12 Street foods you have to try
BY READERS DIGEST
1st Jan 2015 Food Heroes
Street food has exploded in recent years, with food trucks becoming more and more popular around the globe. Here are twelve street foods you need to sample sooner, rather than later.
1. Churros
Churros are long, stick-shaped choux pastries that have been deep fried and often tossed briefly in sugar. They're particularly popular in Spain but are so delicious that they can now be found at food trucks across the globe. They're usually served with a hot and smooth chocolate sauce.
2. Dosa
The dosa is a very popular Indian dish. It's essentially a fermented crepe made using black lentils and rice batter. When served in the street it mostly comes stuffed with vegetables or chutneys, or, of course, both!
3. Pho
The popularity of pho has sky rocketed in recent years, with dozens of restaurants dedicated to it popping up over the UK. Pho originates from Vietnam and it's a really simple rice noodle soup, consisting of noodles, herbs and meat - sometimes vegetables are added too.
4. Roasted Chestnuts
A very uncomplicated street food but an extremely popular one in the winter months, particularly across Europe. You'd be hard pushed to find a Christmas market that doesn't sell chestnuts roasting on an open fire!
5. Bocadillo
This can also be known as bocata and is most commonly found in Spain and Latin-American countries, it's basically a sandwich so serves as a great street food. The bocadillo is Spanish bread, cut lengthways and filled with just about anything - from chicken to fish to beef and a whole world of condiments.
6. Pretzels
Super simple but a must-try. Fresh, soft pretzels from a New York food truck are world renowned for being absolutely delicious - and almost irresistible!
7. Poutine
Poutine is a classic Canadian dish that has only recently become super fashionable in many other parts of the world. It's certainly not the healthiest of street foods though, consisting of fries topped with gravy and cheese curds - extremely high in calories!
8. Jerk Chicken
Originating in Jamaica, jerk chicken is now a hugely widespread street food. Jerk seasoning is made using warm spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg and can also be used to marinade fish and pork. Jerk chicken is often served with rice and peas or beans.
9. Empanadas
Empanadas are really popular in Latin America and Latin Europe. They are little portions of fried bread or pastry stuffed with a variety of cheeses, meats, vegetables and even fruits.
10. Cheesesteaks
Originating from Philadelphia, the cheesesteak does exactly what it says on the tin. It's a long sandwich filled with really thinly sliced steak and melted cheese.
11. Fried Chicken and Waffles
An American treat - delicious fried chicken served on waffles - often topped with maple syrup!
12. Banh Mi
Banh mi is actually just a Vietnamese term for "all kinds of bread" but in the UK street food scene it means Vietnamese sandwich filled with ingredients like minced pork and fresh raw vegetables. It's a huge trend right now!