Street foods from around the world

Street foods from around the world Street food is the heart and soul of international cuisine. From Central America and across Europe, North Africa to Southeast Asia, the pickings are lush and sometimes surprising. Though often imitated by restaurants, they taste best when scooped onto a paper plate or wrapped in wax paper and eaten standing up, stains and all.

Mint Tea, Morocco Referred to as “Moroccan Whiskey”, these hot drinks filled to the brim with fresh mint and sugar cubes is a must-try on any visit to Morocco.

Dumplings, China Dumplings come in all shapes and sizes and they are popular with locals and tourists alike. Xiao Long Bao are a favourite with the soup dumplings found on streets across Shanghai.

Jerk Chicken, Jamaica Chicken on the bone, slathered in spices (the recipes vary and are usually family secrets), all cooked over in large BBQ pits. The smoky flavour is addictive.

Banh Mi, Vietnam These French baguettes are sliced lengthwise and slathered in mayonnaise and a thin spread of pâté, very French. Then add barbecued pork, or Vietnamese-style pork meatballs, vegetables, and fresh chili or chili sauce and you will be back!

Currywurst, Germany Need something to soak up the German beer? Grab a plate of chopped pork sausage drowning in a thick, spiced tomato sauce dusted with curry powder from a street vendor anywhere.

Ceviche, Peru Often cited as Peru’s national dish, this fresh raw fish with citrus is served many different ways. It is also great washed down with a Pisco Sour.

Falafel, Israel Grab a warm, thick, oversized pita stuffed with fresh-fried falafel and all the fixin's any time day or night in Tel Aviv. At falafel stands, you can also add hummus, pickled veggies, roasted eggplant salad, feta cheese, French fries (just stuff 'em in) and a wide assortment of adventurous hot sauces.

Frites, Belgium Slathered in mayonnaise and served in a cone is the way to devour this Belgian street food. Best consumed hot, crispy and tangy.

Döner, Turkey Grilled on a vertical skewer and served in pita bread, döner is a late-night staple around the world but the Turkish do it best.

Pierogi, Poland Versions of pierogi can be found all over Eastern Europe, but in Krakow they have an entire festival dedicated to this handmade dumpling. Pierogi are made from a simple dough of flour, egg, water and salt, which is shaped into parcels and filled with meat, potatoes or cheese. They’re boiled first and then fried in butter.

Poutine, Canada It may sound like a heart attack on a paper plate but this Canadian combination of thick chips, cheese curds and gravy is filling and delicious. You will find the best versions in its home, French-speaking Québec.

Mango Sticky Rice, Thailand Noodles are also a go-to on the streets of Thailand but you can’t go past the delicious and convenient bags of sweet rice, coconut cream and fresh mango for a treat.