There’s a lot to love about street food: it’s convenient, tasty, affordable, and an exciting way to learn about a place’s culture. Even with advanced technology, street food today not only represents what locals eat daily but also showcases food diversity. You can easily find tteokbokki, a rice cake dish from South Korea, in Jakarta. Though adapted to local tastes, it provides insights into Jakarta’s culinary preferences.
Talking about street food can be endless. Different regions have different palates. Even within the same country, neighboring towns may have variations, such as terang bulan and martabak, which are essentially the same dish with different names.
Street food holds a special place in cultures worldwide. It’s often the cheapest and tastiest food available, representing local daily diets and popular flavor profiles.
And if we take a closer look at what we’re eating, street food can also teach us a lot about the culture and values of an area. For me, you haven’t truly traveled until you’ve tasted the street food.
Often sold by hawkers or vendors, street food in Indonesia is also called “kaki lima.” The term “kaki lima” refers to street vendors who operate on sidewalks meant for pedestrians. Some say the term comes from the combination of the two legs of the vendor and the three wheels or legs of the cart, making five “legs.”
Famous Street Food in Asia
Hong Kong
Hong Kong attracts visitors with its flavorful culinary scene, from refined dim sum to local noodle shops. However, its humble street food is often overlooked.
Street food in Hong Kong offers some of the richest, most worthwhile food experiences. The Hong Kong Michelin Guide even includes gourmet recommendations found on street corners.
Visiting a dai pai dong is a quintessential Hong Kong food experience, much like yum cha. These open-air eateries, once abundant, have become rare due to regulatory changes. The birth of dai pai dong marked the beginning of Hong Kong’s street food culture, originating from the mid-19th century hawker licensing system.
What to Eat and Where to Eat
Visit places like Haiphong Road Temporary Cooked Food Hawker Bazaar, Bing Kee in Tai Hang, and Sing Kee. To immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s street food culture, go to Kowloon City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Soho, Shantung Street, Oi Man Sang, Mongkok Night Market, Lan Kwai Fong, and Temple Street. Try spicy fish balls, Cheung fun, stinky tofu, and tea eggs.
India
India’s street food culture is a kaleidoscope of flavors, colors, and aromas. Each region has its own unique street food offerings, influenced by local ingredients and culinary traditions. Street food vendors in India serve up a variety of dishes that are rich in flavor and affordable, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
What to Eat and Where to Eat
In Delhi, explore street food at Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, and Karol Bagh. Savor dishes like chaat (savory snacks), golgappa (pani puri), and paratha (stuffed flatbread). These areas provide an authentic taste of India’s street food culture, showcasing the country’s diverse culinary landscape.
Japan
Japan is known for its delicious eats, and Japanese street food is especially appetizing. It has a significant influence, particularly in Jakarta. Unlike Singapore and Bangkok, Japan doesn’t have a prevalent everyday street food culture, with exceptions like Dōtonbori in Osaka and Fukuoka. This might be due to the cultural norm against eating while walking.
What to Eat and Where to Eat
Places to try Japanese street food include Asakusa (Tokyo), Tsukiji Fish Market (Tokyo), Okage Yokocho (Mie), Nakasu (Fukuoka), Tennoji District (Osaka), and Nishiki Market (Kyoto).
Japanese cuisine offers a vast variety, with each region making unique versions of dishes. Look out for Unagi Rice Balls (Asakusa Unana), Sweet Potato Ice Cream (Imo Pippi), Mochi Dango Skewers, Curry Bun (Tokyo Curry Pan), Takoyaki, and more.
Nepal
Nepal’s vibrant street food scene offers a delightful fusion of flavors influenced by its diverse geography and cultural heritage. Despite being often overlooked, Nepali street food reflects a blend of indigenous flavors with influences from neighboring India and Tibet. One of the most beloved street foods in Nepal is momos, savory dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, often accompanied by fiery achar (pickled dipping sauce). These steamed or fried delights not only serve as quick snacks but also symbolize communal dining and festive celebrations.
Alongside momos, chatpate is another ubiquitous street snack, featuring a spicy mix of crispy fried noodles, vegetables, and tangy sauces. In Kathmandu’s bustling Indra Chowk and Asan Tole, as well as other vibrant markets across the country, visitors can savor sel roti, a traditional deep-fried rice flour bread ring enjoyed during festivals and daily tea breaks alike.
What to Eat and Where to Eat:
Explore the lively streets of Kathmandu’s Thamel district for an array of street food options, including momos from local vendors. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in freshly cooked chatpate at roadside stalls, where the spicy flavors mingle with the bustling atmosphere. For an authentic taste of Newari cuisine, head to Patan Durbar Square or Bhaktapur Durbar Square, where street vendors offer traditional flavors amidst ancient temples and vibrant markets.
South Korea
Street food in South Korea has traditionally been a part of popular culture. Historically, it included foods like eomuk, bungeo-ppang, and tteok-bokki. Street food is available from various types of vendors, with new ones emerging over time.
