Buzz
When it comes to traveling around the globe, one of the most crucial factors that piques the interest of travelers is the culinary experience. Here's a list of the top 10 street food destinations, acclaimed by Vancouver Sun (Canada). In this ranking, our beloved Ho Chi Minh City secures the 6th position.
1. Bangkok, Thailand
The capital of Thailand takes the lead in the poll with its diverse street food choices, vibrant colors, flavors, and enticing aromas along with the liveliness of street vendors. In Bangkok, you cannot miss the garden-style pubs with refreshing beers, or the late-night food markets open until 3 in the morning. The central food district is conveniently located near the ancient town area with numerous splendid temples. There, make sure to savor the Pad Thai, green papaya salad, mango sticky rice, and chicken curry. Another noteworthy aspect of street food in Thailand is the absence of overpricing; locals and tourists are served equally.
List of Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand
2. Singapore
In Singapore, street food culture dates back to the 1950s-1960s. Travelers often share tales of the safe and incredibly delicious street food offerings. Strolling through Singapore's street food scene, you can detect influences from China, India, and Malaysia. Due to the culinary fusion of various cultures, Singapore's street food easily caters to every traveler's palate. Specialties include Hainanese chicken rice, spicy red pepper crab, grilled meat with peanut sauce, and spicy noodles.
List of Hotels in Singapore
3. Penang, Malaysia
This small island on the northwest of the Peninsular, Malaysia, has been voted one of the best street food cities in Asia. It features three dominant culinary styles: Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian. However, what sets Penang apart is the locals' distinctive touch. Some travelers even share that in Penang, they enjoyed excellent Indian cuisine that was almost as good as in India. This petite island also hosts Little India and Chinatown (in Georgetown), ideal culinary spots for tourists. Stir-fried rice noodles, tomato fish stew, Indian-style roti, skewered meat with beef, chicken, and pork are excellent choices for food enthusiasts on Penang Island.
List of Hotels in Penang, Malaysia
4. Marrakech, Morocco
Many travelers suggest that the main square of Marrakech – Djemaa el Fna – is the ideal area to indulge in street food when in Morocco. There are hundreds of food stalls concentrated here. You can order dishes right at the wooden tables in the square. These include roasted lamb and wheat flour cooked with meat, and various seafood dishes. The fascinating aspect of Moroccan cuisine here is that it changes throughout the day. In the morning, you might find fresh orange juice, in the late afternoon, you can savor eggplants and grilled skewered meat, and in the evening, you can taste various seafood dishes, vegetable soup with dried meat for appetizers, and then main courses like grilled chicken and lamb.
5. Palermo, Sicily, Italy
The scene where Italians sell street food on the island of Sicily may surprise any traveler. In a city filled with delicious food and friendly vendors, you can freely taste rice balls with sauce and cheese, fried potato balls, bean-filled pancakes, sautéed cardoon... Don't forget to visit the fast food spots of Italians on the streets with fruit coffee, Sicilian specialty pizza, fruit milkshakes, crispy fried Italian pastries with cheese filling, and delicious fruit-flavored ice cream.
List of Hotels in Palermo, Sicily, Italy
6. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
According to travelers' reviews, street food in Saigon is a harmonious blend of various cultural cuisines, similar to some other Asian countries. Just take a short tour around Ben Thanh Market and Binh Tay Market, and you'll find out why people are so enamored with street food in Ho Chi Minh City. Besides traditional delights like pho and banh mi, there are many other specialties sold on the streets such as broken rice with grilled pork chop and fried egg, beef wrapped in betel leaf, fresh spring rolls, roasted chicken, roasted duck, and roasted pork...
List of Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
7. Istanbul, Turkey
Understanding why this city is honored for its street food artistry is not difficult. With numerous food stalls offering dishes made from lamb, chicken, and beef, Istanbul's street food provides travelers with a diverse range of choices. From early morning to evening, you can explore the street food scene, tasting sesame seed-coated baked bread, Doner Krebap roasted chicken bread, bagels, grilled meat, grilled mussels, fish sandwiches, and more. Two areas you must visit are Istikal Caddesi in Taksim and near Galata Bridge in Eminonu if you want to savor delicious fish sandwiches.
List of Hotels in Istanbul, Turkey
8. Mexico City, Mexico
The fast food spots on the streets of Mexico City will broaden your perspective on the rich variety of fast foods consumed by the locals here. Many Mexican dishes are well-known, such as pork cooked with pineapple and served with a small corn cake, cornbread baked with mayonnaise and cheese accompanied by chili sauce with a hint of lime, and baked cinnamon rolls. While it sounds quite tempting, caution is advised as street food in Mexico is not tightly regulated. To ensure the safety of travelers' health, it's recommended to join a street food discovery tour with a list of recommended stalls at Mercado San Juan, La Merced, or Centro Historico.
List of Hotels in Mexico City
9. Brussels, Belgium
The street food here is characterized by a rich variety of dipping sauces, ranging from mayonnaise with various flavors to chili sauce, especially when paired with fast foods like french fries. Belgian waffles also have a distinctive taste, often topped with whipped cream, strawberry jam, or chocolate. Lastly, don't miss out on Brussels' specialty seafood dishes like grilled mussels and steamed snails.
List of Hotels in Brussels, Belgium
10. Ceviche Coast in Ambergris Caye, Belize
In this beautiful Central American country, especially in the Ceviche Coast region, you'll experience delightful culinary sensations. You can enjoy fresh seafood right on the beach, as locals catch and cook various seafood right in front of you. After snorkeling or sailing around Ambergris Caye, you can order grilled conch, lionfish, lobster, cooked right on the beach. Lucky visitors who come to this beach from late September to the end of April will have the opportunity to taste conch ceviche, fresh fish salad mixed with lime and pepper sauce, cilantro, immersed in local flavors.
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Source: Vancouversun
MytourDecember 25, 2013
