17 delish street foods to try before you die

Have you ever walked past an amazing food stall whilst travelling and felt nervous about trying the local food?

Most street foods can look pretty intimidating, but a smile to the vendor and a no-fear attitude goes a long way when sampling local delights for the first time. So be brave, have no fear and chow down people! It’s one of the best parts about being on hols.

We reckon you should take up the following mantra next time you find yourself perusing through the delights of a local food market:

“Screw you Delhi-belly, I’m here to eat like a local!”

Now, let’s get on to visually devouring The Flash Pack’s pick of the 17 Delish Street Food Dishes to Try Before You Die…

1. Som Tam – Thailand

Fresh and crunchy, this Papaya salad is an uber healthy street food option and encapsulates all the flavours of Thailand in one dish. Boom.

2. Buñuelos – Spain

Instead of going for the standard Churros, next time you’re in Spain try Buñuelos instead. Deliciously deep-fried dough balls, sometimes hiding a melt-in-the-mouth piece of pumpkin inside when described as con calabaza. These little gems are crazy popular in Spain’s coastal city of Valencia, especially during the craziness of March’s Las Fallas Festival.

3. Pesce Fritto – Italy

Italy, of course, had to be included in the realm of street food. A mirriad of lightly battered seafood in a handy cone makes for a tasty treat whilst meandering through the backstreets of Italy’s coastal towns and cities. All made fresh and dependent on the catch of the day, this is one street vendor you definitely don’t want to miss.

4. Ash e Reshteh – Iran

If crispy fried treats aren’t for you, perhaps you’d prefer this very healthy and heart-warming persian noodle soup. With tasty greens such as spinach, mint, coriander and parsley alongside a mélange of chickpeas, lentils and onions, you get one of Iran’s most popular street food dishes.

5. Vada Pav – India

This is Mumbai’s typical burger – veggie burger of course. Pretty much a potato fritter in a bread bun. Expect the usual rainbow of indian spices and a splash of spicy garlic chutney. Add a dusting of paprika and you get to street food heaven baby.

6. Chivito al Pan – Uruguay

A steak sandwich on steroids is probably the best way to describe this beast. This street food option is probably the cheapest and most authentic way to taste uruguay’s famous beef. Not only that but there’s bacon, ham, boiled or fried egg, mozzarella, salad, tomatoes and (breathe) peppers all slapped between two mayo-slathered slices of bread. Just a bit of a mouthful.

7. Ceviche – Peru

Ceviche has been all over the foodie scene in 2014 and is still cruising on in 2015. Now in swanky restaurants across the world, this street food can still be found in the coastal towns of Peru (and in fact most of central and South America). A fresh, salty and lemoney-cured delight. Plus, its on the good side of the healthy scale – hurrah!

8. Ristet Hot Dogs – Denmark

Hot Dogs are so damn popular in Denmark it’s crazy. In every town, every city and even the airports you’ll find hot dog vendors just waiting to fill your belly with these moreish snacks. Top your hot dog with crispy dried and fresh onions, pickles and Danish remoulade. Super godt!

9. Zapiekanka – Poland

Kind of like Poland’s take on a pizza. A half of a baguette, covered in all sorts of ingredients but typically mushroom and cheese and sometimes meaty too. Hugely popular and usually covered in ketchup – give it a try and love it forever.

10. Pakora – India

You’ll find Pakora’s all over India (and the UK for that matter). Vegetables are covered in batter, deep fried and served with spicy chutney. Alternatively you can get a paneer (indian cheese) pakora. Or simply, just get both and keep your tum happy.

11. Penang Assam Laksa – Malaysia

This street food from the island of Penang is a tamarind-based noodle soup with kicks of spicy, hot and sour flavours. Chilli, ginger and a dollop of prawn paste called belacan make up the top flavor notes. If you’re ever suffering from a grim cold you need Laksa in your life. Trust me, works every time.

12. Currywurst – Germany

Trust Germany to represent in the street food arena with some seriously tasty sausage. Bratwurst sausages, covered in a ketchup-curry sauce, a sprinkle of paprika and a side of fries. Yes Germany. Just yes.

13. Blinchiki – Russia

Kind of like French crepes and can be ordered either sweet or savoury. Smoked salmon and caviar would be our choice – divine darrrling.

14. Hopper – Sri Lanka

How about an edible bowl made from rice flour and coconut milk for brekkie? You can enjoy them plain or make them even better with an egg dropped into the middle and cooked to perfection. Grab a spicy chilli chutney to dollop on the top and crack on with brekkie, Sri Lanka style.

15. Pasteis de nata – Portugal

Flaky pastry and smooth custard make this delicious custard tart sheer Portuguese perfection. Especially popular around Easter, grab yours with a strong coffee for a sweet street food snack on the go.

16. Takoyaki – Japan

Think crispy on the outside and tender in the middle. These tasty treats are chunks of sweet and succulent octopus, coated in a fluffy wheat batter, dusted with green seaweed powder (aonori) and sprinkled with dried smoked tuna (katsuobushi) and a drizzle of mayo – yum.

Related: Make sushi in Japan

17. Mont Lin Ma Yar – Burma

‘Mont Lin Ma Yar’ translates in English to the ‘husband and wife snack’, which is lovely seeing as this snack is made of two halves sandwiched together (aww). Rice flour batter is cooked in a dimpled pan and can contain yellow peas or quails eggs along with a bit of green such a chives. Coupled perfection from Burma’s street food scene.

Now you can take the info with you whilst you’re away by downloading our Ultimate Foodie Cheat Sheets for Vietnam & India – woopwoop.

Feeling hungry? Find out where we can take YOU on a street food adventure

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