the joys of travel. Check out her Instagram as well.
Taiping Malaysian Street Food
by Marco Ferrarese from Penang Insider
When thinking about the best Malaysian street food, most think of Penang island and its delicious Penang food. Far fewer however consider a trip a mere 80km south to Taiping, a delightful small town in Perak state.
Set at the foot of Maxwell Hill, colonial Malaysia’s first hill station, and developed around the beautiful Taiping Lake Gardens, the city was also voted in 2019 as the world’s third most sustainable at the International Tourismus-Börse (ITB) travel trade show in Berlin.
Taiping food is nothing short of amazing: start at the Peace hotel, or Kopitiam Hoe Peng, where you should try the famous char koay teow (fried noodles with prawn galore) and the lor bak, a typical Chinese meat sausage consumed with chili sauce.
Nearby is the Larut Matang Hawker Center, the real foodie heart of Taiping: this covered market is filled with rows of stalls and tables where patrons eat all sorts of street food galore. A favorite is stall 78, whose koay teow goreng with fishballs are the stuff of dreams. Stall 47 is solid for chicken porridge, and chicken rice is available at stall 61.
The Circus Ground Food Court (Pusat Penjaja Taiping) is another great place for scrumptious street food, especially for breakfast. The Chee Cheong Fun (flat rice noodles rolled into little tubes, sliced and soaked in the sauce of your choice, including curry and chili sauce) from stall C37 are the best option here. At night, don't miss the "Plane Naan" (yes, a typo that made the name of this stall) and its tandoori-baked chicken chunks. Amazing.
Penang Insider is a travel and lifestyle blog focused on Penang island, the mainland part of the state, Seberang Perai, and the neighboring states of Kedah, Perak, and Perlis. Written by Rough Guides and Lonely Planet writer Marco Ferrarese (view his Writer Portfolio), who has called Penang home for a decade, Penang Insider offers the best local intelligence about the best food, activities, and meaningful travel in northern Malaysia.
Fengjia Night Market, Taichung, Taiwan
by Mariza from Hop on World
It's often said that the best way to really get acquainted with a country is through your stomach. And if you're headed to Taiwan, boy, oh boy, are you in for a treat. Often dubbed as the culinary kitchen of Asia, Taiwan boasts a myriad of foodie experiences that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world. From Michelin Star restaurants to mom and pop shops dishing up seemingly simple dishes bursting with flavor.
However, for the ultimate foodie experience, a visit to one of Taiwan's lively night markets is a must! Taiwan is home to oodles of night markets, and for the crème de la crème of street food spots, don't miss Fengjia Night Market.
Located in Taichung, the second-largest city on the island after Taipei, Fengjia Night Market is Taiwan's biggest and most famous night market. On weekends it's a bustling hive brimming with hungry patrons who've come to feast on an array of lip-smackingly delicious street food.
You'll find all the usual local street food favorites here – from stinky tofu to scallion pancakes to pepper buns to flame torched beef cubes to braised foods to bubble milk tea, and so much more!
Since there are dozens of food stalls here, come just before sunset and come hungry! That way, you can really take your time walking through the night market, snacking on grub, and enjoying the vibe. If you're unsure where to start your gastronomical adventure, the easiest way to find the best snacks is to follow the locals! Like elsewhere in Taiwan, the golden rule at Fengjia Night Market is to keep an eye out for the vendors with the longest lines! So if you see a line snaking around a corner, join in because the food will be worth the wait!
Most of the vendors set up shop along Wenhua Road, but make sure also to explore the nooks and crannies jolting off from it as there's bound to be a hidden foodie gem somewhere in the mix!
Oh, and travel tip, bring cash when you visit Fengjia. Street food in Taiwan, especially outside Taipei, is generally dirt cheap, and you could easily fill your belly on as little as TWD 200-300 (less than USD 10).
Mariza is a former Pretoria-based Advertising Exec who left her job to travel in Asia. More than a decade later, she now calls Taiwan home. On her blog, Hoponworld, you'll find in-depth destination guides and stacks of travel tips to help you travel in Taiwan and Asia. Follow her travels here on Instagram or Facebook.
