Rimple Darra
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To really experience a city, one needs to live like the natives, which also includes changes in eating habits. The best way to do that is to eat the authentic food of the city, and where to best find it other than the local streets. Below are some best cities in Asia which are famous for their street food. Add them to your bucket list pronto!
1 Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi and its environs in Vietnam are like a paradise for street food lovers. The city gave birth to many well-known Vietnamese dishes like ‘Pho’ and ‘Bun cha’ and is one of the most famous food capitals in the world. In fact, many say that some of the best food is found in the streets of the city where food vendors cook in small shop fronts and sell that food on the sidewalks, keeping the authenticity well intact. Some common flavours that dominate the food, and for good reason, are fish sauce, chillies, cilantro, and other such fresh herbs.
2 Bangkok, Thailand
As a city, Bangkok is a street food heavyweight. In fact, it is even said that one can eat well in the city without ever setting foot in a restaurant. The food culture there works on the principle of having multiple small meals throughout the day. The sheer variety of the food here can be overwhelming, but it is highly rewarding, should you choose to indulge. Some famous dishes that can be found here are ‘Pad see ew’, ‘Moo ping’, and ‘boat noodles’.
3 Seoul, South Korea
One would call Seoul a city of food rebels since street food isn’t exactly legal there but that does not stop the vendors from distributing some of the best street food in the world. A lot of food culture in Seoul kicks of after working hours in “pojangmachas” which translates to “covered wagons” with tents around them to shelter the eaters from the weather. They serve a lot of soju, a Korean spirit made, of rice, for they are the perfect place to score cheap drinks. Some famous dishes are ‘Tteokbokki’, ‘Haemul Pajeon’, and ‘Gimbap’ among other things.
4 Republic of Karelia, Russia
With contributions from local Karelians, Vepsians, and Finns have the culinary traditions entered their pot. Karelia has a heavy exotic meat culture ranging from reindeer and elk to white fish along Lake Onega. Apart from this famous there are items like kalitka, small pies made with rye dough with fillings such as porridge, rice, tvorog (unsalted cheese). All these flavours blend really well together.
5 Xi’an, China
Famous for its Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an is also known well for its cuisine which is a mix of traditional Shaanxi fare and Chinese Muslim influence. Lamb is particularly popular with the local Muslim Hui population, along with the smell of mutton getting smoked on charcoal down the streets of the Muslim quarters. In the night markets, you will find both, food of Muslim influence and Shaanxi Province specialties.
6 Almaty, Kazakhstan
It is often commented that Kazakh food lacks in colour and presentation but in turn it makes up for that in taste and quantity. Usually a place to find good Kazakh food in Almaty is the green market, ranging from fresh authentic fruits and vegetables to any other food items you can think of, this is where it will be found. Apart from this, 200 years ago 90% of Kazakh people used to live in yurts which were suited perfectly for their Nomadic lives, therefore, now you will find a couple of meat-based yurt food joints in the city as well.
7 Istanbul, Turkey
Being one of the most appetizing and rich cuisines in the world, the people of turkey are really passionate about their food. Turkish Kebabs being the dominant street food are supposed to be the best and most varied in this city such as Doner Kebabs, Adana Kebab, and Bursa Kebab.
Feeling your travel and food cravings scratching your brain yet?
