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Food Tradition

Street Food Culture

Social and Ceremonial Dining Customs

Street food culture is the practice of preparing and selling ready to eat food from carts, stalls and small storefronts in public spaces, historically the everyday eating pattern of urban populations who lacked kitchens of their own, and today a distinct culinary register alongside home and restaurant cooking. It is documented across the ancient Roman world, where popina and thermopolia sold hot food to city dwellers who often had no cooking facilities at home, and it runs through nearly every world cuisine since: fried snacks and noodle stalls across Southeast Asia, taco carts and elote vendors in Mexico, chaat and vada pav sellers across South Asia, and kebab and doner stands throughout the Middle East and Turkey. A single dish can travel between street stall and formal restaurant and back again over centuries, so street food culture is best understood as a mode of preparation and sale rather than a fixed menu.

Facts
Origin Period, To (Year)
to 1502 1
Sourced to the subject's own accountThe earliest specifically dated regulatory milestone the source gives for street food, not the practice's deeper, undated ancient origin in Greece, Rome and China; origin-start-year is left as an open gap rather than an invented year.
Origin Region
No single point of origin. Ready-to-eat food sold from stalls and shopfronts to city dwellers without home kitchens is documented in the ancient Roman world, popina and thermopolia serving hot food and drink in cities including Pompeii, and has since developed independently in virtually every urban culture. 2
Learn More
The Snack Bar Buried by Vesuvius

This article records tradition as it has been passed down and reported. Its sources are not yet part of the atlas's verified catalogue.

When Vesuvius buried Pompeii in 79 CE, it also sealed a counter that still held the last of a business day. In Regio V, archaeologists excavating in 2019 and 2020 found a thermopolium, a Roman hot-food and drink stand, frescoed with a Nereid riding a seahorse and, more tellingly, a still life of the animals plausibly on the menu that day: mallard ducks, a rooster, a dog curled in a corner where it likely did not choose to be. Bone fragments recovered from the deep terracotta jars set into the counter point to pork, fish, snails and sheep, sold hot to customers who ate standing in the street, exactly as street food is eaten today. About eighty such counters have been identified across Pompeii, which tells you something the frescoes alone would not: this was not a curiosity but ordinary infrastructure, the fast food of a Roman city where many apartments had no kitchen of their own to cook in. The instinct to sell a hot, quick meal to a person passing by is not a modern convenience layered onto old cities. It is one of the oldest patterns a city produces, wherever the population outgrows its home kitchens, and Pompeii preserved a single, unusually vivid frame of it.

How the Vietnamese Table Moved to the Sidewalk

This article records tradition as it has been passed down and reported. Its sources are not yet part of the atlas's verified catalogue.

Ask where to eat well in a Vietnamese city and the honest answer is often a plastic stool on the sidewalk, not a dining room. Pho, the beef or chicken noodle soup that Vietnam runs on, is a street and market food first, ladled from broth that has simmered for hours in a pot the vendor never lets go cold. The same is true of banh mi, a baguette, itself a legacy of French colonial rule, split and packed with pate, pickled vegetables and herbs, and of the sour broths and fragrantly spiced snacks that make up much of everyday Vietnamese eating. None of this is a recent tourist-driven invention. It reflects a working pattern much older than any guidebook: a vendor who specializes in exactly one dish, perfected over years and sold from one spot, at a price and a pace that a sit-down restaurant kitchen was never built for. What looks informal from outside is in fact a highly specific division of culinary labor, and it is a large part of why the cuisine reads internationally as vivid and precise rather than as one undifferentiated national menu. The sidewalk, not the restaurant, is where a great deal of Vietnamese cooking actually happens.