Kuala Lumpur Street Food, Malaysia
by Katherine Cortes from Tara Lets Anywhere
Malaysia is known for its delicious cuisine, so if you’re looking for the best street food in Asia you shouldn’t skip doing a food tour here. The country is home to a diverse population (with Malay, Indian, and Chinese residents) and this is reflected in their flavorful and diverse food culture.
The best place to find street food is the night market. Jalan Alor Night Market is the most famous one and every night it receives hundreds of hungry locals and foreign travelers. However, there are also lesser-known night markets in Kuala Lumpur, which the locals refer to as “pasar malam.”
These night markets are less commercial and offer a variety of cheap, delicious street food for you to try. They are located all across the city and so you can visit a different one every day of the week. Some of the best ones include Sri Petaling, Taman Connaught, and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman night markets.
Some of the must-try street foods in Kuala Lumpur include nasi lemak – a rice meal that is considered their national dish; chicken rice; satay; and various noodle dishes such as laksa, char kway teow, and chee cheong fun. You can also find other interesting food such as stinky tofu, roasted salt-crusted chicken, and the infamous durian. If you like skewers, there is often a rolling station that offers meats, tofu, and vegetables that can be either grilled or fried.
Lastly, for dessert, it’s very easy to find cendol in most eateries or a special iced dish called bird’s nest in some night markets.
In Filipino, “tara lets” is a fun slang for “let’s go.” Tara Lets Anywhere is a travel blog that encourages everyone to go out, have fun, and explore. Written by Katherine Cortes, it mostly features budget guides, hotels and resort recommendations, and food trips in the Philippines and other parts of the world. You can follow the blog on Facebook or Instagram.
Berliner Street Food, Germany
by Sydney from A World in Reach
Berlin is an incredible city full of history, culture, and of course, delicious street food! The German capital is one of the best street food cities in Europe and is a contender for one of the best street food cities in the world.
Berlin is known for its nightlife, and street food is a must after a night out on the town. Berlin’s streets are full of amazing spots for a quick bite before heading home for the evening. Street food is also perfect for a quick, cheap lunch on the go. If you’re spending a few days in Berlin, make sure to add some street food spots to your itinerary.
Currywurst is one of the most popular street foods in Germany and can be found in stalls all over Berlin. For what is said to be the best currywurst in the whole city, head to Curry 36 in Kreuzberg, one of Berlin’s coolest neighborhoods with some of the city’s best street food. Curry 36 is a small walk-up kiosk serving up delicious currywurst, which is pork sausage covered in curry ketchup (tomato ketchup mixed with curry powder) and typically served with fries. It’s quick, cheap, and easy to eat on the go. Curry 36 is popular among locals and tourists alike and is open daily from 9 am-5 am – so you can get your currywurst fix at any time of the day!
Another Berlin street food staple is the döner kebab: seasoned meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) topped with vegetables and various sauces and served on a special kind of bread (similar to pita). Much like currywurst, you can find döner stands all around Berlin. Mustafa’s, located in Kreuzberg just down the street from Curry 36, is one of the most famous spots in town – and there’s often a long wait to get your döner fix.
Pro tip: if you want to see if Mustafa’s is worth the hype, get there just before opening time to minimize your wait. If you want to skip the line, head to the nearby Original Chicken Gemüse Kebap, just a 10-minute walk from Mustafa’s. Here, you’ll find a delicious döner similar to the one from Mustafa’s without the long wait.
After falling in love with traveling the world while studying abroad in college, Sydney started A World in Reach to inspire other students to see the world while minimizing their expenses and maximizing their experiences. Also, you should check out A World in Reach's Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.
Food Capital of Italy: Bologna Street Food
by Lori Sorrentino from Italy Foodies
Eating street food in Italy is an adventure into the local culture, and one of the amazing worldwide street food spots in Bologna, Italy, long considered the “food capital of Italy”.
