5 best vegetarian street foods
What's the story
Vegetarian street food provides an exquisite insight into the culinary traditions of different cultures across the globe. Be it crowded markets or secluded alleyways, these dishes are not only lip-smacking but also represent the local tastes and ingredients. For food lovers looking to indulge in authentic flavors without breaking their diet, vegetarian street foods can be an exciting expedition. Here are some popular vegetarian street foods from various global destinations that you could try.
Indian snack
India's pani puri delight
Pani puri, a favorite among street foods, features hollow, crispy puris filled with spicy water, tamarind chutney, chickpeas, and potatoes. The snack bursts with flavors and textures in every bite. Vendors also serve it with a side of sweet or tangy chutneys to boost the taste even more. It's a must-try for anyone visiting India, wishing to experience the colorful street food culture.
Thai noodles
Thailand's Pad Thai twist
A quintessential Thai dish, Pad Thai can easily be made vegetarian by skipping out on meat and replacing it with tofu or extra vegetables. This stir-fried noodle dish marries rice noodles with bean sprouts, peanuts, lime juice, and tamarind paste for a savory-sweet taste. Street vendors usually make it fresh on large woks, right in front of your eyes, turning it into an experience.
Mexican corn
Mexico's elote experience
Elote is a traditional Mexican street food consisting of grilled corn on the cob smeared with mayonnaise or butter and topped with cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. The smoky corn combined with creamy toppings makes for an irresistible treat that locals love to have as a snack and side dish. You can find it at fairs or roadside stalls across Mexico.
Italian rice balls
Italy's arancini adventure
Arancini are deep-fried rice balls that hail from Sicily in Italy. These golden-brown delights are usually stuffed with risotto rice combined with peas or mozzarella cheese, coated in breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness, and fried to crisp perfection. They make an excellent snack while you're exploring Italian cities because they're portable yet so satisfying!
Japanese pancake
Japan's okonomiyaki journey
Okonomiyaki is also popularly known as Japanese savory pancakes, prepared mainly from a flour batter mixed with cabbage and other optional ingredients like green onions, seaweed flakes, etc. Then, cooked griddle-style and topped with sauces like mayonnaise, bonito flakes, seaweed powder, etc., giving it a unique, umami-rich flavor adored throughout Japan, particularly in the Osaka and Hiroshima regions where you'll find many variations!