Culinary Travel

Iconic Street Foods You Need to Try in Their Home Countries

Published

August 27, 2024

Craving the authentic taste of iconic street foods but don’t know where to start? One popular street food, Anticucho, a kebab-like dish from Peru, is often made from beef heart and marinated in vinegar and spices.

In this article, we will explore must-try street foods in their home countries, from Peru’s anticuchos to South Africa’s bunny chow. Want to discover more about street food around the world?

Anticucho (Peru)

A street vendor in Peru grills anticuchos (marinated beef hearts) for eager customers in a busy marketplace.

Anticucho is a popular street food in Peru. It is made from marinated skewered beef hearts. The beef hearts are marinated in vinegar and spices like garlic, cumin, and ají pepper.

People in Peru love to eat anticucho. It is often served with a traditional sauce made from garlic, cilantro, onion, lemon juice, beer, and vinegar.

Anticucho is usually served with bread or boiled potatoes. People celebrate anticucho every third Sunday of October. This day is a religious holiday honoring El Señor de los Milagros.

Anticucho has a rich history. It originated as food for enslaved individuals. They combined discarded beef offal with local Andean ingredients.

The flavors in anticucho are amazing. The combination of the marinated beef hearts and the traditional sauce is delicious. People visit Peru just to try anticucho. It is a must-try street food in Peru.

Arepa (Colombia and Venezuela)

Arepa is a staple food in Colombia and Venezuela. It’s a soft, thick patty made from ground maize mixed with water and salt. People bake, boil, fry, grill, or steam arepas. They often stuff them with meats, cheeses, eggs, or salads.

Arepas are like English muffins in texture and appearance. Colombians and Venezuelans eat them at various times. They’re common for breakfast or as an afternoon snack in Colombia. Arepas are a big part of the diets in both countries.

Banh mi (Vietnam)

Banh mi is a sandwich made with a thin Vietnamese baguette. It has pork belly, grilled chicken, or Vietnamese sausage, and veggies like cucumber, cilantro, and pickled carrots. This food showcases the French influence on Vietnamese cuisine.

Northern versions of banh mi may have just bread, margarine, and pate. Southern versions feature many fillings. Banh mi is affordable, making it accessible to locals and tourists.

Anthony Bourdain said banh mi is a unique experience. Banh mi typically has French bread and fillings like pork sausage and pickled carrots. You will find many vendors selling banh mi in Vietnam.

Bunny chow (South Africa)

Bunny chow is a famous street food in South Africa. It is a hollowed-out loaf filled with curry. The curry is usually made with mutton, lamb, chicken, or beans. Bunny chow originated from the Indian community in Durban.

People like bunny chow because it is a portable meal. During the apartheid era, it was a popular food for workers. They could easily carry it to work. You can order bunny chow by size, like a quarter or half loaf.

The price of bunny chow varies. A vegetarian option can cost around 15 rand. A meat-filled version can cost up to 48 rand. Bunny chow is a delicious and affordable meal for locals and tourists.

Crepe (France)

France is famous for its delicious crepes. You can find them in sweet and savory varieties. February 2nd is a special day for crepes. The French call it “Le Chandeleur.” They have been making crepes on this day since the 5th century.

Back then, they gave crepes to pilgrims.

Today, every town in France has a “crêperie.” These are small restaurants that make crepes all day. Some popular toppings are Nutella and sugar. You can also find crepe stations at events.

They make crepes fresh for guests.

Currywurst (Germany)

Currywurst is a popular street food in Germany. It is made from pork sausage, steamed and fried, then sliced. People serve it with curry ketchup and curry powder. Fries are often on the side.

This tasty dish started in Berlin. A lady named Herta Hauer is famous for inventing currywurst sauce in 1949. Germans love eating currywurst with wooden or plastic forks. It’s a fun and easy snack.

You can find currywurst vendors in many German cities. Some vendors even add extra toppings like onions or chili flakes. Germans enjoy eating currywurst at all times of the day. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal.

Fish and chips (England)

England loves fish and chips. Joseph Malin opened the first British fish and chip shop in London in 1863. Fish and chips are served with chips, or french fries, and battered fish, often cod or haddock.

We add salt, vinegar, mushy peas, curry sauce, gravy, or ketchup.

Soldiers loved fish and chips during World War II. Sir Winston Churchill talked about how great it was for the people. He said, “it plays a pretty honourable part in a national catastrophe”.

Fish and chips still rules England’s street food world. Restaurants everywhere offer special fish and chips platters. Everyone makes them their own. It also can be savored easily sitting down while you get delighted with french fries of good quality such as fries similar to Vietnamese street style Poutine flavored, however traditional British dish makes every bit of tasty flavors coming right from both delicious pepper spices and of the rich Pommes-Frites type to be delighted on in streets of Western Europe even similar to ones that Belgian are used in serving classic meal.

Gyro (Greece)

Gyro is a Greek dish. It has meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Lamb, chicken, or pork are traditional choices.

Gyro vendors serve it in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki sauce, and sometimes fries. Dimitris Kokkalidis runs “The Fat Greek” in Copenhagen. He sources ingredients from local and small Greek producers.

Charlie Menegatos owns “Going Greek” in the UK. Yiannis Kosmides founded “Apola Greek Grill” in California. They all serve great gyros.

Hot dog (United States)

Hot dogs are popular in the United States. They are sausage served in a steamed bun with various condiments. The first hot dog stand in the U.S. was established by Anton Schlenker in New York City in 1867.

Coney Island, New York, is a historical hub for hot dog culture. It has many hot dog stands and restaurants. The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is held there every year.

