17 World Street Snacks So Good You’ll Forget About Fast Food

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17 World Street Snacks So Good You’ll Forget About Fast Food

Street food offers a delicious escape from the ordinary fast food options, showcasing flavors from around the globe. These 17 recipes bring the vibrant experience of world street food into your kitchen, each one a testament to simple, yet bold flavors. From crispy snacks to savory bites, they prove that homemade can outshine drive-thru fare. With easily accessible ingredients and straightforward preparation, they invite you to recreate the authentic taste of street-side dining at home.

Three piroshki on a plate with tea.
Russian Piroshki. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.
A plate with pitas and vegetables on it.
Sabich Sandwich Recipe with Eggplant and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sabich Sandwich Recipe with Eggplant and Potatoes

The Sabich Sandwich is a hearty Israeli street food staple that combines fried eggplant and boiled potatoes in a pita. It’s typically ready in under an hour and is packed with flavors from pickles, tahini, and amba sauce. This sandwich offers a satisfying texture contrast, from the creamy potatoes to the silky eggplant. Its taste is a unique blend of earthy and tangy notes.
Get the Recipe: Sabich Sandwich Recipe with Eggplant and Potatoes

Side view of chips with salsa.
Crispy Plantain Chips. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Crispy Plantain Chips

Crispy Plantain Chips are a crunchy, gluten-free snack that can be made in just 20 minutes using an air fryer. With only plantains and oil as the main ingredients, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional chips. They boast a natural sweetness balanced by a hint of salt, satisfying that chip craving. Their crisp texture and tropical taste make them a snack you can’t stop munching on.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Plantain Chips

Empanadas on a plate.
Argentinian Empanadas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Argentinian Empanadas

Argentinian Empanadas are a beloved snack, filled with a mix of vegetables and spices, encased in a flaky pastry. These empanadas take about an hour to prepare and are known for their savory, spiced filling. The dough is golden and crisp, contrasting with the soft, flavorful interior. Each bite offers a taste of Argentina’s rich culinary heritage.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas

Kebabs on a plate with a lemon wedge.
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe

Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs are a Middle Eastern-inspired dish made with a blend of vegetables and spices, ready in about 30 minutes. These kebabs are grilled to perfection, offering a smoky flavor and a firm texture. They are often served with a cooling yogurt sauce that complements the kebabs’ spices. Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs provide a meat-free option that’s both tasty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe

A plate of fish tacos with slaw and dipping sauce.
Spicy Tofu Tacos. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Spicy Tofu Tacos

Spicy Tofu Tacos take about 25 minutes to prepare and are a fusion of Mexican flavors with a plant-based twist. The main ingredients include tofu, which is seasoned with a blend of spices, and served in a soft tortilla. The tacos have a spicy kick, balanced by the freshness of added toppings like avocado and cilantro. They’re a delicious way to enjoy a protein-rich, vegan-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Tacos

Close up view of vegan shawarma on a pita.
Vegan Shawarma Pita with Tahini Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Vegan Shawarma Pita with Tahini Sauce

The Vegan Shawarma Pita with Tahini Sauce is a plant-based take on the classic Middle Eastern street food, ready in about 40 minutes. It features spiced, roasted vegetables wrapped in a soft pita and drizzled with creamy tahini sauce. This dish is known for its warm spices and satisfying textures. The tahini sauce adds a nutty flavor that complements the shawarma perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Shawarma Pita with Tahini Sauce

Stuffed mushrooms on a wooden cutting board.
Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe

Classic Mushroom Bourekas are a flaky pastry filled with a savory mushroom mix, taking about an hour to bake. The main ingredients are mushrooms and puff pastry, creating a contrast between the tender filling and the crisp exterior. These bourekas have a rich, earthy flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent. They’re a small bite with big taste, perfect for snacking.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe

A plate with a burrito and skewers on it.
Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich

Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich is a healthier take on the traditional kofta, using ground turkey and baking instead of frying. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s a flavorful combination of spiced meat with fresh vegetables and herbs. The pita bread provides a soft pocket for the moist and seasoned kofta. This sandwich offers a leaner option while still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich

