18 Underrated Street Foods Around the World That Deserve More Recognition

Street food offers a unique glimpse into the culture and flavors of a place, often serving as a reflection of local traditions and ingredients. While some street foods have gained global fame, many others remain underrated and deserve more recognition for their creativity, taste, and cultural significance. From savory snacks to sweet treats, these hidden gems are enjoyed by locals but often fly under the radar for international food enthusiasts. This list highlights 18 lesser-known street foods from around the world that deserve more attention, showcasing the diverse and flavorful world of street cuisine. Each dish offers a delightful experience that’s worth discovering.

Coxinha (Brazil)

Coxinha is a savory Brazilian snack that is often overlooked in global street food discussions. This deep-fried, teardrop-shaped delicacy is filled with shredded chicken and sometimes includes cream cheese for added richness. Encased in a crispy golden crust, coxinha is both crunchy and tender. The outer layer is made from dough, while the filling remains moist and flavorful. It’s traditionally served with ketchup or hot sauce for extra flavor. Street vendors across Brazil sell it as an easy on-the-go meal or snack. Despite its simplicity, coxinha offers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes that deserves international attention.

Arepas (Venezuela and Colombia)

Arepas are flat, round corn cakes that hail from Venezuela and Colombia. They are made from cornmeal dough and cooked on a griddle until crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. These versatile cakes can be stuffed or topped with a variety of fillings, including cheese, meats, avocado, or beans. Arepas are often eaten for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. Their neutral flavor allows the fillings to take center stage, making each bite customizable and exciting. Despite their popularity in South America, arepas remain underappreciated elsewhere. This humble yet hearty dish deserves more global recognition for its adaptability and flavor.

Khachapuri (Georgia)

Khachapuri is a traditional Georgian cheese bread that’s surprisingly underrepresented in the world of street food. Shaped like a boat, this bread is filled with gooey cheese, butter, and often an egg in the center. It’s typically eaten by tearing off pieces of the bread and dipping them into the molten cheese and egg mixture. The contrast of crispy edges with the soft, cheesy center is irresistible. Vendors sell khachapuri freshly baked, making it a warm, comforting snack or meal. Its richness makes it incredibly satisfying, yet it remains relatively unknown outside of its home country. More people should experience the simple joy of this Georgian delight.

Poffertjes (Netherlands)

These mini Dutch pancakes, known as poffertjes, are a sweet street food that flies under the radar internationally. Made from yeast and buckwheat flour, poffertjes are fluffy and slightly chewy on the inside. They are cooked on a special griddle that gives them their small, round shape. Typically, poffertjes are served with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and a slab of butter melting over the top. Street vendors often offer additional toppings like syrup or whipped cream for an indulgent treat. Their light texture makes them an easy snack, but their flavor is rich and satisfying. Despite their deliciousness, they haven’t reached the same fame as other pancake varieties worldwide.

Khao Jee (Laos)

Khao Jee is the Laotian version of a baguette sandwich, often referred to as Laos’ answer to the Vietnamese banh mi. The bread is crispy on the outside but soft inside, and it’s usually filled with meats like pork or pate, vegetables, and spicy condiments. Vendors grill the sandwiches to add an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Khao Jee can be found on many street corners in Laos, yet it remains overshadowed by its more famous cousin, the banh mi. Each bite offers a combination of freshness and savoriness that lingers on the palate. Despite its similar makeup, khao jee has its own identity, shaped by Laotian ingredients and flavors. This sandwich deserves a broader fanbase for its unique twist on the classic baguette.

Tahu Gejrot (Indonesia)

Tahu gejrot is an Indonesian street food made of fried tofu drenched in a tangy and spicy vinegar sauce. The tofu is typically cut into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to eat on the go. What makes tahu gejrot special is the sauce, which combines sweet soy sauce, palm sugar, garlic, and bird’s eye chilies. Each bite is a burst of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, balancing the blandness of the tofu. It’s usually served in a wooden bowl or wrapped in banana leaves, adding to the authenticity of the experience. Despite its simplicity, tahu gejrot is a flavorful snack that’s largely unknown outside Indonesia. It’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by street food enthusiasts worldwide.

Döner Kebab (Turkey)

While döner kebabs are well-known in Europe, the version found on Turkish streets is often overlooked. In Turkey, the döner kebab consists of shaved, slow-cooked meat, usually lamb or chicken, served in a pita or flatbread. It’s complemented by fresh vegetables, herbs, and a variety of sauces, making for a filling, flavorful meal. Unlike the versions served in fast-food chains worldwide, Turkish döner is often lighter and more balanced in flavor. The meat is tender and juicy, with a hint of smokiness from the cooking method. This dish is popular with locals but deserves even more attention globally. Its authentic Turkish flavors elevate the simple sandwich to new heights.

Anticuchos (Peru)

Anticuchos are skewers of grilled meat, often made from beef heart, that are a staple of Peruvian street food. Marinated in a mix of vinegar, aji pepper, garlic, and spices, the meat is incredibly flavorful and tender. The skewers are grilled to perfection, giving the meat a slightly charred, smoky taste. Vendors usually serve them with boiled potatoes or a slice of bread on the side. Despite their rich flavor and satisfying texture, anticuchos are often overlooked in favor of other Latin American street foods. This dish is an excellent example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary. More food lovers should experience the joy of biting into an authentic anticucho.

Currywurst (Germany)

Currywurst is a beloved German street food that doesn’t always get the global attention it deserves. Made from steamed and fried pork sausage, it’s cut into bite-sized pieces and topped with a generous helping of curry-flavored ketchup. Often served with a side of fries or bread, this dish combines the savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors in each bite. It’s quick, inexpensive, and deeply satisfying, especially when served fresh from a street vendor. Currywurst is particularly popular in Berlin, where it’s seen as a symbol of the city’s post-war culinary creativity. Despite its cultural significance in Germany, it remains underappreciated internationally. This hearty snack is a must-try for any street food enthusiast.

