Street food is the heart of many cultures, offering delicious, affordable, and authentic tastes that bring people together. From savoury snacks to sweet treats, street food has an incredible diversity that reflects the flavours of each region. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to 10 must-try global street foods and guide you through how to make them in your own kitchen. Get ready for a culinary adventure that spans continents!
1. Tacos (Mexico)
One of the most popular street foods globally, tacos are a deliciously simple dish made with soft corn tortillas filled with a variety of fillings such as grilled meats, fish, vegetables, and toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
How to Make Tacos at Home:
- Ingredients: Soft corn tortillas, your choice of protein (ground beef, chicken, or fish), diced onions, cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, and avocado.
- Directions: Grill or pan-fry your protein, warm the tortillas, and assemble with your desired toppings. Don’t forget the squeeze of lime for that zesty finish.
Pro Tip: For an authentic touch, cook the meat with some spices like cumin, chilli powder, and garlic powder for an added layer of flavour.
2. Banh Mi (Vietnam)
This Vietnamese sandwich is a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine. Banh mi is made with a crusty baguette filled with grilled pork or chicken, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and a touch of mayonnaise or chilli sauce.
How to Make Banh Mi at Home:
- Ingredients: Baguette, grilled pork or chicken, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, mayonnaise, and chilli sauce.
- Directions: Slice the baguette, layer on the grilled meat, and top with pickled veggies, cucumber, and fresh herbs. Add mayo and chilli sauce for that creamy and spicy kick.
Pro Tip: Make the pickled vegetables a day ahead to allow them to marinate and absorb all the flavours.
3. Falafel (Middle East)
Falafel is a deep-fried chicken ball that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Typically served in pita bread with hummus, tabbouleh, and a variety of veggies, falafel is a beloved vegetarian street food.
How to Make Falafel at Home:
- Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, garlic, onions, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, and flour.
- Directions: Blend the ingredients in a food processor, form into balls, and fry until golden brown. Serve in pita with fresh veggies and tahini sauce.
Pro Tip: Let the falafel mixture rest for at least 30 minutes before frying to help it firm up.
4. Samosas (India)
Samosas are savoury pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. These triangular treats are deep-fried to crispy perfection and are perfect as a snack or appetiser.
How to Make Samosas at Home:
- Ingredients: potatoes, peas, onions, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, flour, and oil for frying.
- Directions: Prepare the filling by sautéing the vegetables and spices. Fold the filling into pastry dough, seal the edges, and deep-fry until crispy.
Pro Tip: For a golden colour, add a pinch of turmeric to the filling mixture, and serve with mint chutney or tamarind sauce.
5. Bao Buns (China)
Soft, pillowy steamed buns filled with pork belly, pickled vegetables, and hoisin sauce are a favourite in Chinese street food stalls. These bao buns are a perfect combination of sweet, savoury, and tangy.
How to Make Bao Buns at Home:
- Ingredients: bao bun dough, pork belly, pickled cucumbers, hoisin sauce, and sesame seeds.
- Directions: Steam the buns, fry or roast the pork belly, and assemble by stuffing the buns with the meat and toppings.
Pro Tip: For extra flavour, marinate the pork belly in soy sauce, garlic, and five spice powder before cooking.
6. Arepas (Venezuela/Colombia)
Arepas are cornmeal cakes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These versatile treats can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, from cheese and beans to meat and avocado.
How to Make Arepas at Home:
- Ingredients: Cornmeal, water, salt, and your choice of fillings (cheese, shredded beef, chicken, or avocado).
- Directions: Mix the cornmeal with water and salt to form dough. Shape into patties and cook on a griddle or pan until golden brown. Fill with your favourite ingredients.
Pro Tip: For a delicious twist, add a bit of cheese to the dough before cooking for a cheesy interior.
7. Kebabs (Turkey/Middle East)
Kebabs are skewered meats, often marinated with spices, and grilled to perfection. They are commonly served with flatbread, rice, or salad, making them a popular street food.
How to Make Kebabs at Home:
- Ingredients: Chicken, lamb, or beef, yoghurt, garlic, cumin, paprika, lemon juice, and skewers.
- Directions: Marinate the meat with yoghurt and spices for several hours. Thread the meat onto skewers and grill until cooked through.
Pro Tip: Serve with a side of pita bread and tzatziki sauce for a complete meal.
8. Churros (Spain/Mexico)
Churros are fried dough pastries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, typically sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast or as a dessert.
How to Make Churros at Home:
- Ingredients: flour, water, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and oil for frying.
- Directions: Cook the dough, pipe it into long strips, and fry until golden. Coat with cinnamon sugar and serve with chocolate dipping sauce.
Pro Tip: Use a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle to get the classic churro shape.
9. Bhel Puri (India)
Bhel puri is a popular Indian street snack made with puffed rice, vegetables, potatoes, and chutneys. It’s a crunchy, tangy, and spicy snack that is often served in paper cones.
How to Make Bhel Puri at Home:
- Ingredients: Puffed rice, sev (crispy noodles), boiled potatoes, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, tamarind chutney, and yoghurt.
- Directions: Mix all the ingredients together and toss with tamarind chutney and yoghurt for a spicy, sweet, and tangy snack.
Pro Tip: Add a handful of crushed papdi (crispy wheat crackers) for extra crunch.
10. Takoyaki (Japan)
Takoyaki are savoury Japanese dough balls filled with octopus, pickled ginger, and tempura scraps. These delicious balls are topped with a sweet soy-based sauce, bonito flakes, and aonori (seaweed).
How to Make Takoyaki at Home:
- Ingredients: Takoyaki batter mix, octopus, pickled ginger, tempura scraps, takoyaki sauce, bonito flakes, and aonori.
- Directions: Prepare the batter and pour it into a special Takoyaki pan. Add the octopus and fillings, cook until crispy, and top with sauce and bonito flakes.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a takoyaki pan, use a muffin tin as a substitute.
Conclusion
Street food offers a snapshot of the culture and flavours of a country, and now you can bring these flavours into your own home! By following the recipes for these 10 global street foods, you’ll be able to experience a taste of the world right in your kitchen. Whether you’re in the mood for savoury, sweet, or a mix of both, these dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
