10 street foods worth traveling for

Street food is a cultural experience wrapped in a delicious package. From the streets of Bangkok to the alleys of Tokyo, every corner of the world has its own culinary gems. Some street foods stand out among the various options for their unique flavors, textures and cultural significance. Here are ten street foods worth traveling for.

Related: Ten survival foods and how to find them

10 Khao Niao Mamuang (sticky mango rice – Thailand)

The glorious Khao Niao Mamuang is a Thai street food delight worth every kilometer traveled. It's made with plump, juicy mango slices nestled on a bed of sticky rice soaked in sweet coconut cream. Are you drooling yet? Because I certainly am!

This heavenly brew is a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Thailand knows how to do street food well, and Khao Niao Mamuang is the crown jewel of it all.

Let's talk about the location. You can find this delicacy in busy markets and street corners throughout Thailand. But for the real deal, head to the lively streets of Bangkok or the bustling night markets of Chiang Mai. Trust me, the sights, sounds and smells of these places will only enhance the experience.

One bite and you're hooked. It's no wonder people travel far and wide to taste this Thai treasure. So pack your bags and prepare for a flavor adventure like no other. Khao Niao Mamuang awaits you, and believe me, it is worth every glorious mile.

9 Currywurst (Germany)

Currywurst is a German street food sensation as iconic as the Brandenburg Gate. Imagine strolling through the busy streets of Berlin, and the air is alive with the smell of sizzling sausages and the spicy taste of curry powder. That's the moment you know you've stumbled across a currywurst stall, your ticket to a taste bud adventure.

Currywurst is the culinary lovechild of German efficiency and global flavors. It's juicy, grilled pork sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces, generously smothered in a savory curry ketchup sauce and dusted with a dash of curry powder for that extra kick. It's like a party in your mouth, and everyone is invited!

Where does this wonderful brew come from? Legend has it that in post-war Berlin, resourceful street vendors began offering this delight as a cheap and cheerful meal for the masses. Fast forward to today, and currywurst has become a bona fide cultural institution, with specialty stalls and even museums paying tribute to its greatness.

8 Hoeori Gamja (Tornado Potatoes – South Korea)

Hoeori gamja, also known as tornado potatoes, are the twisty, crunchy treats that prove spuds were meant for more than just mashed potatoes. Imagine a potato that has been sliced, skewered and twisted into a tornado-like shape, then deep-fried to golden perfection. It's a snack that's as fascinating to watch as it's made as it is delicious to devour.

Originating from the busy streets of South Korea, hoeori gamja has become a staple of Korean street food culture. You can't stroll around Seoul without coming across these savory spirals that tempt you from every angle. They're like the rock stars of the street food scene, drawing crowds with their irresistible aroma and eye-catching presentation.

What sets hoeori gamja apart is its versatility. These twisted taters can be seasoned with anything from spicy chili powder to savory cheese powder, creating a flavor explosion with every bite. Watching a street vendor expertly slice and spiralize a potato at lightning speed is like witnessing culinary arts in motion. It's street food theater at its best.

7 Bungeo-ppang (South Korea)

Yummm, bungeo-ppang, the delicious fish-shaped pastry that is more than just a street snack: it's a cultural experience. Imagine walking through the streets of Seoul, South Korea, as the sweet smell of freshly baked bungeo-ppang tickles your nose. You follow your senses like a culinary Sherlock Holmes, and voilà, you stumble upon a small food cart, whose savory treasures are waiting to be devoured.

What exactly is bungeo-ppang, you ask? Well, it's a tasty fish-shaped pastry filled with various fillings, from red bean paste to sweet custard and gooey cheese. It's like a culinary dip: you never know what delicious surprise awaits you with every bite.

Legend has it that bungeo-ppang is inspired by Japanese taiyaki, but with a Korean twist, proving once again that good food knows no boundaries: it only knows hungry bellies. The crispy outside and warm, gooey goodness inside make it the ultimate comfort food, perfect to warm your soul on a cold Korean evening.

6 Pani câ Mèusa (Palermo, Italy)

Let me tell you about street food that is not just a treat for your taste buds, but a whole cultural experience wrapped in one savory package: pani câ mèusa! Imagine the streets of Palermo, Italy. Suddenly the smell of sizzling meat and fresh bread fills the air. Then you know you have come across a real Sicilian gem.

Pani câ mèusa, affectionately known as 'bread with spleen', is not for the faint of heart. It's a culinary masterpiece featuring a crispy bun studded with sesame seeds, generously filled with slices of slow-cooked veal spleen and lungs, seasoned to perfection with a dash of salt and a squeeze of lemon. Sounds adventurous, right?

