When you’re in a new city, there’s really no better way to understand its culture than through food. And if you want to get to the heart of it all, street food is where it’s at. It’s not just about filling your stomach—it’s about getting a real taste of daily life in that city. It is the ultimate way to connect with a city’s culture and, trust me, you won’t leave hungry!
In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about street food tours. We have curated the lists of some of the best destinations to check out.
Why Take a Street Food Tour?
Street food is all about simplicity and accessibility, and that’s part of its magic. Unlike fancy restaurants, street food is often the real deal. It is made by local vendors using fresh ingredients, right on the streets. It’s like taking a bite of the city itself.
But street food isn’t just about the food—it’s a window into a destination’s culture. The vendors you see on the streets are usually part of small, family-run businesses that have been perfecting their recipes for generations.
10 Must-Try Street Foods All Around the World
1. Tacos al Pastor – Mexico City, Mexico
Tacos Al Pastor is a fiesta for your taste buds that brings all the excitement to your taco nights or Taco Tuesday traditions. This showstopper of a taco recipe isn’t just about the marinated pork, it’s about the infusion of fresh flavors from the chile-pineapple marinade and homemade salsa.
Best Places To Eat:
- El Huequito
- Los Tacos de Canasta
- Tacos Don Manolito
- El Vilsito
- Taquería Los Parados
2. Pad Thai – Bangkok, Thailand
Pad Thai is a thing of beauty. The bright red color and the scent of Thai spices are intoxicating. We love how it tastes—how it melts in your mouth and tickles your nose with a sweet-spicy-sour flavor that’s unlike any other dish you’ve ever tried.
Best Places To Eat:
- Thip Samai Pad Thai
- Pad Thai Mae Am
- Pee Aor Pad Thai
- Ba Mee Jok
- Chao Phraya Pad Thai
3. Bánh Mì – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The term bánh mì, refers to both “bread” and the “sandwich.” And like other Vietnamese dishes, the bánh, or the starch and legume-based ingredients, often define the dish. Phở cannot be phở without bánh phở, or flat, rice noodles. The same can be said for bánh mì. So no matter how many Trader Joe’s bánh mì noodle bowls get sold and however many bánh mì salad recipes get published, a bánh mì can only be a bánh mì as a sandwich.
Best Places To Eat:
- Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa
- Bánh Mì Phượng
- Bánh Mì 37 Nguyen Trai
- Bánh Mì Minh Long
- Bánh Mì Kỳ Anh
4. Döner Kebab – Istanbul, Turkey
Döner is made from chicken and dressed with lettuce, red and white cabbage, thick slices of tomato and cucumber, a yogurt garlic sauce, one pickled peperoncino, and a whole block of feta-like cheese.
Best Places To Eat:
- Dönerci Şahin Usta
- Bayramoğlu Döner
- Kısmet Döner
- Dönerci Ali Usta
- Sultanahmet Köftecisi
5. Samosas – New Delhi, India
Samosas seem to be one of the most beloved dishes, both by children and adults alike. There is a great variety of types of samosas usually offered on the menus in Indian and Asian restaurants, giving children (and their parents) plenty of wiggle room to choose an option that they think they will enjoy.
Best Places To Eat:
- Jamaica Market
- Sitaram Diwan Chand (Chandni Chowk)
- Haldiram’s
- Bikanerwala
- Anand Stall (Connaught Place)
6. Arepas – Caracas, Venezuela
The smell of fried dough clings to the warm air, reaching my nostrils before the Arepas is cool enough to taste. A satisfyingly crispy outer layer gives way to a softer one before the egg and beef—mildly flavored with chili, onion, and cilantro—awaken my tastebuds.
Best Places To Eat:
- Arepa Factory
- La Arepera de Mavi
- El Budare del Barrio
- La Casa de las Arepas
- Arepera La Nueva
7. Takoyaki – Osaka, Japan
Eating takoyaki is undoubtedly an experience because the piping hot octopus balls are traditionally served in a small paper boat, allowing easy consumption. Before taking a bite, it’s customary to sprinkle some additional toppings. Options include bonito flakes, seaweed powder, or chili powder.
Best Places To Eat:
- Aizuya Takoyaki
- Takoyaki Wanaka
- Okkio Takoyaki
- Gindaco Takoyaki
- Kukuru Takoyaki
8. Churros – Madrid, Spain
Churros are a pleasure. You eat them when you want to feel a genuinely happy moment; they instantly give you a good vibe, too. In my home country of Spain, you eat them after a night of partying in the town and you also eat them almost every day for breakfast.
Best Places To Eat:
- Churrería San Ginés
- Churros El Convento
- Churros de Madrid
- La Estrella Churros
- Casa Aranda
9. Pani Puri – Mumbai, India
One of the best things about Pani Puri is that it is a versatile snack that can be customized to suit individual preferences. Whether you like it spicy or mild, with extra chutneys or without, Pani Puri can be made to suit your taste buds.
Best Places To Eat:
- Bhel Puri House
- Anand Stall (Juhu)
- Ashok Vadapav & Pani Puri
- Shree Chappal
- Shree Tuli Pani Puri
10. Kebabs – Cairo, Egypt
Kebabs are one of the key foods to try while in Turkey. What better place to start than with the classic kebab. Also known as Turkish shish kebabs or sis kebabs, these consist of chunks of marinated beef or lamb that are placed on a skewer and grilled, usually without vegetables.
If you are in Istanbul, a great place to enjoy some authentic Turkish shish kebabs is the restaurant called Ciya Kebap.
Best Places To Eat:
- Abu Tarek
- Kebabgy
- El Abd
- Fayoumi Kebab
- El Tawheed & El Nour