10 cities that serve the world’s best street food

Ask any avid travellers and they will tell you that the best way to discover a city’s food scene is by venturing to the food streets. Local, authentic and prepared right before you – it couldn’t get more exciting. CNN has named top 23 cities in the world for street food and here are the top 10:

1. Bangkok, Thailand

PHOTO: Reuters

When you think street food, Bangkok is probably the first city that comes to mind. The city is noteworthy for both its assortment of offerings and the abundance of street hawkers.

From sweet soymilk and bean curd for breakfast to aromatic rice and poached chicken for lunch the food streets have something to appeal to any and every foodie. Phad Thai noodles and grilled satay seem to be late night favourites.

2. Tokyo, Japan

PHOTO: Reuters

After acquiring 10 additional Michelin stars in 2016, Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world. However, you don’t have to visit a Michelin starred restaurant to experience good food in Tokyo, the food streets in the city offer equally delicious food.

3. Honolulu, Hawaii

Poke, the fish salad that seems to be trending right now, is very commonly available in Hawaii according to CNN. The city also has a “thriving food truck scene”, however, CNN recommends travelling to the North Shore’s Kamehameha Highway in Haleiwa for some genuine culinary discoveries.

4. Durban, South Africa

PHOTO: Reuters

The go-to place for street food fans in South Africa, Durban’s cuisine is influenced by Zulu, Indian and white South Africans. The city is popular for its curries, which has adapted to South African ingredients and palates.

5. New Orleans, Louisiana

From hot dogs to fried alligator, New Orleans’ cuisine is quite versatile and street food is where you will find the favourites.

6. Istanbul, Turkey

PHOTO: Reuters

There is more on offer on Turkish food streets than the omnipresent Doner. One of the most renowned items would be simit, which resembles a bagel. However, there much more to discover –from musssels to Lahmajun (Turkish pizza) and pistachio flavoured ice-cream.

 7. Hong Kong

Taking to food streets on weekends is the preferred activity on weekends in Hong Kong. It is also the city where Michelin decided to launch its first-ever street food guide. Shau Kei Wan Main Street East and Kowloon City are two popular weekend destinations that serve the city’s best sweet tofu custard and Cantonese egg waffle. There is a lot more to explore.



8. Paris, France

PHOTO: Reuters

While Paris is known for its fine-dining restaurants the city’s street food is also worth discovering. Fresh pastries, crepes with gruyere and roasted chestnuts are all well worth the street visit.

9. Mexico City, Mexico

PHOTO: Reuters

There’s more to Mexican street food than tacos and a visit to Mexico City will prove so. Their use of native ingredients and methods for enhancing flavours is not possible to experience anywhere else.



10. Cairo, Egypt

PHOTO: Reuters

While falafel, shawarma and kofta have fans everywhere in the world. There is more to Egyptian cuisine that has been explored such as Koshary which mixes rice, pasta, lentils and chickpeas, topped with a vinegar-based tomato sauce.



This article originally appeared on CNN