While there are people who love visiting new places and exploring new cultures, there are many who would travel mainly for street food. If street food is the reason why you’d gladly leave your loved
While there are people who love visiting new places and exploring new cultures, there are many who would travel mainly for street food.
If street food is the reason why you’d gladly leave your loved ones behind and hop on a plane, here are some countries you should travel to if you want to taste the best street food.
Thailand
Located in the center of mainland Southeast Asia, Thailand is one of the top destinations for tourists in the world, with more than 35 million travelers yearly. Despite the high number of drug trafficking and corruption cases in the country, the country’s tropical climate and fascinating culture, along with the positive, friendly and light-hearted attitude of Thai people, appeal to many foreigners. This long and skinny country is known for its world-class beaches, Buddhist temples and spa massages. Thailand is also world-famous for its dazzling cityscapes, nightlife and shopping.
However, besides the stunning beaches and magnificent scenery, what really turned the “Land of Smiles” into one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world is its exotic street food!
There was a time when street food was “rejected” by many for its abnormally low price and because it was considered food for poor households. However, in recent years, street food has seen a major rise in popularity. There are many reasons for this surge in popularity, but many believe that Thailand played a huge role in promoting street food.
Food is a main cultural asset in Thailand and the country is known as the “Mecca” of street food. With an interesting combination of spices, herbs, fresh produce and bold flavors, street food in Thailand consists of a wide variety of yummy snacks, ready-to-eat meals and tantalizing drinks. Local and seasonal ingredients like river fish, tropical fruits and seafood are used to prepare unique and iconic Thai dishes.
You don’t have to eat in a famous or five-star restaurant to enjoy the exotic flavors and fragrances of Thai food. In Thailand, street food is defined as quality and tasty restaurant-like food offered at affordable prices.
Here are some of the most popular Thai street food dishes:
- Moo ping (grilled pork)
- Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodle dish)
- Som tam ( Thai-style green papaya salad)
- Jok (rice porridge)
- Pad see ew (wide rice noodles)
- Khao man gai (chicken and rice)
- Kuay tiao reua (boat noodles)
- Khao ka moo (braised pork with rice)
- Khao niao mamuang (sticky rice with mango)
- Massaman curry (spicy Thai curry)
- Khao soi (curry soup)
Mexico
Many foreigners tend to avoid traveling to Mexico due to its drug-related violence and high risk of violent crimes like armed robbery, sexual assault and murder. Previously, a high number of gang-related incidents have been reported where many international visitors have been injured or murdered. Political instability, high levels of poverty and public protests are other common concerns that travelers have regarding the country.
However, no matter how flawed the country is, it is still visited by many and one of the main reasons includes its incredible street food.
When you are in Mexico, you will never have to wonder what to eat. The great and vibrant street food markets in Mexico are what turned the country into a culinary landscape. In Mexico, street food goes back a long way and is, therefore, very safe to consume.
Here are some of the most popular street foods you should try in Mexico:
- Tacos
- Tamales
- Tortas
- Sopes and Gorditas
- Tostadas
- Quesadillas
- Elotes
- Churros
- Tlayudas
- Chayote
- Tostilocos/Dorilocos
Hong Kong
Hong Kong was ranked as one of the major tourist destinations in the world mainly because of its spell-binding street food. The country records millions of travelers per year, all because of its diverse and lip-smacking street food.
Here are some of the must-try street foods in Hong Kong:
- Curry fishballs
- Honking egg cakes
- Sesame prawn toast
- Roasted sweet potato and chestnuts
- Siu mai (traditional Chinese dumpling)
- Soy-braised cuttlefish
- Stinky tofu
- Hong Kong-style French toast