Top 10 Countries with the Best Street Food in the World

There are thousands of peoples in the world with their own culinary traditions: as many cuisines as there are traditional dishes. The key to understanding the history and culture of any country can often be found in its cuisine, which is why eating street food in each country is of interest to many tourists. Here are the 10 countries with the best street food in the world:

1. Viet Nam

When mentioning Vietnam, international friends often think of not only an S-shaped coastal country with rich natural scenery and abundant resources that nature has bestowed. They also think of its unique cuisine, especially the uniqueness of its street food. Vietnamese street food always receives praise from international tourists and has been honored in prestigious world magazines as one of the best street foods on the planet.

Not simply a list of traditional dishes sold on the streets, Vietnamese street food also reflects the cultural beauty, lifestyle, emotions and thinking of Vietnamese people. At the same time, it is also the intersection between the traditional culture of the nation and the influence of many other cultures. Vietnamese cuisine not only focuses on the harmonious combination of ingredients but also highlights the fresh, natural flavors, ensuring health benefits. Each dish always brings a balance of sour, spicy, salty, sweet flavors that are very appealing. Famous street foods include bun cha (grilled pork vermicelli), pho ga, pho bo, banh mi, banh cuon, banh xeo, com tam, nem ran, cha gio, pho cuon and many other delicious dishes.
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2. Greece

Greek street food is known for its richness of aromas, flavours and cultural influences, and is considered one of the most delicious and flavorful cuisines in the world. It is no surprise that Greece is a go-to destination for foodies. Each dish is a delicate blend of ingredients and cooking methods, offering a complete experience in every bite. Greek cuisine reflects the fusion of East and West, with ingredients such as yogurt, nuts, sesame seeds and rice first introduced by the Persians.

After the Roman invasion, sauces and pasta began to appear, adding to the diverse landscape of Greek cuisine. As Greece came under Arab influence, spices such as cumin, cinnamon and cloves quickly became integral ingredients in recipes, and they are still widely used today. Coming to Greek street cuisine, you will have the opportunity to enjoy countless unique delicacies. Some attractive choices that cannot be missed include Souvlaki, Gyros, Loukoumades, Koulouri, Bougatsa, Tiropita, Spanakopita, or fragrant roasted chestnuts that are easy to remember.
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3. Italy

Some tourists who want to explore Italian culinary culture often go to famous restaurants with high-class dining style. However, those who are truly knowledgeable about cuisine know that the most classic and authentic aspect of Italian cuisine is best expressed through street food. Street food throughout Italy is not only a living testament to creativity and innovation, but also reflects the deep passion of Italian people for culinary arts, regardless of origin or social class. Dishes are often simple in style but stand out with rich flavors, always kept hot to maintain their appeal. The three traditional colors of Italian cuisine: red, green and yellow often create a perfect harmony between sight and taste. Familiar ingredients such as tomatoes, bread and olive oil are indispensable elements in most dishes.

One of the prominent street foods of Italy is cicchetti. Not only is it the “king” of Venice’s street food scene, it also offers a unique cultural experience that no visitor should miss when visiting the city of bridges and poetic waterways. Cicchetti is like the Spanish version of tapas, consisting of small slices of bread covered with delicious fillings. You will easily find cicchetti with ham, cheese, seafood, fish and vegetables as the main ingredients. In addition, piadina is a classic street food in the Northern region of Italy, said to have originated in Bologna – a city famous for its rich cuisine. It is impossible not to mention gelato, a favorite street food throughout Italy. Gelato here is the general name for ice cream made from milk, but has a lower fat content than regular ice cream, making it a perfect choice that is both delicious and light.
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4. Pakistan

Pakistan is a prominent destination with a diverse and sophisticated world of street food. Associated with the Halal culinary culture of Islam, you will not find pork dishes or alcohol in this country. Instead, Pakistanis are especially fond of dishes rich in spices and meat ingredients, leading to sophisticated and unique preparation methods. Enjoying Pakistani cuisine opens up a culinary journey unlike anywhere else in Asia, while reflecting the cultural exchange with diverse influences from all over the region.

