Street food offers a taste of a country’s culture, serving up bold flavors in often portable, traditional recipes. These 19 street food dishes from around the world can be easily recreated at home, bringing international flair to the dinner table. From savory kebabs to crispy sweet plantain chips, these recipes are quick and approachable. They showcase a variety of ingredients and techniques, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. Enjoy the adventure of making and tasting these global street food favorites.
Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
Recreate the flavors of the Middle East with a Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich that takes about 40 minutes to make. Ground turkey is seasoned and baked, then stuffed into pita pockets with fresh veggies. The result is a sandwich that’s juicy and flavorful, with a satisfying texture contrast. It’s a healthier take on street food, perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Bring the aromatic spices of the Middle East to your grill with Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebabs, ready in about 30 minutes. Ground chicken is mixed with herbs and spices, then formed around skewers and grilled to perfection. These kebabs are juicy and packed with flavor, ideal for a quick, protein-rich meal. Serve them with dips or salads for a complete street-food experience at home.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Vegan Shawarma Pita with Tahini Sauce
In just 35 minutes, you can enjoy Vegan Shawarma Pita with Tahini Sauce, a plant-based twist on a classic. Seasoned with a blend of shawarma spices, the vegan meat substitute offers a meaty texture without the meat. Drizzled with creamy tahini sauce and wrapped in a soft pita, it’s a satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and hearty. This dish is a testament to the versatility of vegan cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Shawarma Pita with Tahini Sauce
Easy Gluten-Free Samosas
With a prep time of about 50 minutes, Easy Gluten-Free Samosas are a delicious alternative to the traditional street food. Using gluten-free dough and a savory filling of potatoes and peas, these samosas are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The spices create a warm, inviting taste, making them a perfect snack or appetizer. They’re a crowd-pleaser that proves gluten-free can still be flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten-Free Samosas
Colombian Cheese Arepas
Colombian Cheese Arepas, ready in about 20 minutes, are a cheesy delight that brings South American street food to your kitchen. Cornmeal and cheese are the stars of this simple yet irresistible dish, resulting in a warm, soft interior and a slightly crispy exterior. They’re versatile, serving as a snack or a side, and are a comforting taste of Colombia’s rich culinary tradition. Enjoy them topped with more cheese or with your favorite accompaniment.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Cheese Arepas
Spiced Grilled Corn
Spiced Grilled Corn can be made in just 15 minutes, offering a smoky and spicy twist on a classic street food favorite. The corn is brushed with a blend of Middle Eastern spices and grilled until charred. This method brings out the natural sweetness of the corn, while the spices add a flavorful kick. It’s a simple side dish that’s both quick to prepare and deeply satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Grilled Corn
Homemade Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg, and Feta Cheese
In about 1 hour, you can savor Homemade Balkan Bourekas with eggplant, tomatoes, Jarlsberg, and feta cheese. These flaky pastries are filled with a rich and savory mixture that perfectly balances the creaminess of the cheeses with the freshness of the vegetables. They’re a taste of the Balkans that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Serve them as a snack or a light meal for a truly international experience.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg, and Feta Cheese
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe
The Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs, ready in about 40 minutes, are a meat-free alternative to a classic street food. Mixed vegetables, grains, and spices come together to form kebabs that are full of flavor and have a satisfying texture. They’re grilled until golden and served hot, making them a perfect option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. These kebabs showcase how vegetables can be the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe
Russian Hand Pies
In just 45 minutes, you can indulge in Russian Hand Pies (piroshki), a comforting pocket of dough filled with a savory vegetarian filling. The soft, golden exterior encases a warm, flavorful mixture of ingredients like cabbage, eggs, and onions. Piroshki are a staple of Russian cuisine, offering a portable and satisfying meal. They’re ideal for a hearty snack or a unique addition to any meal spread.
Get the Recipe: Russian Piroshki
Sabich Sandwich Recipe with Eggplant and Potatoes
The Sabich Sandwich, with eggplant and potatoes, takes about 50 minutes to prepare and is a staple of Israeli street food. Layers of roasted eggplant, boiled potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs are tucked into a pita with a drizzle of tahini for a creamy finish. The sandwich is a harmony of textures and flavors, making it a filling and nutritious option. It’s a taste of the Middle East that’s easily recreated at home.
Get the Recipe: Sabich Sandwich Recipe with Eggplant and Potatoes
Argentinian Empanadas
In roughly 1 hour, you can enjoy Argentinian Empanadas, a beloved South American street food. These pastry pockets are filled with a mixture of vegetables and spices, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. The dough is baked or fried to achieve a crispy exterior that complements the moist, savory interior. They’re perfect for parties or as a snack any time of the day.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas
Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Pepper Salsa
Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Pepper Salsa are a quick, 25-minute meal that brings a Mexican street food classic to your home. The tacos are filled with seasoned black beans and topped with a vibrant sweet pepper salsa. The combination of flavors is fresh and zesty, providing a nutritious and satisfying dish. They’re a colorful and tasty option for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Pepper Salsa
Elote Board
In 30 minutes, create an Elote Board appetizer, a playful take on traditional Mexican street corn. The corn is grilled and smothered in a creamy, spicy sauce, then garnished with cheese and lime. This dish is not only visually striking but also offers a delicious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy a classic.
Get the Recipe: Elote Board
Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe
The Classic Mushroom Bourekas, ready in about 1 hour, are a savory pastry that features a flavorful mushroom filling. Encased in flaky dough, these bourekas are baked until golden brown. They’re a versatile snack that pairs well with soups or salads. Enjoy the earthy taste of mushrooms in a convenient, handheld form.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe
Crispy Plantain Chips
Crispy Plantain Chips, which take about 20 minutes to make, offer a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips. Made with just plantains and oil, they’re air-fried until crisp and golden. These chips provide a naturally sweet and savory snack that’s addictive and gluten-free. They’re perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Plantain Chips
Halloumi Tacos
Halloumi Tacos are a Mediterranean-inspired dish ready in about 25 minutes. The salty, grilled halloumi cheese is the centerpiece, complemented by fresh vegetables and a squeeze of lemon. These tacos are a delightful mix of flavors and textures, offering a unique twist on a Mexican favorite. They’re a simple yet impressive option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Tacos
Pink Fish Tacos
Pink Fish Tacos, which can be prepared in about 30 minutes, feature a colorful slaw and lightly seasoned fish. The vibrant hues come from the slaw, adding a visual appeal to the soft, flaky texture of the fish. These tacos are a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, providing a fresh and tangy taste. They’re a great way to bring a touch of seaside freshness to your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Pink Fish Tacos
Spicy Tofu Tacos
Spicy Tofu Tacos are a fiery and flavorful option that takes about 25 minutes to create. Crumbled tofu is seasoned with a blend of spices, then sautéed until crispy. Wrapped in a warm tortilla and topped with your favorite garnishes, they offer a satisfying crunch and a kick of heat. These tacos are a vegan-friendly dish that packs a punch.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Tacos
Coxinhas – Brazilian Chicken Croquettes
In about 2 hours, you can enjoy Coxinhas, a Brazilian street food favorite known for its crispy exterior and creamy chicken filling. Shaped like a teardrop to resemble a chicken thigh, these croquettes are a fun and flavorful snack. The combination of tender chicken and dough creates a comfort food that’s both hearty and satisfying. Coxinhas are perfect for those who love to explore international cuisines through their taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Coxinhas – Brazilian Chicken Croquettes