Discover the top 10 best street foods in the world, from Mexico’s tacos to India’s samosas. Explore global street food favorites to try in 2024!

Street food is the heart and soul of many cities around the globe. It offers a taste of authentic local cuisine, often in a quick, affordable, and delicious bite. From spicy skewers in Southeast Asia to savory pastries in Europe, the world’s best street foods tell the stories of their cultures and are a must-try for any food lover. Let’s explore the top 10 best street foods in the world in 2024, guaranteed to make your mouth water!

The Top 10 Best Street Foods in the World

1. Tacos (Mexico)

  • Why It’s Great: Tacos are a staple of Mexican street food and come in countless varieties. From tender carnitas (braised pork) to spicy al pastor (marinated pork with pineapple), tacos are packed with flavor and fresh ingredients like salsa, cilantro, and lime. Whether you grab them from a street cart in Mexico City or a taqueria anywhere in the world, tacos are beloved for their simplicity and bold taste.
  • Must-Try Varieties: Tacos al pastor, tacos de carnitas, and tacos de pescado (fish tacos).

2. Pad Thai (Thailand)

  • Why It’s Great: Pad Thai is a globally adored dish and a street food staple in Thailand. Made from stir-fried rice noodles, eggs, tofu, shrimp or chicken, and tossed in a sweet-savory tamarind sauce, it’s topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh lime. This dish is perfect for a quick, delicious meal on the bustling streets of Bangkok.
  • Must-Try Ingredients: Shrimp, chicken, tofu, and tamarind-based sauce.

3. Empanadas (Argentina)

  • Why It’s Great: Empanadas are portable pockets of savory goodness, commonly found in Argentina and across Latin America. They are made by filling dough with various ingredients like seasoned beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetables, then baked or fried to crispy perfection. Each bite offers a delicious balance of flaky crust and flavorful fillings.
  • Must-Try Fillings: Beef, chicken, cheese, and spinach.

4. Shawarma (Middle East)

  • Why It’s Great: Shawarma is a popular street food in many Middle Eastern countries, consisting of thinly sliced, marinated meat (lamb, chicken, or beef) that’s slowly roasted on a vertical spit. Served in flatbread with tahini, garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables, shawarma is a hearty and flavorful street snack.
  • Must-Try Meats: Chicken, beef, and lamb.

5. Samosas (India)

  • Why It’s Great: Samosas are deep-fried, crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or meat, and they’re a beloved street food across India and South Asia. The golden, triangular snacks are often served with tangy tamarind chutney or spicy mint sauce, making them a perfect balance of crunchy, savory, and tangy.
  • Must-Try Fillings: Spiced potatoes, peas, lentils, and minced meat.

6. Bánh Mì (Vietnam)

  • Why It’s Great: A fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors, bánh mì is a delicious and satisfying street sandwich. Served on a crispy baguette, it’s typically filled with pork, pate, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and chili sauce. This popular Vietnamese street food offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors in every bite.
  • Must-Try Fillings: Grilled pork, pate, pickled carrots, and cilantro.

7. Arepas (Colombia and Venezuela)

  • Why It’s Great: Arepas are soft, round cornmeal cakes that can be grilled or fried and filled with a variety of ingredients, from cheese and avocado to pulled pork or shredded chicken. They are a popular street food in Colombia and Venezuela, loved for their versatility and the endless options for fillings.
  • Must-Try Fillings: Cheese, avocado, chicken, and pulled pork.

8. Takoyaki (Japan)

  • Why It’s Great: Takoyaki are savory octopus-filled balls of dough, fried until golden and crispy, and topped with bonito flakes, mayonnaise, and a special takoyaki sauce. Originating from Osaka, these street snacks are beloved for their unique combination of creamy, chewy, and crunchy textures, and they can be found in food stalls across Japan.
  • Must-Try Toppings: Bonito flakes, takoyaki sauce, and mayonnaise.

9. Poutine (Canada)

  • Why It’s Great: Poutine is Canada’s ultimate comfort food, made from crispy French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in rich gravy. This hearty and indulgent dish is popular at food trucks and street vendors across Canada, making it the perfect snack for cold weather or a late-night craving.
  • Must-Try Toppings: Cheese curds and brown gravy.

10. Jerk Chicken (Jamaica)

  • Why It’s Great: Jerk chicken is one of the most famous street foods in Jamaica, known for its spicy, smoky flavor. The chicken is marinated in a blend of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and other seasonings, then grilled over pimento wood for that authentic smoky taste. Served with rice, peas, and festival (fried dough), it’s a true Caribbean classic.
  • Must-Try Pairings: Rice and peas, festival, and fried plantains.

Sources

  • Street food industry insights: Based on reviews from travelers, food critics, and global culinary reports in 2024.
  • Expert analysis: Compiled from renowned street food markets, local vendors, and cultural culinary traditions around the world.

Conclusion

Street food is more than just a quick bite—it’s an essential part of experiencing local culture and flavors. Whether you’re enjoying spicy tacos in Mexico, savoring sweet and savory bánh mì in Vietnam, or indulging in crispy samosas in India, these top 10 street foods offer a delicious journey through the world’s best cuisines. So next time you’re on the road, be sure to seek out these iconic street snacks for an unforgettable culinary adventure.

FAQs

Q: What is the best street food to try in 2024?

A: Tacos from Mexico are consistently ranked among the best street foods globally, thanks to their endless variety and bold flavors.

Q: Which street food is best for vegetarians?

A: Samosas from India are a great vegetarian option, with crispy pastry and spiced potato or vegetable fillings.