“Prepare to turn the amperage up 100% once you go international. Tried and tested by our travel experts, here are the top 5 cities in the world dishing out roadside bites.”
1. Bangkok
Bewildering as it may be at first, the Bangkok street food scene earns its top slot for a simple reason. Bangkok street food isn’t something you read about. It’s something you experience. Amid neons signs and tooting horns, a tightly packed, mouthwatering adventure awaits at every corner. Hit Chinatown for wok-fried glass noodles and the Banglamphu Old Town for world-class curries. You’re going street style, not gourmet here (although your taste buds might disagree), so prepare for the plastic table and chair setups that really take in the Thai capital’s pulsating buzz. The vermicelli vendors over in the Sukhumvit district might be competing with upscale establishments, but the sen yai noodles here blow the competition out the water. Don’t leave without a made-to-order bite in the locals’ favorite Yellow Bridge neighbourhood. Over half of our Thailand itineraries include Bangkok. Which one you choose is up to you.
2. Marrakech
The labyrinth alleys of Marrakech’s historic Medina might be a feast for the eyes, but those salmon-stone walkways are housing more than boutique Riad hotels. They’re the gateway to the main Djemaa El Fna square. African drummers and acrobats here take the night shift over from daytime market vendors, and this square is a culinary masterpiece. Among the heaped spice and olive bowls, over 100 food stands here are serving freshly made stews, skewered meats and merguez spicy sausage. Moroccans do like to haggle, but they’re some of the most hospitable people on earth- expect a fresh mint tea welcome wherever you stay. Adventurous diners can sample everything from sheep’s head to snail soups, although our top rating went to Kiosk 14’s fresh fish and seafood dishes. Morocco is a land of rich culture, desert sands, hot sun- and yes, fabulous food.
3. Tokyo
If any city on earth has the words “lose yourself” as its slogan, it’s Tokyo. Sprinkled amid lantern-lit walkways, on-the-go eateries here are competing against the biggest prize there is. Tokyo has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. And yet, here we are telling you to dive into the hodge-podge stalls lining the Tsukiji fish market. Thick slabs of pork belly and fresh vegetables fill surprisingly gourmet ramen bowls here, but make no mistake. Dining here isn’t random. Entire stalls are dedicated to just one meat or fish. The main Togoshi Ginza Shotengai shopping street is as much fashion as it is croquettes, while anyone with a sweet tooth should wander Asakusa. The bubblegum pinks of the Instagrammable Harajuku are dishing out everything from miniature bean cakes to rainbow candy floss, and it goes without saying, sushi lovers are spoiled for choice. Contact us today for your tailor-made Tokyo trip.
4. Istanbul
The Turkish city of Istanbul has 14 million mouths to feed (and no, they’re not eating greasy kebabs). In a city where the East meets the West, the mosaic domes and minarets of Istanbul are sheltering some of the best street food on earth. If you start your day with a bagel, prepare to up your game with the looped, sesame-dipped simit. Oven-fresh and available city wide, it’s a perfect snack before delving into something more substantial. The markets of Kadikoy waft with the sizzling scents of fresh-skewered meats, where you can join the locals at counter-style joints. For charcoal-cooked corn or chestnuts, follow the billowing bazaar smoke- it trumps anything you’ve ever tried in the UK. Get in touch today to make your Turkey multi centre holiday a reality.
5. Mexico City
This sprawling metropolis may be a megacity, but it hasn’t lost its traditional edge. In the shadow of colonial splendours, the Mexican “street cantina” is open for business, and it’s huge. A short walk from Coyoacán’s central plaza, you’ll find its market. The deep-fried corn tortillas here come heaped with every topping under the sun, and it’s a similar story for tacos by the Alameda. The historic centre might be culturally steeped, but the lime juices marinating epic seafood here are doing their part too. From sweet to savoury, fried to grilled, this city’s street food comes with only one challenge: fitting it all in. Move over, floppy fajitas. Mexico City is calling your name.
To start crafting your foodie holiday of a lifetime, get in touch today.
