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:
Imagine a small bar in Asia off the beaten track and immerse yourself in true and authentic flavours at Eddy + Wolff on Ron Penhaligon Way in Robina. Named after the two streets the Vietnamese owners grew up on, this intimate space transports you to another time, where you feel a sense of belonging and a connection to where their love for food started.
Pink neon Chinese characters light up the entry, comfy bar stools and a sexy wine list ensure a good time; as you ponder a unique menu – with street food plates like prawn toast, corn, salted egg yolk and tangy mayo.
Great tasting Nepalese and Indian fare with an infinite variety of flavours and spices await discerning Newcastle foodies at Durbar Restaurant on Pacific Highway in Charlestown. Stop to pose for a selfie on the chaise lounge in front of neon signage and a wall of greenery, before heading to your table for a Nepalese beer to ponder an authentic and tantalising menu to tempt all tastes.
Traditional steamed and pan-fried momos are the house signature - think chicken, pork and vegetable; before devouring goat cooked on the bone, with korma creamy sauce and fennel paste.
For the ultimate street food, gorge on a fiesta of flavours at Loco Mexican, a vibrant hot spot to see and be seen in Victor Harbor on the upstairs level of the Harbor Mall. Radiating warm and lively colours, inside feels energetic with a wallpaper backdrop of orange and red apartments and tables in burnt orange, adding character.
Say arriba to starters of Mexican char-grilled corn, chipotle, queso and lime, or kingfish ceviche, lime, guacamole, corn, coriander, shallots, coconut lime dressing and corn chips; then don your sombrero for crispy pork belly tacos, sour cream, slaw, salsa roja and green mojo, washed down with a cheeky Margarita.
Streetside hawker stalls abound in Sri Lanka, serving tasty morsels you can’t help but try; if you are looking to replicate the experience in Sydney, look no further than Dish Sri Lankan Street Food on Glebe Point Road in Glebe.
Ornate traditional antiques, masks and spice-coloured walls await indoors as you savour classic string hoppers with beef, yellow coconut curry and sambal, then salivate over sizzling devilled chicken and BBQ sauce.
Brisbane’s first Thai Restaurant, Thai Orchid on Pacific Highway in Springwood, has been delighting discerning diners for almost 40 years. Step through the ornately carved front door into a world of Thai statues, accents, potted greenery and traditional artwork to be transported to a world of culinary anticipation.
Signature Orchid coconut prawns and cream curry-mayo dipping sauce hit the mark to start your street food journey, or perhaps a golden fried soft-shell crab bao bun with coriander, lettuce and sweet chilli mayo.
