Street food is a great way to experience a country’s culture and cuisine in an authentic and affordable way. In this blog, we’ll explore five diverse street food cultures from around the world: Mexico, Belgium, South Africa, South Korea, and India.
Mexico:
Mexican street food is known for its vibrant flavors and use of fresh ingredients. One of the most popular street foods in Mexico is the taco, which consists of a corn or flour tortilla filled with meat, vegetables, and various toppings. Tacos al pastor, made with marinated pork, is a must-try when visiting Mexico.
Other popular street foods in Mexico include Eote (grilled corn on the cob with chili powder, lime, and cheese), Tamales (a corn-based dough filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables and steamed in a corn husk), and churros (a fried pastry dusted with cinnamon sugar).
Belgium:
Belgium is famous for its waffles, and the Liege waffle is a popular street food in Belgium. It’s a sweet waffle made with pearl sugar, which gives it a crunchy texture. Another must-try street food in Belgium is frites, or French fries. Belgians take their frites seriously and serve them with various dipping sauces, such as mayonnaise or ketchup.
Other popular street foods in Belgium include croquettes (deep-fried balls filled with meat or cheese), stoemp (a mashed potato and vegetable dish), and waffles topped with savory ingredients like cheese and ham.
South Africa:
South African street food is a fusion of African, European, and Asian flavors. One of the most popular street foods in South Africa is bunny chow, a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. Another must-try street food in South Africa is boerewors, a type of sausage made with beef, pork, or lamb and flavored with spices like coriander and cumin.
Other popular street foods in South Africa include biltong (a type of dried meat like beef jerky), samosas (fried or baked pastries filled with meat or vegetables), and pap en vleis (a dish of pap, a type of porridge, and meat).
South Korea:
South Korean Street food is recognized for its robust and spicy flavours. Tteokbokki, a meal of stir-fried rice cakes in a spicy sauce, is one of South Korea’s most popular street foods. Another must-try street food in South Korea is Hotteok, a delicious pancake loaded with brown sugar and cinnamon. Other popular street foods in South Korea include gimbap (a type of sushi roll), mandu (dumplings filled with meat or vegetables), and fried chicken.
India:
Coming back to our home, Indian street food has a fan base of its own all around the world and is known for its use of spices and bold flavors. One of the most popular street foods in India is chaat, a savory snack made with fried dough, potatoes, chickpeas, and various chutneys and spices. Another must-try street food in India is dosa, a crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentils and filled with potatoes or other fillings.
Other popular street foods in India include samosas, vada pav (a type of sandwich filled with a spicy potato patty), and pav bhaji (a dish of mashed vegetables served with bread). The list of Indian street food is never ending and would need a blog of its own!
From the vibrant flavors of Mexican tacos to the bold and spicy flavors of South Korean tteokbokki, each country’s street food culture offers a unique and delicious experience. So, the next time you’re traveling, be sure to explore the local street food scene and taste the flavors of the world.
