10 Underrated Street Food Destinations You Need to Visit

Street food is one of the best ways to experience a destination’s authentic flavors, but while cities like Bangkok, Mexico City, and Istanbul are well-known for their street food scenes, there are many lesser-known places that offer incredible dishes at affordable prices.

Here are 10 underrated street food destinations that should be on every foodie’s travel list.

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Underrated Street Food Destinations

1. Lima, Peru

Why It’s a Street Food Gem:

While Peru is famous for its high-end restaurants, Lima’s street food scene offers an affordable way to experience the country’s bold flavors.

Must-Try Street Foods:

Anticuchos – Grilled beef heart skewers, marinated in spices.
Butifarra – A traditional Peruvian sandwich with pork and salsa criolla.
Picarones – Sweet, deep-fried doughnuts made from squash and sweet potato.

Where to Go:

Mercado de Surquillo for a variety of street food vendors.
Parque Kennedy at night for fresh picarones.

2. Tbilisi, Georgia

Why It’s a Street Food Gem:

Georgia’s unique blend of Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean influences creates a rich street food culture.

Must-Try Street Foods:

Khachapuri – A cheese-filled bread, often served with an egg on top.
Lobiani – A bean-filled pastry perfect for a quick meal.
Churchkhela – A traditional snack made from grape juice and nuts.

Where to Go:

The Dry Bridge Market for freshly baked khachapuri.
Deserter’s Bazaar for authentic Georgian street food.

3. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Why It’s a Street Food Gem:

While Hanoi often gets the spotlight, Ho Chi Minh City has an incredible street food culture with a Southern Vietnamese twist.

Must-Try Street Foods:

Bánh tráng nướng – A crispy grilled rice paper topped with eggs, meat, and herbs.
Cơm tấm – A flavorful broken rice dish served with grilled pork and egg.
Súp cua – A rich crab soup, often eaten as a snack.

Where to Go:

District 4 for local street food vendors.
Ben Thanh Market for a variety of traditional dishes.

4. Belgrade, Serbia

Why It’s a Street Food Gem:

Belgrade’s street food scene is a blend of Balkan and Mediterranean influences, with an emphasis on grilled meats and pastries.

Must-Try Street Foods:

Ćevapi – Small grilled sausages served with flatbread and onions.
Burek – A flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach.
Pljeskavica – A Serbian-style burger packed with spices.

Where to Go:

Skadarlija district for some of the best street eats.
Local bakeries (pekara) for fresh burek.

5. Cartagena, Colombia

Why It’s a Street Food Gem:

Colombia’s Caribbean coast brings vibrant flavors and fresh seafood to its street food culture.

Must-Try Street Foods:

Arepa de huevo – A corn cake stuffed with an egg and fried to perfection.
Ceviche Cartagenero – Fresh fish cured in citrus juice with coconut milk.
Bollos – A tamale-like dish made from corn or yuca.

Where to Go:

Plaza de San Diego for street vendors.
Getsemaní neighborhood for authentic local bites.

6. Penang, Malaysia

Why It’s a Street Food Gem:

While Kuala Lumpur gets most of the attention, Penang is Malaysia’s true street food capital with a diverse mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors.

Must-Try Street Foods:

Char kway teow – Stir-fried flat noodles with prawns, egg, and soy sauce.
Asam laksa – A spicy, tangy noodle soup with fish.
Roti canai – A crispy, buttery flatbread served with curry.

Where to Go:

Gurney Drive Hawker Centre for a huge selection of dishes.
Chulia Street Night Market for some of the best street food in Asia.

7. Marrakech, Morocco

Why It’s a Street Food Gem:

Moroccan street food is an explosion of spices, slow-cooked meats, and freshly baked bread.

Must-Try Street Foods:

Msemen – A flaky, layered Moroccan pancake often served with honey.
Makouda – Deep-fried potato fritters.
Snail soup – A savory, herbal broth with tender snails.

Where to Go:

Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city’s main square, for an authentic street food experience.
The medina for hidden food stalls.

8. Manila, Philippines

Why It’s a Street Food Gem:
Manila’s street food scene is bold, flavorful, and full of unique textures.

Must-Try Street Foods:

Isaw – Grilled chicken or pork intestines, crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Balut – A fertilized duck egg, a Filipino delicacy.
Banana cue – Fried bananas caramelized in brown sugar.

Where to Go:

Mercato Centrale for a mix of local and fusion street food.
Quiapo Market for authentic street vendors.

9. Budapest, Hungary

Why It’s a Street Food Gem:

Hungary’s capital offers a rich, hearty street food scene with influences from Austria and the Balkans.

Must-Try Street Foods:

Lángos – A deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese.
Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake) – A sweet, crispy pastry covered in sugar and cinnamon.
Kolbász – Hungarian sausage served with mustard and bread.

Where to Go:

The Great Market Hall for local street food stalls.
Street vendors around Deák Ferenc Square.

10. Dakar, Senegal

Why It’s a Street Food Gem:

Dakar’s street food scene blends West African, French, and Middle Eastern influences, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and bold spices.

Must-Try Street Foods:

Dibi – Grilled lamb or beef served with mustard and onions.
Fataya – A deep-fried pastry stuffed with fish or meat.
Thiakry – A sweet, creamy millet-based dessert.

Where to Go:

The Corniche for fresh seafood stalls.
Local markets in the Medina district.

Final Thoughts: A World of Street Food Awaits

These underrated street food destinations prove that incredible flavors aren’t limited to famous foodie cities. Whether you’re craving grilled meats in Serbia, spicy laksa in Malaysia, or fresh ceviche in Colombia, these places offer unique culinary experiences without the crowds.

Best for Seafood Lovers: Cartagena, Dakar, Lima

Best for Bold Spices: Marrakech, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila

Best for Pastry Fans: Budapest, Tbilisi, Belgrade

Best for Unique Flavors: Penang, Manila, Dakar