Street Food Around the World
Okay so I promise to move on from food after this month! After talking coffee in May and frozen treats in June, I wanted to wrap up the series highlighting some of the best street food around the world.
The global street food scene is incredible, but these are four countries I'd visit for the street food alone.
Grab a napkin... let's dig in!
Thailand
Bangkok is consistently ranked as one of the world's best food cities, and for good reason. Everywhere you turn, you'll find sizzling woks, family recipes passed down for generations, and street vendors serving dishes they've perfected over decades.
What to try: Start with Kai Jeow, a light and fluffy Thai omelet served over rice. Dumpling lovers should look for Khanom Jeeb (pork), Gui Chai (crispy garlic chive), or Pun Sip Neung, a steamed dumpling typically filled with chicken or fish. For something fresh, Som Tam (green papaya salad) is a must. It's the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, sour, and crunchy.
Food tours let you sample more than a dozen local specialties while learning about Thailand's incredible food culture. Some tour options:
The Old Siam Bangkok Food Tour
Bangkok Chinatown Night Street Food Tour
Northern Flavors Chiang Mai Food Tour
Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour
Mexico
Mexico is famous for its incredible cuisine, and some of the country's best bites come from humble street carts rather than upscale restaurants. From sizzling meats to sweet treats, every corner seems to offer something worth trying.
What to try: You can't go wrong with tacos al pastor, made with spit-roasted pork and packed with flavor. Elotes, grilled corn topped with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime, is a delicious (and messy!) favorite. If you're craving something sweet, try camotes—roasted sweet potatoes topped with condensed milk, cinnamon, and jam.
Food tours are all great ways to discover authentic local flavors while exploring some of Mexico's most vibrant cities. Some of our favs:
The Private Historic City Tour + Street Food of Oaxaca
Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market, and Murals
Mexico City Street Food: A Beginner's Guide
Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the best places in the world to experience street food. Most vendors specialize in just one or two dishes, meaning they've spent years perfecting them. When deciding where to eat, follow the locals. If a street stall has a crowd of Vietnamese customers, you've probably found a winner.
What to try: Slurp a bowl of pho, bite into a crispy bánh mì, or sample fresh gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls). If you're feeling adventurous, try bánh xèo, a crispy savory rice pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
Food tours are great ways to experience Vietnam's incredible street food while learning about the local culture. Some great options are:
The Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour & Sightseeing by Motorbike
Small Group Hanoi Street Food Tour with a Real Foodie
Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Street Food Tour
Saigon Evening Walking Street Food Tour
Japan
Japan is known for its world-class cuisine, and some of the country's best bites can be found at bustling markets, neighborhood food stalls, and seasonal festivals. While every region has its own specialties, one thing stays the same: fresh ingredients, incredible attention to detail, and food that's just as fun to watch being made as it is to eat.
What to try: Grab an order of takoyaki, crispy-on-the-outside octopus-filled dough balls that originated in Osaka. Okonomiyaki, a savory cabbage pancake topped with sweet sauce and bonito flakes, is another must-try. If you're looking for something sweet, pick up a warm taiyaki, a fish-shaped pastry traditionally filled with red bean paste or custard.
Food tours are fantastic ways to sample regional specialties while learning about Japan's incredible food culture.
The Osaka Shinsekai Street Food Tour
Kuromon Market Walking Food Tour
Tokyo Tsukiji Outer Market Food Tour
Kyoto Nishiki Market Food Tour
Final Thoughts
Okay after writing this I think I've officially decided... I want to celebrate my 40th birthday in Japan. Anyone interested in coming with me?
