5 days ago
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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Exploring new countries and cities wouldn't be complete without trying local cuisines. Street food, particularly, is known for its affordability and easy access, often emerging as a hero for hungry travelers. Tasting local street foods on your trip is a must, as it will give you delightful memories about the place, leaving an unforgettable travel experience.
Read on and take a closer look at the 10 best street foods in the world, as cited from Taste Atlas and Western Union.
10 Best Street Foods in the World
1. Siomay | Indonesia
Originating from Southeast Asia, siomay is considered the best street food in the world. This Indonesian dish features a variety of components, including dumplings (also referred to as siomay), potatoes, cabbage, tofu, eggs, and bitter melons.
The dumpling itself is made of steamed fish, resulting in a soft and chewy texture. This street food is cherished by both locals and visitors for the great combination of flavors, texture, and most importantly, the delicious peanut sauce coating the chopped pieces.
2. Currywurst | Berlin, Germany
Currywurst has been a favorite since its creation in 1949. As a signature street food of Berlin, it is loved for its perfect combination of meaty pork sausage smothered in ketchup and curry powder. The flavor of currywurst might remind you of Indian spices due to the use of curry powder, which also adds a spicy kick to the taste.
3. Birria Tacos | Tijuana, Mexico
Considered the third-best street food in the world, birria tacos are a popular dish made from beef or goat meat cooked in a flavorful broth.
Known for its complex flavor, this street food is made with a blend of rich spices and fresh herbs, including garlic, onion, coriander, hot chili, cinnamon, cumin, and more. The meat, cheese, spices, and herbs are then wrapped in tortillas, typically served with a side of broth for dipping to enhance the rich flavors even more.
4. Banh Mi | Vietnam
Another Southeast Asian-originated street food, banh mi is a Vietnamese-style sandwich celebrated for its rich flavor and amazing combination.
Using a French baguette, this dish has a crunchy texture that perfectly matches the fresh vegetables, herbs, and tender meat inside it. In one bite of banh mi, you’ll taste the whole components, from fresh vegetables and mayonnaise to rich Asian spices such as coriander, chili, and fish sauce.
5. Guotie | China
Ranked as the fifth-best street food in the world, guotie is a type of pan-fried dumpling filled with minced pork, scallions, ginger, Chinese cabbage, rice wine, and sesame oil.
Originating from northern China, this street food has both a crispy and soft texture, offering a delightful culinary experience. Its unique cooking technique is one of its main appeals, having the dumplings fried with a small amount of water to steam them fully.
6. Tacos | Mexico
Tacos have become a global sensation, making them an ideal snack for people of all ages. Known for its complex and bold flavors, this Mexican street food also boasts a smoky and slightly tangy taste, which has contributed to its widespread appeal. Tacos feature a variety of ingredients, including marinated meats, fresh vegetables, and flavorful spices, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Loved for their convenience and delicious taste, tacos are a favorite for many.
7. Supplì | Rome, Italy
Originating from Rome, supplì is deep-fried crispy rice balls stuffed with a rich mixture of rice, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. When you bite into a supplì, the gooey melted cheese oozes out, offering a delightful contrast to the crunchy parts. This iconic Roman street food is a favorite for both locals and visitors, celebrated for its simple yet irresistible flavor combination.
8. Dondurma | Kahramanmara, Turkiye
Dondurma, a traditional Turkish ice cream, is one of the most unique street foods in the world. Known for its chewy, elastic texture, this frozen treat is made from a blend of milk, sugar, salep (a flour made from orchid tubers), and mastic. Street vendors often entertain passersby by spinning and stretching the dondurma on their cones, offering a fun and interactive way to enjoy this creamy treat.
9. Arepas | Colombia and Venezuela
Arepas are a staple street food in both Colombia and Venezuela, loved for their versatility and flavor. Made from maize dough, these round, thick patties can be grilled, fried, or baked and are typically filled with a wide variety of ingredients, including cheese, meats, beans, or avocado. With their endless variations, arepas can be perfectly enjoyed at any time by people of all ages.
10. Pastel de nata | Lisbon District, Portugal
Pastel de nata completes the list as the tenth-best street food in the world. Also known as Portuguese custard tarts, these golden pastries are filled with a rich, creamy custard and baked to slightly burnt, creating a satisfying balance of sweet and savory flavors. It has a crispy, buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling. You can enjoy it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar.
If you want to enhance your travel experiences, be sure to take the chance to taste these best street foods in the world!
TASTE ATLAS | WESTERN UNION
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