Cheesy Balkan bourekas with eggplant and tomatoes.
Homemade Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg, and Feta Cheese. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Homemade Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg, and Feta Cheese

Homemade Balkan Bourekas feature a blend of eggplant, tomatoes, Jarlsberg, and feta cheese, taking just over an hour to make. The main ingredients create a medley of flavors – the sweetness of tomatoes, the smokiness of eggplant, and the tanginess of the cheeses. Wrapped in a golden, flaky pastry, they offer a satisfying crunch. Their taste is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of the Balkans.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg, and Feta Cheese

Mexican corn salad in bowls, garnished with parmesan cheese and lime wedges, with forks on the side.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican Corn Salad is a vibrant dish that combines sweet corn with a colorful array of vegetables and a zesty dressing, ready in 20 minutes. The main ingredients include corn, bell peppers, and a lime-based dressing that brings out the freshness of the salad. It has a crunchy texture and a flavor that’s both sweet and tangy. This salad is a refreshing alternative to heavier street food options.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Overhead view of halloumi tacos.
Halloumi Tacos. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Halloumi Tacos

Halloumi Tacos are a quick, 20-minute meal that features the distinct taste of grilled halloumi cheese. Paired with a soft tortilla and fresh toppings, the salty cheese is the star of this dish. The tacos have a pleasant chewiness from the halloumi, complemented by the crispness of fresh vegetables. They offer a unique twist on traditional tacos, with a satisfying interplay of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Tacos

Two black bean tacos on wooden board.
Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Pepper Salsa. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Pepper Salsa

Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Pepper Salsa take about 30 minutes to prepare and are a hearty vegetarian option. The main ingredients are black beans and a homemade sweet pepper salsa, bringing a balance of earthy and sweet flavors. The soft tortillas and creamy avocado provide a smooth contrast to the beans’ texture. These tacos are a colorful and nutritious choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Pepper Salsa

Three piroshki on a plate with tea.
Russian Piroshki. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Russian Hand Pies “Piroshki”

Russian hand pies, “piroshki,” are a delightful snack, taking about an hour to prepare, filled with a variety of ingredients, from cabbage to mashed potatoes. The dough is soft and pillowy, with a golden exterior that encases the warm, flavorful filling. They are known for their comforting taste, reminiscent of home-cooked meals. Piroshki are a portable, satisfying treat that can be enjoyed on the go.
Get the Recipe: Russian Piroshki

Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges.
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab is a classic dish that takes about 30 minutes to grill, featuring spiced ground chicken molded onto skewers. The chicken is seasoned with herbs and spices, offering a smoky and aromatic flavor. The kebabs have a juicy texture that’s both satisfying and lean. This dish is a protein-packed option that’s simple yet full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

A burrito with feta, tomatoes and herbs on a wooden table.
Pink Fish Tacos. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pink Fish Tacos

Pink Fish Tacos are a visually appealing and tasty dish, ready in about 30 minutes. They’re made with a pink-hued slaw and white fish, creating a contrast in both color and flavor. The tacos taste fresh and light, with a hint of spice from the seasoning. It’s a fun and flavorful way to enjoy seafood on the street.
Get the Recipe: Pink Fish Tacos

A plate with a plate of vegetables and a plate of samosas.
Easy gluten free samosas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Easy Gluten-Free Samosas

Easy Gluten-Free Samosas are a convenient snack that takes about an hour to make, with a filling of spiced potatoes and peas wrapped in a gluten-free dough. The samosas are baked to a golden brown, offering a crunchy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. They have a comforting taste with a hint of heat from the spices. These samosas are a great option for those looking for gluten-free street food.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten-Free Samosas

A Brazilian Coxinha on a serving plate with a bite taken out of it.
Coxinhas – Brazilian Chicken Croquettes. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Coxinhas – Brazilian Chicken Croquettes

Coxinhas – Brazilian Chicken Croquettes are a popular snack, taking about two hours to prepare, consisting of a dough filled with savory chicken and shaped into a drumstick form. The coxinhas are then breaded and fried, resulting in a crispy coating and tender, flavorful filling. They have a rich, meaty taste with a hint of creaminess from the dough. This Brazilian treat is a satisfying snack that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Coxinhas – Brazilian Chicken Croquettes

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