In South Korea, delicious street food is never far away. Skewers of tangy chargrilled chicken, crispy fried veggies, and golden fish-shaped waffles with sweet fillings can make for a full meal.
What to Eat and Where to Eat
Famous places include Namdaemun Market and Dongdaemun Food Street. For a different atmosphere, try Ewhwa Woman’s University Fashion Street. Here, you can enjoy Hotteok, Dakkochi (Korean Chicken Skewers), Bungeoppang and gukhwa-ppang (red bean waffles), and modern street food like Tanghulu.
Taiwan
Taiwan’s street food culture is deeply embedded in its night markets, which are bustling hubs of culinary activity. Night markets are a way of life in Taiwan, providing not only food but also entertainment and social interaction. These markets typically start in the late afternoon and continue until midnight, making them the perfect destination for evening and late-night snacks.
Taiwanese street food is known for its variety and unique flavors. From savory to sweet, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The night markets are filled with vendors selling everything from stinky tofu to bubble tea, creating a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells.
What to Eat and Where to Eat
Some of the most famous night markets in Taiwan include Raohe Night Market, NingXia Night Market, Shilin Night Market, and Linjiang Night Market. At Raohe Night Market, try the pepper buns, stinky tofu, and grilled squid. NingXia Night Market is known for its oyster omelettes, mochi, and pork pepper buns. Shilin Night Market offers a wide range of options, including giant fried chicken cutlets, Taiwanese sausages, and shaved ice desserts. Linjiang Night Market is perfect for sampling beef noodle soup, pan-fried buns, and the famous Taiwanese fried chicken.
Thailand
Thailand is renowned for its vibrant street food culture, which is an integral part of daily life. Street food vendors are found throughout the country, offering a variety of dishes from dawn till late at night. Bangkok, in particular, is a paradise for street food lovers, where culinary influences from Thai, Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, Indonesian, Burmese, and Portuguese cultures come together.
In Bangkok, street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The bustling markets and streets are filled with the aroma of grilled meats, simmering curries, and fresh herbs. The Pratunam Market Area and Yaowarat Chinatown are famous for their diverse and delectable street food offerings. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, you can always find something delicious to eat in these vibrant areas.
What to Eat and Where to Eat
At Pratunam Market, you can savor dishes like pad thai, mango sticky rice, and grilled seafood. Yaowarat Chinatown is a treasure trove of flavors, offering everything from spicy som tam (papaya salad) to Chinese-style buns and roasted duck. Other must-try dishes include boat noodles, coconut ice cream, and the famous Thai-style fried chicken.
Turkey
Turkey’s street food culture is a vibrant mix of flavors and influences, reflecting its rich history and diverse culinary heritage. Street food vendors in Turkey offer a wide range of delicious and affordable dishes, making it a food lover’s paradise. From bustling markets to seaside stalls, the street food scene in Turkey is dynamic and ever-evolving.
What to Eat and Where to Eat
In Istanbul, explore street food in areas like Istiklal Avenue, Eminönü, and Kadıköy. Enjoy iconic dishes like simit (sesame-covered bread), döner kebab, and börek (savory pastries). These locations provide a glimpse into Turkey’s street food culture, offering a mix of traditional and modern flavors.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, at the crossroads of the Silk Road, boasts a rich culinary heritage reflected in its street food. The flavors are a fusion of Middle Eastern, Russian, and Chinese influences, resulting in a unique and diverse food culture. Street food vendors in Uzbekistan offer a variety of dishes that are hearty, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition.
What to Eat and Where to Eat
In Tashkent, explore street food at Chorsu Bazaar and the bustling streets of the old town. Sample dishes like plov (rice pilaf), samsa (savory pastries), and shashlik (grilled meat skewers). These locations provide an authentic taste of Uzbekistan’s street food culture, showcasing the country’s rich culinary history.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, street food is everywhere, from early morning markets to roving vendors and bustling sidewalk stalls.
To find the best food in Vietnam, eat when the locals do—early in the day. After mealtimes, it can be hard to find satisfying options. Early risers can enjoy bowls of hot noodles, hearty rice porridge, or sticky rice cakes dipped in peanuts.
What to Eat and Where to Eat
Ho Chi Minh City is a great place for Vietnamese street food. Try Van Kiep Street, Vinh Khanh Street, Co Giang Street, and Nguyen Thuong Hien Street.
Vietnamese cuisine reflects a rich tapestry of cultural influences. French colonialism introduced baguettes, leading to dishes like banh mi sandwiches. Vietnamese spring rolls use Chinese-style rice paper, and Indian and Thai influences are seen in the use of spices like star anise and curry powder. Look out for Bahn Mi, BunCha (vermicelli with grilled pork), Xoi (Vietnamese Sticky Rice), Banh Ran (Vietnamese Fried Donut), and more.