Many visitors look to a city’s top restaurants as the prime indicator of the local food scene. Those in the know, however, will gravitate toward the authentic dishes that can only be found on the street.
The northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna is world-famous for producing over 40 of Italy’s most iconic foods. Three of these foods — Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, aged prosciutto hams, and balsamic vinegar — can be found at both hole-in-the-wall osterias and high-end restaurants. And they are ubiquitous in local sandwich walk-ups to be eaten al passegio, or on the go.
Start a conversation with a street vendor and you’ll likely get a lesson on their family, what local foods are in season, and the best places to find them. Most street stands vendors love to chat.
A favorite Bolognese street food, especially for breakfast, is gnocco fritto, a simple and airy bit of fried dough that yields an inside pocket that begs to be stuffed with prosciutto, mortadella, local salami, and cheeses or sometimes just a bit of sweet fruit relish.
Although good street food can be found almost everywhere in Bologna, the best place for it in the city is the Quadrilatero adjacent to the main square, Piazza Maggiore. This is Bologna’s oldest market and home of the traditional food guilds.
In the narrow lanes that make up this historic medieval market, you’ll find small cafes and markets where you can order a fresh-baked roll and the cured meat and cheese of your choosing, to eat as you stroll.
For your sweet tooth, there are gelaterias and espresso counters on nearly every block. And of course, the street food scene makes for amazing photos!
Lori loves eating her way through Italy and publishing her food finds on Italy Foodies, a travel and food website dedicated to the regional food culture and food experience throughout Italy. She has a special fondness for the foods of her family’s homeland in Campania. Check out Lori's Facebook too. Buon appetite!
Seoul Street Food is Soul Food for Foodies
by Paula Barnes from Truly Expat
Seoul (especially in winter) is a foodies delight! There are many pop-up stalls on the side of the street in plastic-like covers (to ensure you don't freeze to death while waiting for your food). In other words, there is nothing quite like stopping by a street stall in the middle of winter for something to warm your belly. Or you will find loads of street stalls in places like Namdaemun Market all year round.
If you are hunting around for something warm but sweet, you can not go past Bungeoppang; it is a fish-shaped pastry generally filled with red bean paste. However, sometimes, in other countries, it is filled with all sorts of things.
My favorite street food in Seoul would have to be Pajeon, a savory pancake (the crispier, the better). The scallions make this treat special; there are other types you can also purchase that are full of seafood, kimchi, beef, or mung beans, to name a few.
Kimbap is South Korea's version of a sushi roll. Sometimes the filling might be different to what you would find in Japan, but it is the same otherwise. Filling, which also includes rice, is wrapped in seaweed. The Kimbap is a great little snack to eat on the run.
The tornado potato known as hweori gamja is a potato cut and twirled on a stick and then fried. It doesn't sound like much, but it is a fun way to eat a potato. You can find them in other countries like Taiwan but flavored differently.
It was so hard to narrow down all the delicious street feed you can find in Seoul. However, my last pick is a must - Dakgangjeon, better known as Korean fried chicken. So no description is needed, really.
Paula has lived in 7 countries in 15 years, and Seoul, South Korea, was one of them. Now splitting her time between Singapore and Sydney, Australia, she always looks for new and exciting places to eat. Through Truly Expat, she can share her knowledge about all things expat-related.
Delicious Street Food in Hanoi, Vietnam
by Jessica Schmit from Uprooted Traveler
Hanoi is the largest city in Vietnam, a country known for affordable living and delicious food- so is it any surprise the street food scene here is thriving?
To find the best street food in the city, head to the famous Old Quarter, whose streets are lined with colonial buildings, zooming scooters, and hawkers. More importantly, if you walk down any given street here, you’ll find a plethora of food stalls set up on locals’ stoops, stewing up enormous vats of pho, a savory noodle-based soup, with veggies and broth.
Pho is traditionally eaten at breakfast, although it’s not uncommon in Hanoi to see locals and tourists alike happily slurping up steaming bowls of it at all hours of the day, while perched on those infamous tiny plastic stools. And while pho is the most pervasive street food here, there are dozens of other dishes to be tried.
