1. Waffles – Belgium
Outside of the States, these sweet treats aren’t just reserved for Brunch. In fact, Belgium is the originator of the waffle and the ones here are much different (and way better) than the ones you get in the U.S. The batter is much doughier, sweeter, and crispier. You can eat them plain or top with a generous amount of Nutella, bananas, powdered sugar, strawberries, or soft-serve ice cream.
2. Arepas – Columbia
Traditional Colombian arepas are corn cakes that can be eaten in a variety of ways. You’ll see them stuffed with cheese, doused with sugar, deep-fried to perfection, or covered in vegetables and meat. Whether you like them sweet or salty, for breakfast or for a 2 AM snack, arepas will satisfy you like no other street food can.
3. Fish & Chips – London
It’s hard to resist ordering fish & chips in England especially when they are so darn delicious. Imagine getting a piping hot plate of beer-battered cod or haddock that’s crunchy on the outside and buttery and tender on the inside. Paired with crispy chips, tartar sauce, and mushy peas, this is one glorious meal.
4. Mannekin Pis Fries – Amsterdam
There’s a reason this famous French fry stand has a long line from morning til night every single day. These amazing fries are perfectly crisp on the outside and soft and potato-y on the inside. It is as if a mashed potato was shaped into a stick and then deep-fried. The best part about these fries are the plethora of sauces you can put on top. The Dutch love smothering them in mayo, but you can also opt for ketchup or cheese.
5. Döner Kebab – Germany
The Döner Kebab, to be found on every street corner in Germany, is arguably one of the greatest fast food items in the history of fast food items. It is a sandwich filled with roasted meat (most commonly turkey), and topped with an abundance of lettuce, tomato, onions, cabbage, chili flakes, and garlic-yogurt sauce.
6. Halo-Halo – Philippines
This colorful creation is a popular dessert in the Philippines. Cool down on a hot summer day with this sundae made with shaved ice and evaporated milk. It is served in a tall glass or bowl with sweet beans, jello, coconut syrup, and fruits.
7. Xiaolongbao – Shanghai
Tasty and satisfying, this must-try street food consists of steamed dumplings, filled with minced pork and rich broth. The name literally means ‘little basket buns’, as xiaolongbao are traditionally cooked in bamboo baskets. Although you can find these dumplings in Chinatowns all over the world, the most authentic are in Shanghai.
8. Sabich – Israel
Everybody knows what falafel is, but this lesser-known Israeli street food is even better! Sabich is a warm and fluffy pita loaded with fried eggplant, tahini, hummus, crumbled hard-boiled egg, lettuce, cabbage, pickles, and hot sauce. It is an insanely savory meal for a very cheap price.
9. Banh Mi – Vietnam
No list of great street food would be complete without banh mi, a legacy of French colonial rule in Vietnam. The key ingredient is a thinner and crisper Vietnamese-style baguette (made with rice and wheat flour), which is usually filled with a fresh and colorful mix of coriander, pickled carrot, daikon and meats ranging from pork belly to chicken.
10. Vada Pav – Mumbai
This Mumbai staple is a spiced potato patty served in a soft buttery bun. You can find this Indian-style burger on almost every street corner.
11. Bunny Chow – South Africa
Don’t worry, no bunnies are used in this South African dish. Bunny Chow starts innocently enough with a square loaf of soft, white bread. Then, the middle is hallowed out, and replaced with lip-searing spicy curry. It’s hot, messy, and impossible to eat without using both hands and lots of napkins.
12. Gelato – Italy
It’s no secret that gelato is ubiquitous to Italy. This rich and creamy dessert is so good it should be eaten at all times. Walking into a gelateria is mind-blowing. There are so many delicious flavors to choose from. Some of the most popular are stracciatella (chocolate chip), bacio (chocolate hazelnut), and the strawberry or lemon sorbets.
13. Khao Moo Daeng – Bangkok
If you’re looking for authentic Thai street food, head over to Bangkok. The city is packed with food stalls selling all sorts of delicious cuisines. Khao Moo Daeng is a traditional dish made with sliced barbecued pork, placed on a bed of hot rice, flooded with smokey red sauce, and garnished with a few sprigs of cilantro. If you’re in the mood for something else, try the various noodle bowls or curry stands – they are everywhere!
14. Poutine – Canada
This Canadian comfort food can be considered a heart attack in a bowl. These loaded French fries are covered in thick gravy and topped with fresh cheese curds.
15. Crepes – France
If you’re craving something yummy and fast, go to a crepe stand and prepare to fall in love. You can choose sweet like Nutella or savory like spinach and mushrooms. Watching the person make your crepe is fun, but eating it is even better. Imagine biting into a warm crepe and tasting the filling melt in your mouth. Très Délicieux!
BONUS 16. Tacos – California
Califorina’s food truck scene is one of the best culinary spots in the world. You will find food trucks parked all over the place selling incredible globally-inspired foods. The most popular trucks are the taco ones because California is known for its exceptional tacos. You’ll see trucks selling traditional carne asada tacos as well as Asian tacos, vegetarian tacos, fish tacos, and more.