Visitors who are passionate about sweet, spicy and new flavors will feel the richness and nutrition in the typical dishes of Pakistan. One of the most famous dishes is Karahi - the pride of the people here, considered a traditional specialty. Karahi is available everywhere, from small roadside eateries to high-end restaurants. In addition, Gol Gappay is an attractive snack with a crispy potato chip with a flaky shell, stuffed with a variety of fillings. Pakistanis often drizzle it with sauce, dip it in chili water before enjoying it to enhance the flavor, creating an irresistible attraction. Street snacks like Gol Gappay often appear at street stalls, fairs, festivals and even at wedding parties. There are also many other typical options such as Pakora, Chaat Samosa, Bun Kebab or Chapshurro.

Pakistani street food is not only a perfect combination of flavors and textures but also reflects the rich culture of this country.
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5. Philippine

The Philippines is not only attractive for its pristine islands and colorful festivals, but is also famous for its attractive street food. The cuisine here is a blend of traditional influences from India, Spain, China and America. In particular, Philippine street snacks are very diverse, from sweet and salty to unique and strange flavors for tourists.

One of the outstanding dishes is isaw - pig or chicken intestines, often prepared by grilling or deep-frying. Next is Betamax - pig or chicken blood coagulated into square pieces.

Different from the famous French mozzarella cheese style, Philippine street food brings a new experience with cheese sticks wrapped in cheddar, then fried to a golden brown in a delicious spring roll shell. Maruya fried banana is also very popular, consisting of sliced ​​or mashed bananas, coated in flour and fried. The bananas used are usually the local specialty saba bananas, often sprinkled with sugar to enhance the flavor.

Another interesting street food is Cascaron – a small round pastry, crispy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside. Made from glutinous rice flour, grated coconut and coconut milk, Cascaron is often served with sweet syrup, also known as bitsu bitsu. In addition, other specialties cannot be missed such as Lumpiang Shanghai, Proben or crispy fried Kwek kwek – all of which are rich in the rich street cuisine of the Philippines.
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6. Thailand

Thailand is truly a foodie’s paradise, with a plethora of mouthwatering dishes to choose from. From piping hot bowls of noodles and curries served at street stalls, where you can mingle with the locals, to sweet desserts that are perfect to take on a stroll. Pad Thai, a world-famous noodle dish that can be found everywhere, is a great way to start your street food adventure. With the perfect balance of spicy and sweet, this stir-fried noodle dish is often made with shrimp or chicken, combined with chili, palm sugar, lime juice and tamarind, topped with soft egg noodles and roasted peanuts. Pad See Ew is another delicious option with a distinct Thai flavour. This dish is made with wide rice noodles, stir-fried with soy sauce, meat, greens or cabbage. Pad See Ew is typically not spicy, making it a great choice for those who prefer a milder flavour. And if you like a little more heat, just add dried chili or vinegar. Another popular snack is Poh Pia Tod, or spring rolls. These are easily found in the markets and are made with a variety of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and rice noodles, rolled up and deep-fried or served fresh. They are often served with a sweet and spicy chili sauce and are packaged in convenient plastic bags, making them perfect for on-the-go eating.
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7. Japan

Japanese street food is not as often mentioned as Thai or Vietnamese street food. This may stem from cultural factors or stricter hygiene standards, causing Japan to lack a clear street food culture like many other countries in the Asian region. Ramen is a famous dish, but most Japanese people often enjoy this dish at shops specializing in ramen. One of the most typical street foods in Japan is Takoyaki, small spherical balls made from wheat flour, cooked in special pans at street stalls or small restaurants.