For a cheap yet delicious breakfast, grab a banh mi, a staple that harkens back to France’s colonization of the country. This sandwich, while simple, can be incredibly tasty and consists of a crusty baguette, slathered with mayonnaise and stuffed with protein, carrots, and plenty of cilantro.
Looking for something a bit more on the sweet side? Keep your eyes peeled for chuoi nong, which literally translates to “barbecued bananas”. For this dish street, vendors grill bananas over hot coals, and then smother the warmed fruit in thick coconut cream and crunchy peanuts. Another great dessert option served up by countless street vendors is tao pho (tofu pudding), a silky parfait made of silken tofu, spicy and sweet ginger syrup, white jelly, and coconut milk.
And, finally, this wouldn’t be a complete description of Hanoi’s street food scene without a brief mention of Ta Hien, the backpacker hub of Hanoi. Here, you’ll find throngs of folks in search of bia hoa (incredibly light, house-drafted beer), served up for 50 cents, as well as a dizzying array of stick-to-your-ribs food that’s frankly best served with some bia hoa, like khoai tay loc xoay. This dish consists of a sliced potato skewered on a stick, deep-fried, and served with various sauces like chili or mayonnaise. There’s no shortage of wonderful street foods to delight you in Hanoi- just follow your nose and your taste buds won’t be disappointed!
Jessica Schmit is a corporate attorney by day and a travel blogger by night at Uprooted Traveler, focusing on adventurous and responsible travel, both in her home of the Pacific Northwest and abroad. She enjoys exploring off-beat destinations, finding a really good deal, and hunting down the best craft beer a city has to offer. Before 2020, she spent her free time diving into international destinations, from Budapest to the Angkor Wat, but has recently taken to having more local adventures in her home of the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on backpacking, hiking, and RVing. You can follow her on Instagram at @uprootedtraveler.
Yogyakarta Street Food in Java, Indonesia
by Victoria Heinz from Guide Your Travel
Yogyakarta is a beautiful city located in Java in Indonesia. Most tourists only come here to visit Borobudur Temple which is one of the largest tourist attractions in the country. Located just under an hour from the city, it has turned Yogyakarta into a hotspot for tourism. However, there is far more to the city than just ancient temples. Yogyakarta doesn’t only have plenty of things to do and is actually a prime location for street food and delicious local foods.
Thousands of regional tourists come to the city to enjoy the night markets and little stalls that pop up every evening along the popular Malioboro Street.
The chicken satay skewers are especially popular and you can find a portion for only around $1. They’re served with a delicious peanut sauce and grilled over an open fire.
Another delicious treat is the authentic spring rolls filled with vegetables and chicken and served with minced garlic and chili. The rolls are very large and only cost around the US $0.20 per piece. They’re also available as vegetarian options if needed.
One of the most iconic parts of street food in Yogyakarta is the old women that sell unique dishes in the streets in the early mornings. They all have their own stands and have gained a certain level of fame worldwide. Netflix has a documentary series called Streetfood where Mbah Satinem and Mbah Lindu, which are the names of the vendors, were featured. They begin preparing their food in the early morning and only sell until around 9:00 am so one needs to be quick to grab a plate. Mbah Satinem sells Jajan Pasar which is a sweet snack that dates back as far as the 8th century. Mbah Lindu sells Gudeg which is one of Yogyakarta’s most iconic dishes made from jackfruit. Both women are estimated to be close to 100 years old and have kept their traditional dishes alive for centuries.
Victoria grew up in Germany. Right now she's studying at a university in Scotland and is about to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Full-time travel is Victoria's dream and she has spent the last few years slowly building an online business. Guide your Travel is technically a travel blog, but I also write about photography, social media, and how you can start blogging. Also, check out Victoria's Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Roadside BBQ: Traditional Street Food in Samoa
by Luke from Culture Shock Adventure
If there is one thing Samoans do well, and that is a roadside barbeque. As you drive around the islands, you will notice the hand-painted signs “FRESH BBQ”, and it is a must-do dining experience for your Samoan lunch.
