Once the unsavoury dining choice of the broke backpacker or local-wannabe hippie, street food has come a long way. With several street food stalls around the world now recognised with Michelin stars, the concept of eating out of a paper carton on the side of the road has suddenly become somewhat cool. Whether you're brave enough to ingest insects in Asia or would rather have a po’boy sandwich in New Orleans, tuck into our roundup of where to find the best street food in the world...
1. Bangkok
2. Mexico City
3. Singapore
4. San Sebastian
5. Marrakech
6. Ho Chi Minh City
7. New Orleans
8. Cape Town
9. Lima
10. Mumbai
11. Melbourne
Bangkok
Famed the world over for its weird and wonderful street food, Bangkok is top of the list for a reason. Many might argue that eating an insect off a stick is a rite of passage, but the less brave (or more sensible) will find many tastier treats on offer, too. Join a local guide on an evening tour by TukTuk and discover what makes Bangkok one of the best cities for street food, including the Michelin-starred 'Jay Fai'.
Image by Olivier Romano
Mexico City
Tangy, tasty and full of colour, Mexican food is a firm favourite around the world. Nothing compares to the real deal, however. Street food is an integral part of daily life in Mexico, and nowhere is the offering as varied and accessible as in Mexico City, where you’ll find some of the best street food in the world. Tostadas, tamales, carnitas and corn are all on offer, along with familiar crowd-pleasers like burritos and tacos (but none like you’ve ever tasted before). All of these are best enjoyed on a private foodie-focused tour.
Singapore
Singapore's street food scene is one for connoisseurs; it previously boasted two Michelin-starred stalls along with ‘the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal’. Watch the mouth-watering market scene in Crazy Rich Asians, and you’ll immediately want to book your flight. Thankfully, the delicious bowls of chicken and rice served up at the former Michelin-starred ‘Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle Stall' are much easier to swallow than its tongue-twisting name.
San Sebastian
While technically not street food, the teeny tiny pintxos served up in San Sebastian deserve a place on this list. Think bite-sized portions of Spanish meats, freshly caught fish and more adventurous options like braised pig ear. Join a local guide on an evening 'food crawl' as you travel between hole-in-the-wall joints and fancy restaurants to sample different tasty dishes.
Marrakech
Bustling, bright and filled with the sweet smell of slow-cooked tagine, Marrakech is home to some of the best street food in the world. Take a local guided tour of the central medina surrounding Djemaa el-Fna square to discover hidden gems. Sip on fresh mint tea as your palette is introduced to a multitude of spices and snacks before a finale of tagine at one of the guide's favourite secret spots.
Ho Chi Minh City
No guide would be complete without mentioning Vietnam, the home of steaming bowls of pho and overloaded banh mi. A descendant of French colonial rule, these tasty baguettes are filled with crunchy carrots, coriander, cucumber and a generous portion of pork. Although you'll find delicious street food throughout Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is our favourite. Our advice for exploring one of the best cities for street food? Hop on the back of a Vespa on a guided tour through Saigon's streets after dark.
Image by Justin Mott/The New York Times
New Orleans
Famous for its soulful music scene, lively festivals and melting pot of cultural influences, it comes as no surprise that New Orleans also hosts some of the best street food in the world. With influences ranging from Creole to Cajun, the food is punchy, hearty and bursting with flavour. Head to the French Market and sample your way around the various stalls, sipping craft cocktails and swaying to live jazz as you go. Dishes on offer include freshly caught oysters, traditional po'boy sandwiches, hearty jambalayas and even a local alligator speciality.
Cape Town
While not as well known for its street food as other cities, Cape Town is a hot spot for locally produced, artisanal goodies and has a vibrant market scene to match. Visit the bohemian 'Neighbourgoods Market' at The Old Biscuit Mill for hand-crafted trinkets and a tasty brunch, or head to the eclectic 'Bay Harbour Market' on Hout Bay Harbour to feast on spicy seafood and listen to the stirring sounds of a saxophonist.
Lima
A rising star on the foodie scene, Peru has proved its worth with some of the best street food in the world. Its national dish, ceviche, is fast becoming the British chef's favourite, although there's nothing quite like sampling it fresh on the streets of Lima. Visit the hole-in-the-wall La Paisana and sample the Ceviche de Mero, named after the meaty mero fish that gives the dish its powerful flavour. Then head to Anticuchos de la Tia Grimanesa for its signature beef-heart skewers (not for the faint-hearted).
Mumbai
The creamy korma and mild madras we’re familiar with in the UK aren't a patch on the real Indian deal. Strong, spicy aromas and full-bodied flavours are a staple of any sociable Indian occasion; just wander through one of Mumbai's many markets to find friends, relatives, and strangers brought together over a colourful pot of dhal. Avoid the infamous Delhi belly by exploring with one of our local guides, who will point out the best stalls.
Melbourne
Although Melbourne might not be the first to spring to mind as one of the best cities for street food, its eclectic culture means there’s a huge variety on offer. Couple that with an arty boho bar scene, and you've got the makings of a great night. Join Melbournite Monique Bayer on one of her 'Dumplings Discovery' or 'Rooftop Bars' walks to gain an insider's view of the city's creative culinary scene.