Street Food Culture
Filter Results162 entries

10 won bread

Street Food Culture

Acarajé

Street Food Culture

Akara

Street Food Culture

Anticuchos

Street Food Culture

Arepa

Street Food Culture

Baked Potato

Street Food Culture

Bakmi

Street Food Culture

Bakso

Street Food Culture

Bakwan

Street Food Culture

Banana cue

Street Food Culture

Bánh bao

Street Food Culture

Banh Mi

Street Food Culture

Banh Xeo

Street Food Culture

Battered sausage

Street Food Culture

Beondegi

Street Food Culture

Bhel Puri

Street Food Culture

Birria

Street Food Culture

Bombay Sandwich

Street Food Culture

Börek

Street Food Culture

Bratwurst

Street Food Culture

Bread Pakora

Street Food Culture

Breakfast Burrito

Street Food Culture

Bubur cha cha

Street Food Culture

Bubur kacang hijau

Street Food Culture

Bubur ketan hitam

Street Food Culture

Bunny Chow

Street Food Culture

Burrito

Street Food Culture

Cendol

Street Food Culture

Chapli Kebab

Street Food Culture

Chicken fillet roll

Street Food Culture

Chole Bhature

Street Food Culture

Chow Mein

Street Food Culture

Chwee kueh

Street Food Culture

Cilok

Street Food Culture

Corn dog

Street Food Culture

Cornish Pasty

Street Food Culture

Coxinha

Street Food Culture

Crêpe

Street Food Culture

Currywurst

Street Food Culture

Dal puri

Street Food Culture

Danbing

Street Food Culture

Dibi

Street Food Culture

Doubles

Street Food Culture

Drunken noodles

Street Food Culture

Enchilada

Street Food Culture

Ewa Aganyin

Street Food Culture

Fish and Chips

Street Food Culture

French tacos

Street Food Culture

Fried Chicken

Street Food Culture

Fried plantain

Street Food Culture

Fried Rice

Street Food Culture

Gado-Gado

Street Food Culture

Galette-saucisse

Street Food Culture

Gethuk

Street Food Culture

Gilgeori toast

Street Food Culture

Gizdodo

Street Food Culture

Guajolota

Street Food Culture

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Street Food Culture

Haleem

Street Food Culture

Hot Dog

Street Food Culture

Hotteok

Street Food Culture

Indonesian noodles

Street Food Culture

Jerusalem mixed grill

Street Food Culture

Jianbing guozi

Street Food Culture

Kai yang

Street Food Culture

Kapsalon

Street Food Culture

Karedok

Street Food Culture

Kaya Toast

Street Food Culture

Kebab

Street Food Culture

Kelewele

Street Food Culture

Kerak telor

Street Food Culture

Khao Kha Mu

Street Food Culture

Khao mu daeng

Street Food Culture

Kibbeh

Street Food Culture

Klepon

Street Food Culture

Knish

Street Food Culture

Koko

Street Food Culture

Koshari

Street Food Culture

Koshary

Street Food Culture

Kumpir

Street Food Culture

Laksa

Street Food Culture

Lampredotto

Street Food Culture

Lángos

Street Food Culture

Litti Chokha

Street Food Culture

Lumpia

Street Food Culture

Luzhu huoshao

Street Food Culture

Macun

Street Food Culture

Makkaraperunat

Street Food Culture

Manchow soup

Street Food Culture

Mango Sticky Rice

Street Food Culture

Mazamorra

Street Food Culture

Meat pie

Street Food Culture

Mie ayam

Street Food Culture

Mohinga

Street Food Culture

Nasi Bogana

Street Food Culture

Nasi Goreng

Street Food Culture

Nasi Lemak

Street Food Culture

Nasi uduk

Street Food Culture

Obwarzanek krakowski

Street Food Culture

Okonomiyaki

Street Food Culture

Pad Thai

Street Food Culture

Pakora

Street Food Culture

Panella

Street Food Culture

Pani câ meusa

Street Food Culture

Pani Puri

Street Food Culture

Panipuri

Street Food Culture

Panzerotti

Street Food Culture

Pav Bhaji

Street Food Culture

Pecel

Street Food Culture

Pempek

Street Food Culture

Pepián

Street Food Culture

Peremech

Street Food Culture

Pho

Street Food Culture

Pie Floater

Street Food Culture

Pilaf

Street Food Culture

Pljeskavica

Street Food Culture

Plov

Street Food Culture

Porchetta

Street Food Culture

Poutine

Street Food Culture

Qatayef

Street Food Culture

Qingtuan

Street Food Culture

Quesabirria

Street Food Culture

Quesadilla

Street Food Culture

Raclette

Street Food Culture

Rat-on-a-stick

Street Food Culture

Rojak

Street Food Culture

Sabich

Street Food Culture

Salt and pepper chips

Street Food Culture

Salteña

Street Food Culture

Şambali

Street Food Culture

Samosa

Street Food Culture

Sardenaira

Street Food Culture

Satay

Street Food Culture

Scaccia

Street Food Culture

Seblak

Street Food Culture

Sekba

Street Food Culture

Serabi

Street Food Culture

Sfenj

Street Food Culture

Shashlik

Street Food Culture

Shawarma

Street Food Culture

Siomay

Street Food Culture

Small sausage in large sausage

Street Food Culture

Sosis Bandari

Street Food Culture

Soto ayam

Street Food Culture

Souvlaki

Street Food Culture

Stigghiola

Street Food Culture

Stroopwafel

Street Food Culture

Suya

Street Food Culture

Sweet and sour pork

Street Food Culture

Tacos

Street Food Culture

Tacos al Pastor

Street Food Culture

Takoyaki

Street Food Culture

Tamale

Street Food Culture

Tapioca chips

Street Food Culture

Taquito

Street Food Culture

Tempura

Street Food Culture

Tteokbokki

Street Food Culture

Vada Pav

Street Food Culture

Vietnamese noodles

Street Food Culture

Waakye

Street Food Culture

Wonton

Street Food Culture

Yakitori

Street Food Culture
FAQs

Did street food begin in one place?

