Street Food from Around the World – 5 Restaurants You Have to Try

Did you know that street food is eaten by almost 2.5 billion people every day?

We’ve all stopped by a hawker stall while holidaying in Indonesia or Asia and delved into local delicacies on the side of the road. Most cultures have their own form of street food – think falafels, pizza, hot dogs, rice paper rolls, satay skewers and much more.

In Australia, we are spoilt for choice with a plethora of restaurants and cafes satisfying our street food desires. Here are five of our favourites from around the world you need to try:

 

Everything on the menu is phobulous at authentic Vietnamese restaurant, Glenda Pho Cafe, on Bay Street in Port Melbourne. A chic dining space projects a friendly and comfortable vibe while attentive staff are there to make you feel at home in surrounds of whitewashed brick, glowing pendent lights, white wood and leather banquette table settings.

From delicious fresh rice paper rolls, such as prawn and pork or beef lemongrass, to enticing stir-fry seafood there is a plate here to tempt all tastes; perhaps dip your spoon into a steaming bowl of rare beef pho with rice noodles, bean sprouts, basil leaves and lemon.

 

A shared passion for skiing and the authentic flavours of Japanese cuisine combined to create Snow Monkey Ramen on Toorak Road in South Yarra. Housed in a corner building with leadlight windows and a full glass frontage, this unique ramen shop blends the traditional cooking techniques of Japan and France to bring a new taste to Melburnians; head inside to find blond wood table settings, cane pendent lights, paper lanterns and neon signage, ideal for an after-work catch up with friends.

Start with deep-fried chicken karaage and housemade teriyaki sauce, before ramen choices such as Wagyu short rib in pork broth, or spicy miso ramen made with Chef’s secret spice blend.

 

Grab your spyglass and follow the clues to find Fook Shing restaurant on Piper Street in Kyneton. This venue, named after an infamous Chinese detective posted to the region during Victoria's Gold Rush, celebrates all things Asian from hanging red lantern lights to exposed brick, polished wooden floors and red table settings.

With numerous spaces for dining and drinking, including cosy fireplace settings on comfy couches and an alfresco deck for balmy days, take a seat beneath the portrait of Detective Shing and delve into vibrant and modern Southeast Asian cuisine, designed for sharing.

 

Delicious Malaysian soul food has West Perth foodies and visitors returning time and again to D’ Big Mama on Walter Road in Morley. Located in Coventry Village, this eatery has ample space inside and out where colourful paper lanterns hang above alfresco cane table settings; while indoors tantalising aromas waft in the air amid a lively buzz of conversation as guests peruse a menu showcasing fresh handmade noodles and Malaysian classic dishes. 

Snack on a barbeque pork bao bun, or fried wontons and sweet chilli sauce, then devour traditional dishes such as nasi lemak with curried chicken or dip your spoon into a satisfying bowl of prawn noodle soup.

 

A modern Asian plant-based menu, local spirits, cocktails and craft beer have locals and visitors hooked on Yulli’s Byron Bay on Carlyle Street. This newly relocated Byron hot spot is the place to see and be seen amid glowing neon lights, bi-fold doors opening to an alfresco area and industrial accents setting the mood for fare with flair and good times.

From a 100% vegan menu, kick start your culinary fun with pan-fried roti, massaman curry, fresh cucumber, chilli and coriander; then chow down on turmeric cauliflower pad Thai, with King brown mushrooms, rainbow chard, toasted peanuts, bean sprouts and Asian herbs.