Laksa (Malaysia)

Laksa is a flavorful noodle soup found in Malaysia, known for its spicy, creamy broth made from coconut milk, tamarind, and a mix of herbs and spices. The dish typically includes rice noodles, prawns or chicken, and a garnish of fresh herbs. Each bowl offers a balance of spicy, sour, and creamy flavors, making it incredibly satisfying. Laksa can be found at many street food stalls, where it is served piping hot and bursting with aromatic spices. Despite its complex flavor profile, laksa often flies under the radar compared to other Asian noodle dishes. Its bold, vibrant taste deserves more attention from food lovers around the world. 

Pani Puri (India)

Pani puri is a popular Indian street food that consists of hollow, crispy puris filled with a mixture of flavored water, tamarind chutney, chili, chaat masala, potatoes, onions, and chickpeas. Each bite offers a burst of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors that excite the taste buds. Vendors typically prepare it fresh on the spot, ensuring that the puris remain crisp and the fillings flavorful. Pani puri is often eaten as a quick snack or light meal and is especially popular during festivals. Despite its widespread popularity in India, it remains relatively unknown in other parts of the world. This exciting and flavorful dish deserves more recognition for its unique combination of tastes and textures. 

Murtabak (Saudi Arabia)

Murtabak is a savory stuffed flatbread commonly found in Saudi Arabian street food stalls. The dough is rolled out thin and filled with a mixture of minced meat, eggs, and onions before being folded and fried to a crispy perfection. Each bite delivers a burst of savory flavors from the well-seasoned filling, with the crisp exterior providing a satisfying crunch. Vendors typically serve murtabak with a side of dipping sauce, often made from vinegar and chili for an added kick. This dish is popular across the Arabian Peninsula, but its reputation has yet to spread far beyond the region. Murtabak’s blend of simple yet bold flavors makes it a street food deserving of more global recognition. 

Kaak (Lebanon)

Kaak is a Lebanese street food that’s often described as a cross between a bagel and a sesame breadstick. This soft, chewy bread is shaped like a ring and sprinkled with sesame seeds before being baked to a golden brown. It’s typically sold by street vendors who carry large baskets of freshly baked kaak throughout the streets of Lebanon. The bread is sometimes stuffed with cheese or za’atar, giving it an extra layer of flavor. It’s a popular snack for breakfast or lunch, often eaten on the go. Despite its widespread popularity in Lebanon, kaak hasn’t gained the international attention it deserves. Its simplicity, paired with its delicious taste, makes it a perfect candidate for broader appreciation.

Roti John (Singapore)

Roti John is a Singaporean street food that combines elements of a sandwich and an omelet. It’s made by spreading a mixture of ground meat, onions, and eggs onto a long baguette, which is then grilled until crispy. Vendors often serve it with a side of spicy chili sauce or ketchup, adding an extra layer of flavor to each bite. The bread soaks up the egg mixture, making it soft and savory, while the grilled exterior provides a delightful crunch. Roti John is a filling and flavorful snack that’s perfect for eating on the go. Despite its deliciousness, it remains lesser-known outside of Southeast Asia. This inventive street food deserves a spot in the global street food hall of fame. 

Trdelník (Czech Republic)

Trdelník is a traditional Czech pastry that’s made by wrapping dough around a stick, grilling it over an open flame, and then rolling it in sugar and cinnamon. The result is a sweet, crispy exterior with a soft, doughy interior. Often, vendors fill the hollow center with ice cream, Nutella, or whipped cream for an added treat. Trdelník is commonly sold in tourist areas, but it’s still an underrated street food that deserves more global recognition. The combination of the grilled dough and sweet toppings creates a unique and satisfying dessert experience. Despite its simplicity, trdelník offers a delightful twist on classic pastries that can easily win over food lovers worldwide. 

Chapli Kebab (Pakistan)

Chapli kebab is a type of minced meat patty that’s spiced with a mixture of herbs and spices like coriander, cumin, and chili. It’s often made from beef or lamb and is fried to a crispy, golden brown. The kebabs are typically served with naan or flatbread, making them a perfect street food snack. Vendors grill the kebabs fresh, ensuring that they’re packed with flavor and have a smoky aroma. Despite their rich taste, chapli kebabs haven’t gained the same recognition as other kebab varieties around the world. This Pakistani delicacy is deserving of more attention for its bold, complex flavors and satisfying texture. 

Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnam)

Bánh tráng nướng is a Vietnamese street food that’s often referred to as a Vietnamese pizza. It’s made by grilling rice paper topped with various ingredients such as quail eggs, green onions, dried shrimp, and pork. The rice paper crisps up as it cooks, creating a crunchy base for the toppings. Vendors often fold it in half and serve it with a drizzle of chili sauce for extra heat. Bánh tráng nướng offers a combination of textures and flavors that are both exciting and delicious. Despite its creative twist on traditional pizza, it remains underappreciated outside of Vietnam. This unique dish deserves more international recognition for its inventive use of simple ingredients. 

Sfeeha (Lebanon)

Sfeeha is a small, open-faced meat pie that’s commonly found in Lebanese street food stalls. The dough is rolled out thin and topped with a mixture of spiced minced meat, usually lamb or beef, before being baked to perfection. Each bite is a perfect combination of crispy crust and flavorful, juicy filling. Sfeeha is often served as a snack or appetizer and can be eaten on the go. Despite its deliciousness, it remains relatively unknown outside the Middle East. This savory pie is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Lebanon and deserves more attention from global food lovers.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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