Top most popular street foods in the world

Street food is extremely diverse in the world. So what is the most popular and favorite street food ?

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Forget Michelin stars and tasting menus: the world's real culinary adventures take place on the streets. A recent global survey by Remitly has produced the official ranking of the world's most exciting street foods, and your taste buds will be delighted.

From sizzling skewers to savory dumplings, prepare to embark on a fascinating journey that will have you abandoning your inhibitions and hitting the streets in search of the ultimate local eats.

What is street food?

The term street food is actually just a general term for any ready-to-eat meal that is sold in a public place, such as a street (hence the name) or a market. It is often prepared in a mobile stall, food cart or truck. Not only that, it is often inexpensive and can be eaten on the go, and in a way, it can provide a glimpse into local culture while also providing a delicious and convenient way to experience all the flavors of a city.

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Ranking of the most famous and favorite street foods in the world

Researchers at Remitly, a digital money transfer service, recently analyzed TikTok posts to determine which street foods were most discussed and then ranked the results. Based on TikTok views and hashtags, here are the world's 10 most iconic street foods, along with their countries of origin:

Mexican tacos top the list, with around 1.8 million TikTok posts to prove it. Indian pani puri, a vegan dish typically made with a mix of spices, onions, chickpeas, and potatoes, is a (distant) second, with over 734,000 TikTok posts at the time of writing, closely followed by the traditional American hot dog, with nearly 654,000 posts on the platform and counting.

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Food trends vary around the world, but beyond the top 10, the general list includes dishes from across Europe (like paella and churros in Spain), Africa (fou fou from Guinea), Asia (banh mi from Vietnam), South America (coxinha from Brazil) and North America (poutine from Canada).

If you decide to venture into the world of global street food, discovering hidden gems and local favorites is just a matter of doing your research and always keeping cultural etiquette in mind. Respecting local customs and showing gratitude to vendors will enhance your culinary adventure and ensure a truly delicious experience.

David Pac

Update 31 December 2024