Not only attractive for its sophistication in flavor, Japanese cuisine also impresses with the richness and diversity of regional specialties. Many international tourists are amazed by the cuisine here and constantly give compliments. The port city of Fukuoka, located on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, is known for its vibrant street food scene. In Nakasu, the city’s popular entertainment district, ‘yatai’ food stalls open from around 6pm, creating a cosy atmosphere in the evening. Don’t miss the chance to try local specialties such as oden, yakitori and tempura. If you love a unique experience and a strong taste, mentaiko – concentrated pollock roe – is a great choice.
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8. Ukraina

Ukraine has many luxurious restaurants and beautiful cafes that are ideal for visiting, but the unique street food is also an indispensable part of the local culture that captivates tourists. Ukrainian street food is famous for its richness, creating an extremely attractive flavor. Not only famous global dishes such as American hamburgers or Chinese noodles, the food stalls here also serve traditional Ukrainian dishes and unique specialties. From pastries, rich soups, attractive meat dishes to surprising flavor combinations, all contribute to the rich appearance of the cuisine here. Even the beetroot soup borsch, which is considered a typical Russian dish, actually originated in Ukraine. Ukrainian-style borsch is a little different from the Russian version, but the difference is quite subtle, making it sometimes difficult for diners to recognize.

Most people know that Ukrainians love their famous Salo, not only because of its unique taste but also because of its significant health benefits. Pork fat is rich in vitamin D and A, which is good for brain function, digestion and detoxification. Salo is even considered a typical cultural symbol of Ukraine. As for Kholodets with horseradish, this is not only popular in Ukraine but also in other Eastern European countries. Don’t forget to try shawarma, falafel and schnitzel when you come here. You can take these dishes with you to continue exploring the city or simply enjoy lunch at the place.
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9. China

It is no coincidence that you can easily find Chinese cuisine everywhere. Street food is an important part of the culinary culture of the people here. Unique delicacies are often hidden in small, narrow alleys, sometimes seemingly unclean. However, street food is always a great way for people to relax and explore their taste buds. If you are a fan of street food and love to experience new flavors, try to find out what are the most popular dishes in China.

One of the dishes that cannot be missed is jianbing, which is considered the Chinese version of crepes. This is a popular breakfast dish, easily found on street corners, in front of subway stations or near tourist attractions. Jiaozi, also known as Chinese dumplings, is another attractive option. With a shape similar to ancient gold bars, jiaozi are steamed, lightly fried or deep-fried and often served with vinegar and soy sauce sauce to enhance the flavor. Baozi, a type of steamed dumpling filled with juicy meat like barbecued pork, sometimes with vegetables, is also very popular and is steamed in a traditional bamboo tray. Finally, chuan'r, also known as Chinese kebab, is a dish of meat skewered on thin bamboo sticks and grilled to a fragrant aroma.
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10. India

If there is one word to describe Indian street food, it would be “brilliant”. With its vast area and cultural diversity, India boasts a rich and diverse culinary treasure trove of regional specialties. Home to about 75% of the world’s spices, the country has contributed to creating some of the most attractive and unique dishes in the world. Experiencing street food here is truly an exciting journey, where you will discover countless delicious dishes. Indian street food also reflects the richness of culture and flavors in traditional cuisine, with each region bringing its own specialties and colorful stalls offering hundreds, even thousands of different options.

Today, street food has become an indispensable part of Indian cultural life and is present in every street corner and village in this country. The most popular dishes include kebab, biryani, korma and kulfi. In addition, Soda Nimbu Masala - a carbonated drink made from lemon juice combined with soda water, chaat masala (mixture of spices), cumin and kala namak (black salt) - is also a favorite choice of many people. Masala Chai, a traditional Indian tea, is now appearing on the menus of cafes and tea houses around the world. Another delicious dish, Aloo Chana Chaat, is made from split chana green peas combined with fried or boiled potatoes and served with spices, chutneys and many other ingredients, creating a perfect blend of flavors and colors.
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