Taking a cue from CNN Travel’s list of best cities in the world for street food, here is a quick guide to places that have just what your foodie soul demands. Whether you are looking for a sensorial culinary experience or a taster session to get a feel of the chosen food destination, these cities will not disappoint you.
Bangkok
Bangkok, the popular Thai food destination, is a celebration of street food with an around-the-clock line-up of vendors taking care of every food request – from breakfast and brunch to snacks and dinner. Street food at this food destination is all about enjoying convenient and cheap meals that are fresh and delicious. It will present a peek into the local culture and introduce you to a variety of Thai cuisines that are popular the world over. What adds to the interest factor is the availability of food stalls – ranging from food carts to traditional shop-houses, many of which have tables and seats spilling onto the pavement. Some of the popular street foods to try are papaya salad, fried rice, noodles with shrimps, grilled chicken, stir-fried meat and barbecued fish; in addition, there are these curry on rice stalls, which are classified as the cheapest and quickest places to eat.
Tokyo
Japanese cuisine is much more than the popular sushi, and the best way to experience its culinary excellence is to partake in a food street snack. This food destination boasts several high-end and Michelin-starred restaurants, but for an up-close and personal experience of its people and their customs, a quick trek along any food street will open up a range of options. The popular Tokyo night market is recommended for a memorable experience. While here, try local favourites like Tamogoyaki, a sort of Japanese omelette that is served on a stick; beef Manchikatsu, deep-fried beef balls made from Wagyu beef; Mitarashi Dango, dumplings made from rice flour and served on bamboo skewers; Harajaku crepes, with toppings ranging from chocolate brownies and ice cream to fresh fruits and cheesecake slices; Tempura, seafood or vegetables deep-fried in a thin coat of batter; Takoyaki, crispy balls made from wheat flour and filled with green onions, pickled ginger and bite-sized piece of octopus; Yakisoba, stir-fried noodles; Karaage, chicken marinated in sake, soy sauce, garlic and mirin sauce and deep-fried… There are also a whole lot of grilled meats, seafood and vegetables to tuck into.
Honolulu
What makes Hawaiian food amazing is the blending of several cuisines with local traditions. Raw fish salad, known as poke, is one such fusion cuisine, with tuna and octopus being the most preferred. It is, however, the food truck culture of Honolulu that has gained popularity amongst tourists over a period. Whether you are checking the parking lot or specifically seeking specific trucks, there is bound to be something to suit every visitor. You could try the popular poke bowls (chopped and marinated fish over rice), Hawaiian plate lunch (similar to Indian thali with rice, curries and dessert), shave-ice (finely shaved ice with syrup), Spam musubi (canned meat with rice), Mochi (sweet rice cake), Malasadas (fried doughnuts)… The list of items to try on the street is veritably endless.
Durban
South Africa’s Durban is classified as a reigning street champ and not without any reason. Its local culture and cuisine demonstrate the influences of Zulus, Indians and South Africans living in the region. The curries are especially popular, with spices toned down to suit the tastes of natives. Like Honolulu, in Durban too it is the food trucks that add to the attraction of street food. And while here, don’t forget to try the popular Bunny Chow, the hollowed-out bread roll filled with chicken curry. Other street dishes to try include Gatsby (one-foot long take on the sub sandwich with fish, chips and sauce), Biltong (a thicker and chewier version of beef jerky), Boerewors (spicy sausage) and Walkie Talkie (a combo of chicken feet and chicken head) among a host of others.
Marrakech
While all Moroccan cities have their own distinct food streets, it is in Marrakech that you will find the best quality and diversity of foods. Take a walk along the busy streets of Marrakech to try the popular Snail soup; there is also B’stilla, a special pie with layers of paper-thin pastry and stuffed with meat, almonds, eggs and spices. Then there is the Harira, the traditional Moroccan soup; Ma’qooda, deep-fried potato balls and Chebakia, a Moroccan sesame cookie, in addition to several other exotic dishes, including sheep’s head, which is advisable only for those who are not revolted by the idea of eating a mixed plate of offal, tongue, head scrapings and the like.