Street food is the soul of casual dining—quick, bold, comforting and made for sharing. Whether you’re weaving through the lanes of Bangkok, the stalls of Hanoi or a city backstreet in Delhi, the experience is always the same: big flavour, zero fuss and that addictive edge that keeps you coming back.
Right here at home, these five venues are embracing the spirit of the streets and plating up everything from loaded skewers and bao to pho, tacos and chilli-dusted seafood—all with a touch of Aussie flair.
Tikka Take – Canberra CBD, ACT
Located in the heart of the capital, Tikka Take brings India’s vibrant street food scene indoors with a modern twist. Rustic walls of recycled timber and glowing pendant lights set the tone, while floor-to-ceiling windows make this CBD spot ideal for lingering lunches and lively dinners.
Start your feast with zesty tikka skewers—the lamb korma version is a must, paired with fluffy naan, salad and a tangy tamarind chutney. Go on to discover Himalayan dumplings, spicy lamb vindaloo, or the ever-popular butter chicken with fragrant rice. This is Indian street food reimagined—refined but still full of heart and spice.
A laidback gem along the Illawarra coast, Madam Choi fuses classic Chinese with Southeast Asian flair. Inside, you'll find subtle lighting, recycled timber and Chinese trinkets lining the space—ideal for casual catch-ups or a cheeky midweek dinner.
Kick things off with salt and pepper tofu or satay prawn skewers, then dive into standout dishes like coconut and lime curry with soft-shell crab, served with rice and garlic seasonal greens. For something sizzling, the King prawn version of the curry brings a citrusy kick to a comforting favourite. This is street-style flavour with a coastal twist.
Hidden in bustling Chatswood, An Viet is a go-to for authentic Vietnamese with all the fresh, punchy flavour of a Ho Chi Minh street stall. With exposed brick, recycled timber and a welcoming hum of conversation, this spot is a retreat for pho fans and salad lovers alike.
For something truly street-worthy, don’t miss the crispy skin chicken Maryland, served with tomato rice, pickled veg and fish sauce dressing. It’s crunchy, juicy and full of that classic Vietnamese balance—sweet, salty, sour, spicy. Pair it with sugarcane prawns or grilled beef in betel leaves and you’ve got a feast that hits every craving.
Cubbyhouse Kyle Bay – Kyle Bay, NSW
Cubbyhouse Kyle Bay nails the blend of cool, casual and shareable. A relaxed local hangout with Mediterranean heritage at its core, this venue buzzes with warmth and character—from the timber-clad interiors to the open kitchen and lush greenery lining the space.
The menu leans into global street food energy, starting with BBQ corn cobs dipped in chilli aioli and coated in Doritos—yes, really. Follow up with grilled prawns in spicy butter or squid ink pasta with crab and nduja. It’s cheeky, creative and designed for grazing with friends (and plenty of cocktails).
Calamari Kid – Freshwater, NSW
For retro fish-and-chip nostalgia with a fresh, coastal twist, Calamari Kid delivers in spades. Just minutes from the beach, this laidback Freshwater favourite is all about seaside eats done right—polished timber, whitewashed walls and plenty of space to dig in.
Start with their signature crumbed calamari, perfectly
golden and served with chilli lime mayo. Then there’s the burger
line-up—classic beef or fully loaded with beetroot, pineapple, bacon, egg and
sweet potato chips on the side. It’s street food, Aussie-style: honest,
delicious and best eaten with sand still between your toes.
From bold skewers and bao to grilled seafood and curry with attitude, these
venues prove that street food is more than a trend—it’s a way of eating that
celebrates culture, creativity and the sheer joy of sharing. So grab your crew,
pick a plate (or five) and dive into flavours that speak louder than words.
