Dining on street food is arguably one of the best ways to interact with a destination while visiting. The local fare tends to be cheaper (a great perk for budget travelers); vendors are dishing up perfected family recipes, and the cuisine tells a more meaningful story about the fusion of cultures that lent itself to the current culinary scene. Curious as to where these delicious and transformative experiences await? Read on to discover five destinations around the world with delectable street food.
Shenzhen, China
In China’s bustling southeastern metropolis, Shenzhen’s foodie offerings distinctly reflect the diversity of the city’s population. Dishes and snacks embody the flavor profiles evident in traditional Cantonese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean and even French foods, creating rich options overflowing with unique ingredient combinations. These cultural fusions alone are one of the primary reasons Shenzhen is a foodie hotspot, and locals continue to build on these taste profiles with their own added twists to keep the culinary scene vibrant.
These on-the-go eats are available all throughout the city, though Dongmen Pedestrian Street has a well-known reputation for them. The bustling shopping and entertainment district is located in the city’s oldest sector and features specialty dishes like stinky tofu and BBQ skewers. Don’t count the tofu out yet — it’s fermented and deep-fried first, then served with a spicy sauce and pickled vegetables to create a sensationally savory meal.
The Shuiwei Night Market is another recommended stop, and these vendors are specifically known for their barbecue flavors (like grilled lamb skewers), spicy crawfish and fried rice cakes. Other delicacies, such as Taiwanese noodles, braised meats, fruit bowls and roujiamo, the Chinese equivalent of a hamburger or sloppy joe, round out the one-of-a-kind flavors present in Shenzhen.
Indore, India
India’s gastronomy stands apart from other culinary destinations because of its strong variation in regional dishes. The flavors, textures, ingredients and preparation methods vary greatly from area to area, meaning visitors have much more ground to cover when it comes to sampling the offerings. Indore is a great place to start for ambitious eaters, as the populous city artfully merges these regional specialties into one convenient destination.
In particular, the multi-faceted Sarafa Bazar is not a market to be overlooked. Glittering with the allure of precious gems by day, Sarafa Bazar transforms from a jewelry market into a foodie paradise every night by 8 p.m. If there’s one thing travelers need to get their hands on while visiting, it’s a sabudana-based dish. The pearls are crafted from the starch of a tapioca root and accompany classic meals like sabudana khichdi. Garadu (deep-fried yam) and bhutte ka kees (a creamy grated corn snack) are other tried-and-true options worth seeking out.
Should visitors want a daytime alternative, the certified Clean Street Food Hub of Chappan Dukan is a welcome option. The area is open all day long and serves up plenty of vegetarian meals. Stands like Johny Hotdog and Vijay Chaat House are among the most popular stops for travelers because of their classic offerings and innovative twists.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Sometimes, good eats are just around the corner, and American travelers are sure to find that within New Orleans. It’s no secret the colorful city has a reputation for food (hello, Mardi Gras), and its blend of French, Spanish, African and Caribbean influences contributes to the bold flavors and unrivaled dishes that put New Orleans’ cuisine on the map. While there are plenty of food-related festivals throughout the year to whet your appetite, local vendors and stalls in the French Quarter are great for traditional fare. Famous foods like king cake, gumbo, beignets, po’ boys and yakamein can be found throughout the city, though the French Market serves many of these in one space. Culinary tours through these areas might be a worthwhile consideration for travelers interested in exploring how New Orleans’ flavors reflect its people and cultural heritage.
Mexico City, Mexico
Is there really any other way to dine in Mexico if you’re not trying all the street food in sight? Mexico City is ideal for on-the-go meals, and travelers are sure to find quick bites on nearly every corner. The fast-paced approach to dining is a reflection of a time when Indigenous communities would sell staple foods in local markets, and as a result, many vendors today specialize in only a handful of dishes that their families have mastered over the years.
However, unlike the image we normally conjure up when thinking about street food, the carts in Mexico City operate more like an extension of a kitchen than an independent stall. This slight distinction results in a more elevated experience for the traveler. As expected, must-try meals include tortas, tamales, tostadas, churros, tacos and quesadillas, and the Coyoacán neighborhood is an excellent place to start for these beloved meals. Coyoacán also has a reputation for its sweet treats, specializing in delicacies like churros and hot chocolate for those in search of a tasteful sugar rush.
Salvador, Brazil
While Brazil has its own distinct culinary personality, Salvador offers an eclectic blend of Afro-Brazilian flavors that sets it apart. The city’s African heritage is a major component of the local identity, and street food is one way residents preserve the use of traditional ingredients and recipes. Between providing an affordable meal option and acting as a pivotal source of income for Brazilians, these vendors are more than bustling carts on a corner — they’re a way of life.
A non-negotiable on every traveler’s list is acarajé. The black-eyed pea fritter is deep-fried in palm oil and filled with shrimp, a flour-based fish paste, hot sauce and veggies; it’s one of the most well-known meals in Salvador. Other options like moqueca (white fish stew), beiju (tapioca crepes) and brigadeiro (Brazilian truffles) provide a glimpse into the range of Salvador’s culinary offerings.
About the Author
comments