10 of the World's Best Street Foods, and Where to Try Them in the UK

When you’re travelling, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in a destination’s atmosphere and the native culinary heritage – shoulder to shoulder with the locals, tasting delectable dishes prepared on the spot. But even when you’re at home, food trucks and market stalls bring the world to you. We’ve selected some must-try street foods from around the globe, and put together our selection of the best street food markets in the UK. Embark on a gastronomic journey, from pastéis to pad thai, churros to currywurst, and everything in between.

One of the best street food delights to eat on the go, arancini, those irresistible rice balls that are stuffed, coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried, have their origins way back in 10th-century Sicily. Popular fillings are ragù (meat or mince with a tomato and herb sauce), mozzarella or caciocavallo cheese (keep a serviette handy!), or “al burro” with ham and mozzarella or bechamel sauce.

Correctly known as koah-pau or gua bao, this yummy snack originated in the Fujianese cuisine of China and is nowadays a staple throughout lots of Southeast Asia. A flat, steamed lotus leaf bread is folded around a slice of tender, slow-cooked meat – often red-cooked pork belly – and liberally dressed with pickled mustard greens, coriander and crushed peanuts. The combination of the slightly-sweet bun and the melt-in-your-mouth meat is irresistible. And creative vegan alternatives offered by some of the best street food vendors are just as luscious.

Delightfully tangy and refreshing, UNESCO-protected ceviche is based on white fish marinated in lime juice – the marination process replaces cooking – dressed with chopped onions, chilli peppers, tomatoes, salt and pepper. Traditional accompaniments include boiled sweet potato or zarandaja beans, but it’s just as yummy with crunchy tortilla chips!

A delectable strip of fried choux pastry dough, savoured piping hot... What’s not to like? The churro is thought to have its origins in Spain, where it’s a beloved breakfast staple and favourite afternoon snack. Its shape makes it perfect for dipping: in coffee, hot chocolate or melted chocolate. They can be covered in sugar, and even more decadent variations come filled with fruit, chocolate or vanilla custard, or, as a savoury version, with cheese.

A boiled pork sausage cut into chunks and slathered with ketchup laced with curry powder, the German capital’s best street food snack was invented by Herta Heuwer in 1949 after she managed to obtain the essential ingredients from occupying British soldiers. It’s simple, unpretentious – and lecker!

One of the Middle Eastern region’s best-loved street food delights, this humble deep-fried ball made from broad beans, chickpeas or both is thought to have originated in Egypt. Nowadays it’s a staple throughout the region and beyond. Beloved of vegetarians, it’s great savoured freshly fried on its own or in a flatbread sandwich with salad, pickled veggies, hummus, or a tahini or chilli sauce – or all of the above!

No other food evokes Thailand better than its national dish – a delightful blend of sweet, sour and savoury, with just a hint of spiciness. Thin, flat and slippery rice noodles are fried in a wok with a tangy sauce, sprouts, garlic, chives, scrambled egg, firm tofu and chicken or shrimp, scattered with crushed peanuts and a dash of zesty lime juice. Add a touch of red chilli pepper for an extra kick.

Creamy egg custard swathed in a crispy, buttery puff-pastry tart, Lisbon’s most iconic street food delight has been baked at the Pastéis de Belém bakery near the Jerónimos Monastery since 1837. But don’t worry if the lines of hungry patrons waiting to sample the original are too long – it’s doubtful that there’s a pastel de nata anywhere that won’t melt in the mouth. 

The perfect filling finger food, the samosa is a folded pastry pocket, filled with a wonderfully spicy mixture of potato, peas, lentils, ginger, spices and green chilli, and deep-fried until it’s golden brown. Samosas should be eaten hot, accompanied by a tangy chutney. Variations you’ll find spread throughout South Asia can include chicken, lamb or – in non-Hindu areas – beef, and there are also unfilled sweet versions that come doused in a sugary syrup.

One of Mexico’s antojitos (literally “little cravings”) that have conquered the world, the taco is a delicious vessel for an array of yummy fillings. The hand-sized corn- or wheat-based tortilla – either soft and foldable or delightfully crispy (“hard shell”) – is typically filled with ground beef or pork, beans, vegetables and/or cheese. The condiments are crucial: salsa, guacamole and sour cream are favourites, accompanied by lettuce, onions or chilli. A slice of lime lends the whole thing a delicious tang.

This centuries-old foodie’s paradise is still a functioning wholesale market, but its more than 100 stalls offer (almost) every street food delight imaginable. Middle Eastern meze, French pastries, Cypriot goat meat, veggie delights from Gujarat... The list goes on. 

8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL; Open Tue–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–4pm

The contemporary 4-star Novotel London Bridge is just steps away. 

A soaring 1850s market building with a spectacular glass roof, on the edge of the Northern Quarter. Tacos to Thai, ramen, chicken burgers and more.

Smithfield Market Hall, 1 Eagle Street, Manchester M4 5BU; Open Tue–Sat 9am–10pm, Sun 9am–6pm

An airy warehouse space near the docks with stalls proffering Nashville-style chicken, spicy Thai or French-style bistro cuisine. The selection of traders changes regularly, so it pays to return.
 

Cains Brewery, Stanhope Street, Liverpool L8 5XJ; Open Wed–Thu midday–10pm, Fri midday–11pm, Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 11am–9pm

This delightful indoor market, established in 1743, has a quirky maze of stalls offering local crafts or indie fashion, alongside permanent food vendors serving delights from Kurdistan, Szechuan or the Caribbean. Twice a week, they’re joined by a changing selection of further global stalls for a lunch-time street food market.
 

The Corn Exchange, Corn Street, Bristol BS1 1JQ; Market open Mon–Sat 9am–5pm; Street food market Tue & Fri 11am–2:30pm

Now running two venues, a huge former printing factory and a warehouse with a large beer garden, the Digbeth Dining Club features live music and comedy nights, as well as a changing roster of the best street food vendors in the Midlands. Think anything from Brazilian grills to gyoza, or currywurst to Egyptian stews.
 

Hockley Social Club, 60 Hampton Street, Birmingham, B19 3LU; Open Fri 5pm–midnight, Sat midday–1am, Sun midday–7pm
 

Herberts Yard, 59 Austin Way, Rednal, Birmingham B31 2TW; Open Thu 4pm–10pm, Fri–Sat midday–11pm, Sun midday–8pm

A buzzing West End weekend spot, with eats from Thai to gyros, pizza to bao buns and burgers, as well as craft beers and cocktails, accompanied by events including comedy, concerts and parties.
 

95-107 Haugh Road, Glasgow G3 8TX; Open Fri 5pm–11pm, Sat midday–11pm, Sun midday–8pm; £6 admission includes 1 drink

Wherever you travel, embark on a culinary adventure by discovering the best street foods from around the world, offering a unique taste of each destination’s local culture and flavours.