What Street Foods Look Like Around The World

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 foods look like around the world. Takoyaki is a beloved snack on the streets of Japan. The batter is filled with octopus and veggies, which is then molded into a ball before being topped with mayonnaise and takoyaki sauce. The bite-sized snack is a staple during Japanese summer festivals. Along the streets of Thailand, you'll find a delicious dessert known as roti seimei. These paper-thin roti are stuffed with sweet candy floss made out of spun sugar syrup. In China, you'll likely come across street vendors selling pancakes with a savory twist. Scallion pancakes are made from dough, oil, and green onions. Also known as tong you bing, they are pan-fried for the perfect crispy-to-chew ratio. Murtabak has become a popular item on the streets of Singapore. The murtabak features meats and spices wrapped inside a thin, savory pancake fried to perfection and served with a side of curry. You can also find variations of murtabak in the Middle East. Sometimes referred to as the Indian burger, vada pav is a favorite in India. The vegetarian street food snack includes a deep-fried potato patty tucked inside a bread roll and served with green chutney. Legamat, also known as lukemat, is a popular street food in Dubai. The dough balls are fried until golden brown and topped with date syrup. Kanafeh is a cheesy treat that is beloved across the Middle East. White cheese is melted between thin noodles that are soaked in sugar and rose water. Kanafeh is often eaten with bread or in a sweet crepe. Dessert cheese? Yes, please. It has many names, but the chimney cake is a must-eat dessert in and around Central Europe. This street snack, also known as chardelnik, is a spitcake cooked on a pipe until it is golden brown and dusted with cinnamon sugar. Take it up a notch with sweet fillings like Nutella or soft-serve ice cream. You can find this treat in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. Ever heard of South African bunny chow? This fast-food favorite is made with a loaf of hollowed-out white bread and stuffed with curry. There are many theories behind the cheeky name, but one suggests bunny chow resembles the body of a bunny rabbit. Trinidadians can't get enough of their classic doubles. This street food favorite is made with two barras, fried dough, and filled with curry chickpeas. The combination of ingredients makes for a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory. Famously seen around the world, arepas are a staple Venezuelan street food. Each arepa is made of ground corn and often paired with melty cheese or made into a delicious sandwich. The arepa is said to have originated both in Venezuela and Colombia. Elotes are one of Mexico's most popular street foods and are now available both in and out of restaurants across the U.S. and the world as well. Grilled corn on the cob is glazed with mayo and sour cream and 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 sit on a bed of rice and is paired with pita bread and veggies. But before you chow down, be sure to load up on this special white sauce. California is no stranger to the taco world, but Quesa tacos take it to the next level. They feature the classic fixings of a street taco paired with cheese and consomme for extra flavor. You can find Quesa tacos at various food trucks around Los Angeles. Beignets are a favorite breakfast and dessert treat, especially in New Orleans. They're fried squares of dough topped with powdered sugar and served pipe and hot. One beignet shop in New Orleans is so popular that they cook up over 1,000 beignets a day. So, the next time you travel, be sure to head to the streets for the ultimate foodie experience.