Before you turn your nose up, hear me out. The dish may sound unconventional, but believe me, it is a taste explosion. The texture is rich, the flavor is powerful and the experience is unforgettable. So if you're a culinary daredevil craving unique flavors, pani câ mèusa is calling your name.

5 Poutine (Canada)

Poutine is Canada's gift to the world and the ultimate comfort food. It consists of a generous mound of crispy golden brown fries, lovingly smothered in rich gravy and topped with a melting avalanche of cheese curds. Can you taste it yet? Believe me, this delicious dish is a full-fledged culinary adventure.

Quebec in particular has some of the most authentic and delicious versions of this iconic dish. It's practically a rite of passage for any self-respecting foodie to make a pilgrimage to Montreal or Quebec City in search of the perfect poutine.

What makes poutine so irresistible? It's all in the magical alchemy of the simple ingredients. The crispy fries provide the perfect canvas for the velvety gravy, which pairs with the squeaky, gooey cheese curd. It's a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your taste buds with every delicious bite.

But beware, dear traveler, not all poutine is created equal. Seek out the hole-in-the-wall and local diners, where the chefs consider making poutine a sacred art form. These places are where you'll find the real deal: the kind of poutine that inspires travel and cravings from all over the world.

4 Asinan (Indonesia)

Asinan, my dear foodie friend, is the flavorful gem you would happily travel miles for. Imagine Jakarta, Indonesia, where the air is filled with the enticing aroma of spicy, sweet and savory goodness. Meet asinan, Jakarta's ultimate street food champion.

Asinan is irresistible because of its vibrant mixture of pickled vegetables, fruits and peanuts, drenched in a sweet and sour sauce. Think crispy cucumber slices, crunchy bean sprouts and juicy pineapple chunks, bathed in a spicy dressing that packs a punch.

And oh, let's not forget the location. Jakarta, with its vibrant street food scene and bustling markets, provides the perfect backdrop for this culinary masterpiece. So if you ever fancy the magic of Jakarta's street food, head to asinan. Trust me, it's worth every mile traveled and every taste.

3 Bunny Chow (South Africa)

No, this dish has nothing to do with puppy food.

For this street food we go on a taste adventure in the streets of Durban, South Africa, where rabbit food predominates as the ultimate street food. Forget tasty food; this quirky dish proves that culinary magic can happen in the most unexpected places.

Imagine a hollowed-out loaf of bread, generously filled with a delicious curry concoction. Bunny Chow's origins can be traced back to Durban's Indian community, and locals swear by its irresistible blend of spices and textures.

As you wander through the busy markets and food stalls, the smell of rabbit food tickles your taste buds and invites you to join the culinary carnival. Whether you choose the classic chicken, beef or vegetarian variant, every bite is a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Durban's rabbit food is a cultural experience. It embodies the spirit of fusion, where Indian culinary influences meet South African street food creativity. Grab a hearty portion, find a spot in the lively streets and let the rabbit feeding adventure begin.

2 Takoyaki (Japan)

If you're a street food lover and are in the mood for something a little quirky, takoyaki is your ticket to taste bud nirvana. Originating from Osaka, Japan, this savory snack is a true testament to the country's culinary creativity.

Picture this: perfectly round, piping hot, octopus-filled dumplings, cooked to golden perfection in a specially shaped pan. The batter, a harmonious blend of flour, dashi (a Japanese soup stock) and eggs, wraps around tender pieces of octopus, creating an explosion of flavor with every bite.

But it's not just about the taste; it's the whole Takoyaki experience. Street vendors expertly swirl their spatulas, transforming the batter into these delectable dumplings. At the same time, the irresistible aroma wafts through the air and draws you in like a moth to a flame. And don't forget the toppings: a drizzle of savory takoyaki sauce, a sprinkle of bonito flakes dancing in the wind, and a dash of nori (seaweed) for that extra umami kick.

1 Banana cue (Philippines)

Banana cue, oh, how you tempt the taste buds and lure the hungry traveler into your sweet, caramelized embrace. Imagine the streets of the Philippines, where vendors skillfully fry bananas covered in caramelized brown sugar. Yes, my friend, we are talking about banana cue – a street food that is worth every mile traveled and every calorie consumed.

To make this treat you need a perfectly ripe banana, skewered and covered with a generous layer of golden brown caramelized sugar. The result? A crispy, sweet exterior that gives way to a soft, creamy interior: an explosion of flavors in every bite.

But where is the best place to experience this culinary delight? Look no further than the city of Manila, where banana reigns supreme among Philippine street foods. So if you find yourself wandering the streets of Manila or anywhere else in the Philippines, don't hesitate to indulge in the sweet temptation of banana cue.