The journey of food started from the birth of life on this planet. The early humans ate raw flesh and plants. With roll of time the process of enriching the taste of the food was researched into. This never ending search for the perfect taste of food has wildly enriched the craft of cooking. Cooking is a necessary art in everybody’s life. Each culture has its own culinary lineage, that immaculate mix of ingredients which can take the food connoisseur to seventh heaven. We all know restaurants stage the art of culinary skills. Street food emerged out of the need to satisfy the hunger of the burgeoning population of the cities with varying income levels. These street foods gradually merged with the character of the city and became a unique identity of its streetscape. Istanbul, Bangkok, Marrakech, Mexico city, Hong Kong have gotten their fair share of popularity.
The listed cities below showcase a versatile array of street food yet somehow the world is not completely aware of them.
Top 10 Lesser Known Street Food Cities
10. Cartagena, Colombia
The wondrous colourful Latin American walled city of Cartagena is the hotspot to fulfil the needs of an adventurous appetite. The street food sellers exhibit their delicacies in wooden carts, small kiosks and mobile grill tops. Infact guided street food tours are conducted and they claim it is the best way to know the lifestyle of the locals. Try out the anytime breakfast item of Arepasor savour the taste of the cheesy delight of Bocadillo con quesso. Do not shy away from filling your mouth with the huge assortment of sea food because after all, it is a Caribbean coast city!
9. Melbourne, Australia
The food trucks here serve food you can swoon over without burning a hole in your pocket. It is pure joy that you feel when you walk that extra mile to catch these parked trucks. Here you will be spoilt for choice with the trucks vying for your attention with their varying cuisines. Choose from Traditional Greek food, gourmet pizzas, South African bunny chows, Ugandan Rolex, burgers, tacos and much more. As a testament to its dine and wine culture, Melbourne is known to host an International Street Food Festival.
8. Calcutta, India
Welcome to the land of the Bengalis, a community which takes immense pride in flaunting its food culture. One of the unique features of this city is the never-ending stream of street food vendors whom you will find in even the quietest lanes and alleys. The street food in Calcutta is influenced by India’s neighbouring countries of China, Tibet, Pakistan and Myanmar. Try tasting the tangy spicy Phuchkas to which no Bengali can say a ‘no’ to. The Churmur, Telebhaja, Jhalmuri are hot favourites. Delve into the Delhiite Chola Batora, Mumbaikar Pav Bhaji or South Indian Dosa. The non-vegetarians can savour the meat roll or a Cutlet and Chop or the amply available Momos and Chowmein.
7. Osaka, Japan
In the expensive country of Japan with their strict attention to quality of food, it is not unnatural of you to expect an exorbitant price for a meal. But, you will be surprised to know the gastronomic experience that this town offers is not much pricey. A pleasant eatery will welcome you in every nook and corner of the city known in Japan as the ‘nation’s kitchen’. Sushi, Sea Urchin, Baby Octopus along with several other unexpected dishes can be found in these Japanese streets. The food capital of the Land of Rising Sun is definitely worth a visit!
6. Xian, China
To the Silk Route’s eastern end lies the ancient city of Xian. This commercial route had brought with it not only tradable goods but also a rich culture. In the food of Xian one can find the amalgamation of the Central Asian and East European flavours. A walk through the ‘Muslim Street’ is bound to cast a web of sensory pleasure. Pretty locals selling homemade yoghurt, honey, honey date cakes, tofu, and lamb on a stick is a common sight. Sink your teeth in these to understand how different they are from their counterparts elsewhere. Experience the twisted and innovative taste of China. See Also; 10 Amazing Alive Foods in the World.
5. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland, popular for its natural geysers has a secret jewel down its pocket. It is the street food in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city. Unlike the Asian towns, in Reykjavik street food joints are very few and rare but we have to keep in mind the small size of the country’s population before judging this. The most popular is the Baejarin’s Beztu which has earned its name owing to its enormous hotdog sale. The stall famous for hotdogs and Coca Cola has been visited by high profile personalities like Bill Clinton. Icelandic fruit mix and burgers are popular in other street food counters of the city.
4. Palermo, Italy
Palermo is a part of Italy, yet it displays distinct culture and food practices of its own. In Palermo the street carts ooze with greasy octopuses. Spleen, lung meat and cheese are clubbed together to form a sandwich. Pizzas here are almost burnt yet tastes awesome. Street Food tours are arranged by the food fanatics of this town. Take one of these tour and walk down through the aisle of the town and gawk at its street food collection!
3. Ottawa, Canada
The street food culture in Ottawa is very well regulated. The food trucks and carts all have a distinct twitter and facebook page with a huge, and devout fan following. Salads, Sandwiches, Asian food, Sea food, Mexican delicacies, baked goodies and even Korean food is available! Canadians sure know how to exhibit culinary expertise. See Also; 10 Original Locations of Fast Food Chains.
2. San Juan and Luquillo, Peurto Rico
Food stands serving mouth-watering food allure you toward themselves in San Juan and Luquillo. Gorge on the sandwiches, get lost in the sweetness of the pastries or delve into the Peurto Rican cuisine- the choice is yours. The kiosks in beachside Luquillo serve heavenly sea food along with the traditional Peurto Rican food Alcapurrias and Bacalaito. Alcapurrias are seasoned meat filled dough. The recipe of thinly sliced cod fish mixed with salt, ground black pepper and garlic is known in Peurto Rico as Bacalaito. See Also; Top 10 Bizarre Foods That People Usually Eat.
1. Tel Aviv, Israel
The city of hummus and falafel is the ultimate destination of a food tripper. Stroll through the streets of Tel Aviv.If you feel hungry grab a bagel toast, a special type of sandwich or try out a Sabich. If you do not like experimenting simply stick with the Shawarmas. The numerous food stands will never let you stay hungry.
