One of the greatest ways to get a taste of a culture is through street cuisine. Dishes and flavors from all around the world are distinctive and frequently as simple to make as they are tasty. The good news is that many of these classic foods can be made in your own kitchen, even though it’s still convenient to grab dinner on the run. Here is a list of international street foods that I have attempted to make at home, along with instructions on how to do the same.
1. Tacos (Mexico)
Tacos are renowned for their robust tastes and simplicity, making them perhaps the most famous Mexican street meal. Tacos are so versatile that you can put nearly anything inside of them, which is their beauty! Tacos al pastor, which are made with marinated pork, pineapple, cilantro, and onion on little corn tortillas, are a great way to enjoy traditional Mexican street food. You can roast your pork in the oven or cook it on a grill pan at home. For the ideal finish, serve some salsa on the side and squeeze in some lime. Tacos have the unique advantage of being customizable with any filling you like, such as grilled veggies or carnitas.
2. Samosas (India)
In India, samosas are a popular street snack that taste equally good at home. Usually eaten with tamarind chutney, these pockets of deep-fried pastry are stuffed with spicy potatoes, peas, and occasionally meat. A basic dough consisting of wheat and oil is needed to make this meal. It is then rolled out and filled with a spiced potato filling. The secret is to use the correct spices, such as turmeric, coriander, cumin, and garam masala. After assembling your samosas, deep-fry them until they are crispy and golden. These flavorful morsels go well with a cool yogurt dip and make a great snack or appetizer.
3. Banh Mi (Vietnam)
French and Vietnamese culinary influences are expertly combined in the Vietnamese sandwich known as banh mi. Savory components including grilled pork, pate, pickled veggies, cilantro, and a dollop of mayonnaise or hot sauce are all layered inside a crispy baguette. It is surprisingly simple to make your own banh mi at home. To add that genuine tang, create your own pickled carrots and daikon radish and look for fresh, crusty baguettes. Pork, grilled chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative can be used as the filler. The end product is a sandwich that is bursting with flavor and texture—the ideal balance of acidic, spicy, and savory.
4. Takoyaki (Japan)
A common street meal in Japan, takoyaki is prepared from batter and stuffed with pickled ginger, green onions, and sliced octopus. After being cooked in a specialized takoyaki pan, these tiny, flavorful balls are covered with bonito flakes and takoyaki sauce. Although takoyaki pans are available online, you can use a little muffin tray as a temporary substitute if you don’t have one. Most Asian grocery stores carry canned octopus, and the batter is rather straightforward, consisting of flour, eggs, and dashi (Japanese stock). The actual takoyaki is soft inside and crunchy outside, making it the ideal snack to share with loved ones.
5. Empanadas (Argentina)
Empanadas are mouthwatering turnovers that are baked or fried after being filled with cheese, meat, or veggies. This traditional Argentine street cuisine is frequently offered at street corners or at festivals. You may either prepare your own dough or, for a quick and simple shortcut, use store-bought puff pastry to make them at home. Ground beef, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs are frequently used as the filling; for that genuine Argentine taste, they are seasoned with chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Depending on your taste, you can either bake or fried them. When finished, these tiny pockets of flavor can be served as an appetizer or as a main course.
6. Churros (Spain)
In Spain and throughout Latin America, churros are a popular sweet fried dough dessert. They are frequently served dipped in hot chocolate and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. It’s surprisingly easy to make churros at home. Butter, water, flour, and a dash of salt make up the dough. After mixing the dough and piping it into long strips, cook them until they are crisp and golden. Drain the churros, then coat them with a sugar-cinnamon mixture and serve them with a rich, smooth chocolate dip. These will take you right back to the streets of Spain and make the ideal dessert or snack.
7. Arepas (Venezuela/Colombia)
Arepas are a tasty and adaptable street snack that is popular in Colombia and Venezuela. These cornmeal cakes are flat and circular and can be baked, grilled, or fried. Usually, arepas are cut open and filled with anything from shredded beef or chicken to cheese and avocado. It’s really simple to make arepas at home; simply combine cornmeal, water, and salt to make a dough, then mold into discs. After they’re cooked, you may fill them with anything you like. Arepas make a delicious snack or a wonderful addition to any dinner, regardless of whether you choose a savory or sweet filling.
