June 25, 2025

The Fine Art of Street Food Perfect for the Discerning Foodie

Forget Michelin stars and a suited-up Maitre ‘D, some of the world’s most memorable flavors are from the little stalls, windows, and vendors lined up on the streets. It’s fast, it’s fiery, and most importantly, it leaves you abundantly full. From Taipei to San Sebastian, we highlighted a few cities repping their cities, one delicious bite at a time. Be sure to bring your appetite–and some wet wipes for good measure!

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Pho, banh mi, banh xeo, everything is worth a try in Vietnam. Head to Ho Thi Ky Food Street to try all the eats with its whopping 125 food stalls. The name of the game is that the busier the stall, the better the food. Stalls specialize in a dish, and they’ve perfected their craft to their standards.

Nanjichang Night Market,Ximending Night Market — Credit: Yeh Che Wei

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is home to some of the best night markets in Taiwan. Nanjichang Night Market is a must for vegetarians, and the Ximending Night Market is great for those who’d like to shop and eat. Night markets aren’t just for tourists here; locals and internationals alike flock towards these after-dark markets for little bites with delicious flavors. Find stalls that entice you with slushy shaved ice topped with red bean, mochi, and fruit, Taiwanese pop chicken, or a hearty bowl of beef noodle soup.

Esquites Reforma 222 — Credit: Evan Wise

Mexico City, Mexico

You can’t create a list of cities with the best street food without including Mexico City. It would be criminal. You get it, tacos, tamales, birria, esquites, and so much more. Typically, the best advice would be to follow your instincts, but we also have some well-deserved recommendations. Esquites Reforma 222 is one that dominated TikTok for your pages for all the right reasons. This stall is serving esquites–corn salad or corn in a cup– from grilled to boiled, topped with hot sauce and cheese.

Urkabe Bar,Casa Gandarias — Credit: Andrea Huls Pareja

San Sebastian, Spain

Anthony Bourdain sang high praise for the Basque Country's food scene. Pintxos, the Basque form of Tapas, are the stars to try here. Think: mini bites held together by a skewer, and fried golden morsels of delicious goodness. Many foodies head to San Sebastian for a Pintxos tour, trying bites here and there. From a Chicken Croquette from Urkabe Bar to skewer glory at Casa Gandarias, don’t forget to finish off with a glass of red. And don’t forget to grab some Basque Cheesecake.

Cafe Du Monde — Credit: Chelsea Audibert

New Orleans, USA

Anyone who watched Netflix’s Street Food: USA knows New Orleans has some of the best street food the country has to offer. Fried Oyster Po Boy from Domilise's Po-Boys and Bar to fresh Beignets– and don’t be shy, and do a whole tour– stop by The Vintage, Cafe Beignet, and the iconic Cafe Du Monde. Unless you have a seafood allergy, you have no excuse not to try crawfish at Captain Sid's.

Marrakech, Morocco

The street food scene in Marrakech is a vibrant feast for the senses, where centuries-old culinary traditions meet the energy of modern Moroccan life. In the heart of the city, Jemaa el-Fnaa square transforms each evening into an open-air banquet, with stalls dishing out sizzling kebabs, fragrant tagines, and steaming bowls of harira. You’ll find locals and visitors alike lining up for fresh Khobz (Moroccan bread), snail soup, and charcoal-grilled sardines, all served with theatrical flair. From sweet, honey-drenched chebakia to smoky lamb mechoui, the street food in Marrakech is as rich in flavor as it is in culture, an unmissable adventure for any foodie traveler.