Best street food in Asia: where to find it

Street food in Asia is the stuff of dreams. Foodies from across the world flock to Asia to sample its mouth-watering delicacies. A trip to Asia is incomplete without getting lost in the hustle and bustle of its street food markets. Steaming food stalls provide the most delicious insight into the local culture of any given country. So if you’re a budding foodie and want to know where to find the best street food in Asia, keep reading!

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok has long been known as the home of some of the best street food in Asia. Thai cuisine is filled with fragrant spices and aromatic flavours. The best places to enjoy street food in Bangkok are Sukhumvit Road, Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, Victory Point street market and Lumphini Park’s Ratchadmri Road. Here you’ll find friendly street food vendors serving up steaming plates of pad thai, tom yum and green curries. Lesser-known dishes such as laap and phat kaphrao are also popular. Come nightfall, many of the most popular street food spots have seating areas. Therefore, you can grab a seat and join the locals as you dine on the best street food in Asia!

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Recognised as one of the best street food cities in the world, Ho Chi Minh is a foodie paradise. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its diverse influences and unique beverages, such as egg coffee. Indeed, in Ho Chi Minh City you’ll find the best street food in the country, from seafood and snails to sizzling pork stuffed Banh Xeo pancakes. Of course, a trip to Ho Chi Minh would be incomplete without a steaming bowl of Pho, the national dish!

Hong Kong, China

Although Hong Kong has its fair share of upmarket restaurants, it’s also home to some of the best street food in Asia. If you like traditional Cantonese cuisine, you’ll love Hong Kong!  Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, and Tsuen Wan are the go-to street food districts. Here you’ll find mouth-watering delights from deep-fried fish balls to delicious eggette waffles. Eat your way around Hong Kong’s street food scene to experience the essence of Cantonese cuisine.

Osaka, Japan

It’s often quoted that the people of Osaka spend more money on food than anything else, so Osaka is home to some of the best street food in Asia. The district of Dotonbori is the heart of Osaka’s food scene. This major city is known for its regional delicacies as well as its traditional Japanese fare, and food hygiene standards are strictly enforced. Kushikatsu skewers, Ramen and Takoyaki balls are some of the highlights found amongst Osaka’s street food stalls. Japanese sweets such as mochi are also a must-try.

Seoul, South Korea

Like a city-sized open-air restaurant, Seoul is a paradise for lovers of the best Asian food. Wherever you venture in Seoul you’ll be tempted by the delightful aromas of Korean cuisine wafting from busy street food stalls. The centuries-old Gwangjang Market is the go-to place for street food in Seoul. Mayak kimbap, a type of seaweed roll, is the most famous dish and are surprisingly addictive. Alternatively, savoury pancakes, pomegranate juice and strawberry mochi are also crowd-pleasers. Furthermore, be sure to visit Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market, held on the weekends between March and October for great food and an amazing atmosphere.

Penang, Malaysia

Penang is the food capital of Malaysia. Filled with bustling Hawker Centers (open-air market complexes), you cannot travel to Penang without indulging in its world-famous street food. George Town is the most famous place to go for street food where you’ll find steaming bowls of char koay teow, a stir-fry dish, and spicy Assam laksa. The great thing about Penang is that its street food is as diverse as its population. Therefore, you’ll find dishes from across Asia served by the street vendors of Penang.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

For local foods at budget prices, Phnom Penh is the place to be! The capital is known for its never-ending array of street food stalls, serving up all the delicious Cambodian dishes you could ever dream of. From authentic Khmer recipes to western-inspired takes on traditional dishes, Phnom Penh has it all. Num Banh Chok noodles, full-bodied Khmer coffee and delicious fried doughnuts are sure to leave you with a full belly. Finally, don’t forget to stop for a Num Pang baguette, a relic of French colonialism and a handy lunchtime snack.

So, now you know the best places to enjoy street food in Asia! Wherever your tastebuds take you, explore Asia on one of our latest itineraries.