Every BBQ is slightly different, usually, it’s a massive hunk of chicken, maybe two big hunks, and a collection of grilled vegetables. Popular vegetables include taro, potato, and banana. Sometimes they turn it up a level and serve it with sausage, pork, or lamb rib.
On occasion, you can get a wildcard side, like potato salad or chop suey! Because it’s always made to order, the chicken is cooked to perfection and never dry, and any of the fancy sides are good old-fashioned home cooking. I even found one serving of some fresh oka (raw fish) as an aside.
Ultimately, it is a huge amount of good, hearty food for only around 10 Tala (approx. $5). On top of that, you know you are doing something good for the community because a lot of these BBQs are set up as fundraisers, usually for a church, community group, or a family raising money for a big event.
The next time you’re driving around rural Samoa, keep an eye out for the hand-painted signs. Help a community group out by grabbing yourself a massive feast, and enjoy it while you sit back and relax watching a game of kilikiti.
Luke is a New Zealand-born Sydney-sider with a passion for travel and culture. He writes Culture Shock Adventure, a blog focused on the fun, quirky bits of culture we encounter while traveling. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia and is currently rediscovering his own region in Oceania. And do check out Luke's Facebook and Instagram too!
Night Market Street Food in Taipei, Taiwan
by Claire Bee from Claire Pins Travels
Taiwan is home to some of the best street food in the world and the extensive street markets in the busy city of Taipei feature a wide range of dishes. The night markets in particular are an important part of the local culture, and food stalls usually specialize in one particular dish, so service is fast and portions are affordable. There is enough variety that you could try something new every night! Most night markets open around 4 or 5 PM and start closing down after 10 PM, with peak times between 7-10 PM.
Due to the island location, many well-known street food dishes in Taiwan feature seafood that may be deep-fried, barbecued, or served in soup. Start with an oyster omelet with shrimp vermicelli noodles or sample some a-gei, a local dish made with fried tofu, stuffed with noodles, and sealed with fish paste. Popular meat-based dishes include beef noodles or braised pork rice and Taipei is well known for soup dumplings filled with meat and broth.
Vegetarians can also find tofu prepared many ways, and you may smell the distinctive scent of stinky tofu in most markets, the strong smell is produced by fermentation and it is usually served deep-fried or in a spicy broth. Pick up some green onion flatbread-style pancakes and fried sweet potato balls or the more adventurous can choose from a variety of fermented and specially preserved eggs.
For dessert, a popular option is shaved ice which can be customized with toppings like tapioca balls, mango, red beans, grass jellies, condensed milk, sweet syrups, taro, and even sweet potato. Other tasty choices are peanut ice cream wraps served with cilantro or sugar-glazed fruits and miniature tomatoes served on a skewer.
If you would like a drink to accompany your meal, try the Taiwanese classic bubble tea, which features tapioca balls in an iced, sweetened milk tea, or consider a green tea with taro or other fruit jellies, there are endless combinations you can order.
The biggest and most famous night market in Taipei is Shilin, which is popular with tourists. Other recommended options are Ningxia night market, which is much smaller, or try the Tonghua or Jingmei night markets for a typical, local experience with fewer tourists. If you would like to venture beyond Taipei, many other cities and towns also host night markets or serve regional specialties, try visiting Tamsui on the coast, the mountain village of Jiufen, or the famous night market in Keelung, all of these destinations can be easily visited on a day trip from Taipei.
Claire from Canada wants to help you get inspired to plan your next trip with useful information about budget travel, with a focus on Canadian destinations, exciting festivals, special events and other once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. On her website, she shares travel tips and destination guides along with helpful, comprehensive reviews of travel experiences like tours, day trips and other activities. On Instagram, she features highlights from her collection of 700 souvenir travel pins from destinations all around the world. Check out Facebook and Pinterest.
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