Food is an intrinsic part of one’s travel experience as it helps you understand the place’s culture and history.
While many of us believe in visiting those exotic fine dining restaurants, a place that shouldn’t be missed is the local city streets.
Not only is eating street food an economical and convenient way to curb your hunger pangs, it also opens the door to a world of must-have delicious food.
From pushcarts and night market stalls to bicycle backs, you’ll often find the best local cuisines somewhere at the corners of the street.
So here is your guide from the all-American hot dog to the famous Hong Kong’s pineapple buns, every world traveller must try.
1. Tacos – Mexico
Tacos are also widely consumed throughout Canada and the United States, with a variety of options. They are made up of a corn or wheat tortilla, folded or rolled, with filling like chicken, cheese, vegetables and topped with avocado, chili pepper, lettuce, onions, salsa, etc.
2. Ramen – Japan
Although ramen is a Japanese dish, sources say that it actually originated in China. Popular throughout the world, ramen can be easily found on the streets of Japan. From ramen shops, karaoke halls to amusement parks and more, noodles are served in a broth that is typically meat or fish-based, and soy sauce or miso is used as flavoring, as well as toppings.
3. Put Chai Ko (Sticky Rice Pudding) – Hong Kong
Often translated as ‘sticky rice pudding’, put chai ko is typically made of rice flour and red beans. These ingredients are put in a small china bowl. When the pudding sets, it can be removed from the bowl on a small stick and eaten like a popsicle. Modern innovations of this traditional snack have introduced new flavours such as pumpkin and green tea.
4. Pineapple Buns – Hong Kong
Traditionally, pineapple bun contained no pineapple and earned its name because of its chequered top that resembles the skin of a pineapple. The top half of the bun is made from cookie-type dough, while the bottom is made from Chinese-style bread dough, which tends to be softer and sweeter than Western bread. Many vendors insert a cold pat of butter into a warm pineapple bun.
5. Hot Dog – The United States of America
A grilled/cooked sausage, served on a steamed hot dog bun and garnished with ketchup, mustard, onions, cheese etc. is present on every American street. A classic easy to find dish in every menu at restaurants, food stalls at stadiums will have one of its own styles. Big cities like Chicago, Detroit and New York, are particularly well-known for their hot dog culture.
6. Bunny Chow – South Africa
Of course our favorite Mzansi meal ‘Bunny Chow’ made it to the list. The origin of this South African dish is often credited to the Indian community at Durban. It is basically a square hollowed bread which is filled with Indian-style curry made of meat or veggies.
7. Banana Cue – Philippines
Made with saba bananas which is a variety of banana, it is a popular street food of Philippines. The bananas are deep-fried and coated in caramelized brown sugar before being skewered on bamboo sticks.
