This blog post was updated on March 19, 2023.

If you’re one of those travelers who needs to taste the heart, soul, and stomach of a new destination… well, then taking your appetite to the streets is definitely the way to go! Because nothing feels more real than trying what locals eat on a regular basis.

Just chowing down amidst the hustle and bustle of the local landscape is a delightful experience by itself that many tourists tend to avoid. But not you! No, you know that some food trucks and carts are the real deal when it comes to authentic cuisine. So pack your appetite and head for the cities with the best street food to treat your palate with rich and tasty treats you’ll never forget. Any of the following choices will do!

Istanbul

With a population hovering around 14 million, Istanbul has an abundance of street food. Locals here love a good bargain, so the street food here is not just delicious but also incredibly affordable. Specialty stalls are scattered around the city offering some classic Turkish dishes. Most travelers head to Istiklal Caddesi for their street-food fix. You’ll definitely want to try simit, a ring-shaped bagel meets pretzel that is baked and soaked in molasses and coated with sesame seeds. Istanbul street food is also known for its durum (essentially kebabs in a wrap form, lahumacun), Turkish pizza, börek (a flaky pastry), kumpir (baked potatoes stuffed with a variety of ingredients from pickles to sausage), and dondurma (Turkish ice cream). 

Portland, Oregon

In Portland, street food is king. This city boasts more than 600 food carts, with most grouped into pods all around town so that you can sample several at a time. One of the biggest concentrations lurks in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Assembling more of an outdoor food court, these Portland mainstays offer diverse cuisines. You can sample traditional British fish and chips, jian bing (Chinese savory crepes), Korean tacos, and poutine, to name just a few. If you need help sorting through the hundreds of street food options in Portland, there are even tours that help you hit the best of the best street food while in town.

Marrakech

There is no better place to dive into the diverse Moroccan culture than in Marrakech. Walking through the streets of this vibrant city is a party for the senses, starting with the aromas that fill the air from the street vendors. The city comes alive at night as artists, tarot card readers, and snake charmers gather at the Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Here is where you will find the best street food offerings in the country.

It’s truly hard to narrow down your choices when browsing the food stalls in this lively square. Popular options include fresh fruit juices, pastries, spicy tagines, harira soup, and brochettes. The classic Moroccan comfort street food is the meloui, a folded pastry that is served hot straight off the griddle. You will find these thin pastries filled with a wide variety of ingredients. Or go wild with snail soup or sheep heads, if you dare! The best part of the Jemaa el-Fnaa square is the large number of communal tables that invite you to get to know those around you as you feast on all of the goodies. As a bonus, the street food in Marrakech is extremely affordable, making it a good idea for some cheap eats.

Cartagena, Colombia

You can’t go far in Cartagena without bumping into a street cart, food truck, or market stall. Thanks to its singular mix of Spanish, Caribbean, African, and South American influences, Cartagena is one of the best spots to get your street food fix. The old walled city’s colorful streets are lined with stands selling tasty offerings throughout the day and night. Travelers shouldn’t miss sampling ceviche, meats like chorizo served from open grills, empanadas, patacones, fresh juices and — perhaps most famously —arepas, a pancake like cornbread filled with cheese and meats.

Mexico City

Tasty, cheap, and authentic, the street food in Mexico City never lets a traveler go hungry. Street food here is downright historic. While you can find tasty dishes on virtually every street corner in Mexico City, there are also a number of markets like Sullivan Market, Mercado de la Merced, Mercado de San Juan, Mercado Medellín and Mercado Coyoacán where you will get stuffed after a visit. Mexico City is known for its tamales, tacos al pastor, antojitos, and tostadas.

You may also like: 5 Unusual Foods You Need to Try When Visiting Spain

Rio de Janeiro

It’s no surprise to learn that one of the most vibrant cities in the world also boasts one of the most diverse street food scenes. Rio de Janeiro is the crown jewel of Brazil, flush with stunning beaches, colorful landscapes, and a welcoming vibe. The focal point of South America also features hundreds of street side wagons that line the city and fill the streets with intoxicating aromas. Who can resist the siren call of the all-night food vendors that sell their morsels along the boardwalks of the iconic Copacabana and Ipanema beaches?

The quintessential Rio de Janeiro street food is the empanada, small pies made with a light pastry crust and stuffed with a variety of fillings. Common filling choices include shredded chicken, beef, and prawns. You will also find sweet offerings filled with bananas, guava with cream cheese, and other types of fruit. In addition to the empanadas, be sure to try the tropical fruit juices and smoothies, tapioca crepes, cheese bread, meat skewers, and assorted pastries.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

While most international travelers associate the mouth-watering street food stalls of Thailand with the bustling capital of Bangkok, the northern city of Chiang Mai is also a legit foodie’s destination. The famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is the place to be for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy the best of Thai culture, including garment shops, arts and crafts booths, and delicious street food.

The possibilities are endless when browsing the street food options in Chiang Mai. The choices go far beyond the most known dishes of grilled satay or pad Thai noodles. Other notable options include the sai oua dish, a pork sausage that features local herbs, spices, and lime leaves. Or try the traditional khao soi curry noodle soup distinguished for its spicy coconut milk broth. And don’t leave without trying the hoy tod nai mong, a crispy fried mussel pancake that is prepared on a charcoal stove for an authentic flavor.

What is your favorite city for street food? Share your suggestions with us in our comments section below!