Our Three Favorite Cities for Street Food
Photo Credit: Cocina del Mar
Sometimes, forgoing the seated dining experience for a more casual bite is the best way to taste authentic local cuisine. There’s nothing like the smell of street food to get your mouth watering. From grilled meat to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone. Here at Huffman Travel, we have done the heavy lifting (read: enjoying tasty street food) to let you know where you can find the best street food in the world.
Bangkok, Thailand
Street food is a way of life in Bangkok, especially for late-night bites. Food stalls often specialize in particular types of dishes. Vendors offer an array of noodles, meat, and vegetarian dishes. Some popular ones are Som tam (Papaya salad), Khao pad (Fried Rice), Pad thai kung (Noodles with Shrimp), and Khao mun gai (Steamed Chicken on Rice). Save space for delicious fruits and sweet desserts, too!
Hot Spots:
Ari: In recent years, the Ari neighborhood has become one of Bangkok's most exciting places to eat and drink. You can find various delicious street foods there, including Kuay Jup, Khao Man Gai (Chicken Rice), Som Tam, and Southern Thai cuisine.
Nang Loeng Market: Nang Leong is well-known for its authentic Thai dishes and desserts, such as Pla Nam (Pork Sausage with Minced Rice), a rare find these days; Sa Goo Sai Mhoo and Khao Krieb Pak Mhoa (made from rice flour and tapioca flour filled with pork cooked with garlic onion); and Thai dessert bites (banana, taro, etc.).
Khao San Road: Khao San Road is a haven for foodies! On this quarter-mile stretch of road (located in the heart of Bangkok's old town), you will find a wide range of foods from Mango Sticky Rice to Pork Porridge to Fried Roti. Every corner and every alleyway has something new and exciting to try, making it a particularly fun place to nosh. For those feeling brave, there are plenty of unique Thai delicacies like Fried Bugs! These crispy critters are usually served with a side of sauce. Choose from grasshoppers, mealworms, cockroaches, worms, beetles, and more.
Istanbul, Turkey
One of the best ways to experience Istanbul's food scene is by trying its street food. The streets are filled with vendors selling a variety of mouth-watering dishes, from giant bagel-style sesame bread (Simit) to traditional Döner Kebap to delicious Baklava treats. At the heart of Istanbul's street food scene are its bustling markets. These vibrant spaces offer a window into the past, showcasing the traditional snack culture while introducing innovative twists.
Hot Spots:
Taksim neighborhood: Taksim is a lively area in Beyoğlu and offers a variety of street food options. Some go-to spots include Osmanlı Şehzade Kumpir, famous for its Kumpir; Dönerci Şahin Usta, known for tasty Döner; and Ortaklar Kebap Lahmacun, a must-visit for those craving juicy kebabs and Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza). Be sure to walk over to Istiklal Caddesi, a pedestrian-only street with plenty of food vendors!
Kadıköy district: This neighborhood on the European side of Istanbul boasts some of the best street food in the world. Less frequented by tourists, Kadıköy is known amongst locals as a trendy area famous for the several lanes and markets lined with food stalls that serve traditional bites, including Midye Dolma, Kokoreç, Baklava, Pide, and more.
Grand Bazaar: This famous tourist attraction is more than just a place for shopping. When you see gate number one, make a right and go to the end of the street on the right-hand side to see a line in front of Donerci Sahin Usta. Here, you may taste the best Döner Kebap in Istanbul. To the left, Tam Dürüm offers wrapped chicken, lamb, and beef kebabs. We recommend pairing your wrap with small bites, appetizers, and dips called Meze. These three stops are one of many feeding frenzie routes at the Grand Bazaar. It is truly a shopping and culinary adventure one can only experience in Istanbul.
Austin, Texas
In recent years, Austin has seen a surge in the popularity of the food truck park. These vibrant hubs bring together a variety of culinary options, from traditional tacos to creative fusion dishes. Austin's street food scene is all about community. In fact, most food truck parks are welcoming spaces where people can gather, relax, have a drink, and enjoy music and delicious food!
Hot Spots:
The Picnic: Located near Barton Springs, this picnic food truck park features a family-friendly environment with ample outdoor seating, a play area for kids, and a wide array of delicious food choices from some of Austin's best-known food trailers, including The Mighty Cone, Hey Cupcake!, Trudy's, Acai Hut, Kebabalicious, Coat & Thai, Cannone Cucina Italiana, and Steel City Pops!
Thicket Food Park: Situated in South Austin, Thicket offers a delightful ambiance and many shady spots to escape the Texas heat. The location includes a community garden, live music offerings, outdoor yoga, farmers market pop-ups, and easily the most diverse array of restaurants in the city, including Shirley's Trini Cuisine, which offers Trinidadian food, including flatbread (bara) sandwiches packed with curried chickpeas; Un Mundo De Sabor featuring spicy Chorizo made in-house and Heritage Berkshire Pork Carnitas; and Song La serves Taiwanese-style Fried Chicken and Braised Pork Belly bento boxes.
Mueller Trailer Eats: Nestled in the master-planned community of Mueller, it hosts a variety of food trucks, live music, and events. The renowned spot is easy to find; just look for the historic Browning Hangar, a landmark of the former airport. Gather around trucks at this outdoor food court boasting eateries like Conscious Cravings and Gravy ATX. Bring your dogs and friends along and enjoy a taco or any other delicacies you won't find in the restaurants.