Street food is the heart and soul of global cuisine - bold, exciting and packed with history. Whether it’s Cantonese seafood, Mumbai’s famous vada pav or a Mediterranean hummus bowl, there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a dish that tells a story. If you’re craving authentic street eats, here are five restaurants bringing the world’s best street food flavours to your plate:
Sunny Seafood Restaurant – Mortdale, NSW
Serving the local community for years, Sunny Seafood Restaurant on Pitt Street in Mortdale is where Cantonese street food meets fresh seafood in a refined setting. Crisp white tablecloths, wooden slatted screens and elegant chandelier lighting create a stylish atmosphere, while live seafood tanks ensure the catch of the day is as fresh as it gets.
For a true taste of Cantonese street fare, start with steaming prawn dumplings and signature dipping sauce, or go for scallops infused with ginger and shallots. Then, dive into a bowl of comforting chicken and sweet corn soup before indulging in a lavish spread of braised lobster with ginger, shallots and steamed rice. For the adventurous, the sliced abalone, mushroom and duck feet hot pot is a must-try.
Albany’s Indian Tandoori Restaurant – Albany, WA
Bringing the warmth of Indian hospitality to the Great Southern region, Albany’s Indian Tandoori Restaurant on Frederick Street is a local institution known for its rich curries, fragrant spices and traditional clay oven cooking. The interior, with dark wooden furniture and softly glowing candles, sets the scene for an authentic Indian feast.
Kick off your meal with crispy, deep-fried fish pakoras or tender lamb cutlets marinated in aromatic Indian spices before being charred in the tandoor. If you’re after a spice hit, the beef xacuti - a Goan specialty - combines slow-cooked beef with roasted coconut, a medley of herbs and a fiery kick. For seafood lovers, the garlic prawns masala delivers an irresistible mix of garlic, red chilli and vinegar in a rich, spicy curry sauce.
Nem Vietnamese Street Food – Kennington, Vic
For the best pho in Bendigo, head to Nem Vietnamese Street Food on Condon Street in Kennington, where the aroma of North Vietnamese flavours greets you at the door. The casual yet vibrant space, with potted greenery and statement pendent lights, is the perfect backdrop for a street food feast.
Start with crispy chicken wings tossed in spicy sauce, or go for classic prawn spring rolls. The banh mi here is a standout, with a crusty Vietnamese baguette filled with housemade pâté, creamy mayo, pickled carrot, daikon, coriander, spring onion and your choice of protein - crispy skin pork belly is a must. If you’re after something warming, the traditional beef pho is packed with rice noodles, tender beef, fresh herbs and a fragrant, spiced broth that’s been simmered to perfection.
Canteen India – Vermont South, Vic
If you’re craving a taste of Mumbai’s bustling street food scene, Canteen India on Burwood Highway in Vermont South is the place to be. This vibrant eatery, with glowing neon signs and walls covered in eclectic artwork, delivers nostalgic flavours from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Punjab.
The Mumbai vada pav is an essential order - a deep-fried potato dumpling sandwiched in a soft bread roll, smothered in sweet and tangy chutney, green chilli chutney and a fiery red garlic chutney for the ultimate flavour bomb. If you’re after something comforting, the butter chicken is rich and creamy, served with fluffy steamed rice and cheese naan, while vegetarians can savour the fragrant mixed vegetable Hyderabadi curry.
Mediterranean and Middle Eastern street food takes centre stage at Balabite on Eyre Street in North Ward. With recycled timber benches, colourful cushions and an eclectic mix of artwork, this vibrant spot is all about fresh, bold flavours and wholesome eats.
The housemade pita bread is legendary - soft, pillowy and perfect for stuffing with juicy beef kofta, hummus, tabouli, carrot salad, cucumber, jalapeños and tahini; or go for a Jerusalem bowl packed with pulled lamb, rice, tabouli, coleslaw, eggplant, tzatziki and pickles. If you’re after something truly special, the lamb Arais - crispy pita stuffed with spiced minced lamb and grilled to perfection - is a must-try.
From sizzling dumplings to fragrant curries and stuffed pitas, these street food hotspots prove that the best flavours often come from humble beginnings. Whether you’re craving the spice of India, the fresh bite of Vietnamese herbs or the rich umami of Cantonese seafood, these restaurants bring global street food culture straight to your plate. The only question is: where will your tastebuds take you next?