Over 7 billion hot dogs are consumed annually in the U.S. This is a big number. The term “hot dog” possibly originated from the use of Dachshund sausages in the early 1900s.

Mango sticky rice (Thailand)

Mango sticky rice is Thailand’s most popular dessert. It’s a sweet treat made with sticky steamed rice. Coconut milk is added to make it extra sweet.

This dessert is a must-try when visiting Thailand. Mango sticky rice is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The best time to try this dessert is in April and May. Mangoes are in season during these months.

They’re extra sweet and juicy.

You’ll know it’s authentic if it’s served with yellow mung beans and sesame seeds on top. Mango slices are usually placed on top or beside the sticky rice. Try it at a street food stall or a local market.

The vendors will be happy to serve you a plate of this sweet dessert.

Poutine (Quebec, Canada)

Poutine is a favorite street food in Quebec, Canada. It has French fries, cheese curds, and brown gravy. You can find poutine on many restaurant menus and on the street. People started eating it in the 1950s in rural Quebec snack bars.

Some poutine dishes have meat like bacon, chicken, or sausage. Other fancy versions have foie gras or truffle. But the classic poutine is simple and delicious. The word “poutine” means “mess” in French.

It’s a fun name for this tasty treat. People love eating poutine in Quebec and all over Canada.

Ramen (Japan)

Ramen is a popular Japanese noodle dish. It came from China. Ramen is made with wheat noodles and a meat or fish-based broth. The broth is an important part of the dish. It’s made by simmering bones, meat, and fish for hours.

Andō Momofuku invented instant ramen in 1958. This made ramen a popular food around the world. Ramen shops are everywhere in Japan. You can also find ramen at street vendors and amusement parks.

The dish is often topped with boiled eggs, sliced pork, and scallions.

Ramen became popular in Japan during the Meiji Restoration. This was a time of great change in Japan. The country was opening up to the world. New foods, like ramen, were becoming popular.

After World War II, ramen became a popular food again. It was a cheap and filling meal for people who were struggling.

Shawarma (Middle East)

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food. It’s made with lamb or chicken grilled on a vertical spit. The meat is shaved off and served in a pita.

Hashipudia in Jerusalem, Israel is a great place to try Shawarma. This food is often eaten after parties. People all over the world enjoy Shawarma. It’s similar to other wraps but has its own special fillings and flavors.

Shawarma can have different meats like lamb or chicken. It’s commonly served with hummus, tahini, and vegetables. Some people like to add extra toppings to their Shawarma.

Tacos (Mexico)

Mexican tacos are made with corn or wheat tortillas. They are filled with various ingredients like meats, cheese, seafood, and vegetables. Tacos are often topped with items like avocado and salsa.

Meat fillings can include chorizo, a Mexican sausage. Some tacos have adventurous fillings, including brains and tongue. Vegetarians can enjoy tacos with mushrooms and potatoes.

Tacos are a popular Mexican dish. They can be made with different types of meat, like beef or chicken. Some tacos have cheese or sour cream, but many do not. Traditional tacos are simple, with just a few ingredients.

This allows the flavors to shine through. Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine, and their popularity has spread around the world.

Takoyaki (Japan)

Takoyaki is a popular street food in Japan. It comes from Osaka Prefecture. This small, round fritter is filled with octopus. A wheat flour batter is used to make it. The batter is cooked in a special round pan.

Takoyaki is often topped with mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce, bonito flakes, and seaweed. People enjoy it as an afternoon snack. It is also paired with beer. The combination is very tasty.

In Japan, you can find many takoyaki vendors. They are usually near train stations or in busy streets. Vendors cook the fritters quickly. They serve them hot to customers. Enjoying takoyaki is a great way to experience Japanese street food.

Exploring the cultural significance of street food

Street food is a big deal in many countries. It’s a way for people to make a living and share their culture. In Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, most street food vendors are women. They sell dishes like foutou, attiéké, and yassa.

These foods are a big part of the local culture.

Street food is also important for tourists. In Singapore, 65% of tourists said that street food centers were a highlight of their trip. They loved the unique foods and cultural experience.

Street food is a way for people to try new things and learn about different cultures. It’s a way to connect with the local community and have a real experience.

Tips for finding authentic street food vendors

Follow the crowd. Choose vendors with many local customers. This is a good sign of fresh and tasty food. Look for vendors with a high turnover of dishes. This means food is not left sitting around for too long.

Observe the food preparation. This helps you see how fresh the ingredients are. Check if the vendor handles food safely. Vendors with good practice score 70% or higher. These vendors are more likely to serve safe and healthy food.

Local people know the best street food vendors. Engage with the culture and ask for recommendations. Street food is a big part of local life. Trying it is a great way to connect with the people.

Experts agree, eating street food is a must-do when traveling. Enjoy the flavors and traditions of the place.

Safety tips for enjoying street food

Long lines at stalls mean the food is good and safe. Choose stalls with open kitchens so you can see your food being made. If you have food allergies or restrictions, bring a translation card with you.

This will help you communicate with the vendor.

Eat fully cooked food. Raw or undercooked food can make you sick. Morning markets are a great place to find fresh and safe food. If you see sauces left out without refrigeration, don’t eat them.

They can be bad for you.

Observe the vendor’s food handling and preparation practices. If they use gloves and wash their hands often, that’s a good sign. Don’t be afraid to ask the vendor questions about their food.

Your health is important, and it’s okay to be careful.

Conclusion

Street food is a taste of culture. Each bite tells a story. Try these iconic dishes in their home countries. You will love the flavors and the people.

References

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