Vocabulary

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When traveling, you should always consider the best options for chowing down — and that doesn’t always mean five‑star restaurants. We’re talking cheap, mouth‑watering eats from local vendors. Here’s what street food looks like around the world.
 
 

Takoyaki is a beloved snack on the streets of Japan. The batter is filled with octopus and vegetables, molded into a ball, and topped with mayonnaise and takoyaki sauce. This bite‑sized snack is a staple during Japanese summer festivals.
 

Along the streets of Thailand, you’ll find a delicious dessert known as roti saimai. These paper‑thin roti are stuffed with sweet candy floss made from spun sugar syrup.
 
In China, you’ll likely come across street vendors selling pancakes with a savory twist. Scallion pancakes — made from dough, oil, and green onions — are pan‑fried to achieve the perfect crispy‑chewy ratio.
 
 
 
Murtabak has become a popular item on the streets of Singapore. This dish features meat and spices wrapped inside a thin savory pancake, fried to perfection, and served with a side of curry. Variations of murtabak can also be found throughout the Middle East.
 
Sometimes referred to as the “Indian burger,” vada pav is a favorite in India. This vegetarian street snack includes a deep‑fried potato patty tucked inside a bread roll and served with green chutney.
 
Luqaimat, also known as luqmat, is a popular street food in Dubai. These dough balls are fried until golden brown and topped with date syrup.
 
 
 
Knafeh is a cheesy treat beloved across the Middle East. White cheese is melted between thin noodles soaked in sugar and rose water. It’s often eaten with bread or served as a sweet crepe‑style dessert. Cheese lovers rejoice.
 
The chimney cake is a must‑eat dessert in Central Europe. Also known as trdelník, this spit cake is cooked on a rotating spit until golden brown, then dusted with cinnamon sugar. You can take it up a notch with fillings like Nutella or soft‑serve ice cream. It’s popular in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary.
 
Ever heard of South African bunny chow? This fast‑food favorite is made with a hollowed‑out loaf of white bread stuffed with curry. There are many theories behind the cheeky name, but one suggests the dish resembles the body of a bunny rabbit.
 
 
 
Trinidadians can’t get enough of their classic doubles. This street‑food staple is made with two bara (fried dough) filled with curried chickpeas. The combination creates a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
 
Arepas are a staple Venezuelan street food. Made from ground corn, they’re often paired with melty cheese or turned into delicious sandwiches. The arepa is said to have originated in both Venezuela and Colombia.
 
Elotes are one of Mexico’s most popular street foods and are now found in restaurants across the U.S. and around the world. Grilled corn on the cob is glazed with mayo and sour cream, then covered with chili, garlic, and cotija cheese. You’ll find this savory dish both on and off the cob.
 
 
 
New Yorkers are always lining up for these mouth‑watering meat platters. Fresh chicken or gyro meat sits on a bed of rice, paired with pita bread and veggies. But before you dig in, be sure to load up on the special white sauce.
 

California is no stranger to tacos, but quesa tacos take things to the next level. They feature the classic fixings of a street taco paired with cheese and served with consommé for extra flavor. You can find quesa tacos at food trucks around Los Angeles.
 
Beignets are a favorite breakfast and dessert treat, especially in New Orleans. These fried squares of dough are topped with powdered sugar and served piping hot. One beignet shop in New Orleans is so popular that it cooks over a thousand beignets a day.

So the next time you travel, be sure to head to the streets for the ultimate foodie experience.

Questions

Snack. According to the presenter the most delicious food are only served at Michelin-star restaurants. True or false?

Meal, Dish. Are takoyakis Mexican? Do they consist of meat and vegetables in a tortilla shell? Is it especially popular during the Christmas season?

Feast. The only starch in China is rice, which is served with meat. Is this right or wrong?

Starter, Appetizer, Hors d’oeuvre. Is the roti saimai in Thailand savory? Is the Singaporean murtabak thick and fluffy?

Soup, Stew. Vada pav or the “Indian burger” is identical to the McDonald’s burger. Do you agree?

Salad. Does luqaimat in Dubai resemble a donut? Is knafeh in the Middle East like an English cake?

Main Course. The chimney cake, popular in Central Europe, is eaten plain. Is this correct or incorrect?

Dessert. Are the bunny chow and classic doubles noodle or rice-based dishes? Is the bun of the arepa of Venezuela and Colombia wheat based?

Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate. The most popular eateries in New York City are cafes and pizzerias. Yes or no? Are hamburgers the absolute favorite food in Los Angeles?
 
 
Street Food Stall. Are street foods popular in your town, city, region, country? What are some popular street foods?

Fast Food Restaurant. What can you say about the internet, social media, and blogs?

Diner, Bistro. My friends and I would like to own and operate a street food stall or restaurant.

Family Restaurant, Sit Down Restaurant. What might happen in the future? Will street foods become more or less popular or remain the same?

Fine Dining, High End, Deluxe Restaurant. What could or should people, businesses and governments do?