No single point of origin is documented. Ready-to-eat food sold from stalls and shopfronts is independently attested in the ancient Roman world and has developed separately in many other urban cultures since.

Street food culture, the practice of preparing and selling ready-to-eat food from carts, stalls and small storefronts in public spaces, has no single documented point of origin. It is independently attested in the ancient Roman world: excavation at Pompeii alone has uncovered a large number of popina and thermopolia food-and-drink counters, serving city dwellers whose own tenement housing lacked kitchens or hearths of their own. The same basic practice has since developed independently in virtually every urban culture, today forming a distinct culinary category of its own rather than a single exported tradition. Whether it arose once and spread outward, or arose separately in different ancient cities on convergent timelines, is not settled in the sources consulted and is recorded on this entity as an open question rather than assigned a single invented origin.
Connections

Associated With

Thai Cuisine, Cuisines
Vietnamese Cuisine, Cuisines

Vietnamese cuisine is documented as substantially defined by its street food register, from broths to spiced snacks sold at stalls.

Source A Taste of Vietnam, from Hearty Sour Broths to Fragrantly Spiced Street Food (National Geographic)Thuy Diem Pham

Expressed By

Suya, Dishes
Source Suya (Wikipedia)
Source Sweet and sour pork (Wikipedia)
Tacos, Dishes
Source Tacos (Wikipedia)
Takoyaki, Dishes
Source Takoyaki (Wikipedia)
Tamale, Dishes
Source Tamale (Wikipedia)
Tapioca chips, Dishes
Source Tapioca chips (Wikipedia)
Taquito, Dishes
Source Taquito (Wikipedia)
Tempura, Dishes
Source Tempura (Wikipedia)
Thai Cuisine, Cuisines
Tteokbokki, Dishes
Source Tteokbokki (Wikipedia)
Vada Pav, Dishes
Source Vada pav, Wikipedia
Source Vietnamese noodles (Wikipedia)
Waakye, Dishes
Source Waakye (Wikipedia)
Wonton, Dishes
Source Wonton, Wikipedia
Yakitori, Dishes
Source Yakitori (Wikipedia)

Showing 151 to 167 of 167 in Expressed By, page 4 of 4.

Long-Form Articles

Open Questions

Sources
1. Street food (Wikipedia)
WikipediaHistory section, Ottoman Turkey 1502 regulation sentence
Quote, History section, Ottoman Turkey 1502 regulation sentence
In 1502, Ottoman Turkey became the first country to legislate and standardize the sale of street food.
View the Source
2. A Taste of Vietnam, from Hearty Sour Broths to Fragrantly Spiced Street Food (National Geographic)
Thuy Diem Pham, National Geographic, 2023
  • Article body, street food passage
    Street food culture is an integral part of the culinary landscape, with roadside stalls and markets offering tantalising treats like bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli rice noodles).
  • Associated With: Vietnamese Cuisine
View the Source
Ancient Pompeiians Stopped at This Snack Bar to Feast on Snails, Fish and Wine (Smithsonian Magazine)
Smithsonian MagazineSmart News, para. 2-3
Quote, Smart News, para. 2-3
This site represents one of 80 thermopolia discovered at Pompeii, the Roman equivalent of snack bars, where customers could choose from a selection of ready-made dishes, kept warm in jars that were set into a counter.
View the Source
Langos (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Lángos, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Tacos (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Tacos, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Fried Chicken (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Fried Chicken, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Shawarma (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Shawarma, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Poutine (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Poutine, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Arepa (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Arepa, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Tamale (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Tamale, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Laksa (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Laksa, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Kibbeh (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Kibbeh, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Satay (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Satay, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Bunny chow (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Bunny Chow, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Plov (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Plov, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Anticuchos (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Anticuchos, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Akara (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Akara, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Shashlik (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Shashlik, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Doubles, Wikipedia
Expressed By: Doubles, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Haleem (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Haleem, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Souvlaki (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Souvlaki, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Sabich, Wikipedia
Expressed By: Sabich, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Cornish pasty, Wikipedia
Expressed By: Cornish Pasty, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Raclette (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Raclette, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Fried plantain (Wikipedia)
  • Expressed By: Kelewele, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food
  • Expressed By: Fried plantain, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food
View the Source
Pani puri, Wikipedia
Expressed By: Pani Puri, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Acaraje (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Acarajé, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Coxinha - Wikipedia
Expressed By: Coxinha, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Wikipedia: Salteña
Expressed By: Salteña, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Dibi (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Dibi, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Kebab - Wikipedia
Expressed By: Kebab, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Pilaf (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Pilaf, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Wikipedia, Pie floater
Expressed By: Pie Floater, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Wikipedia, Bubur cha cha
Expressed By: Bubur cha cha, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Vietnamese noodles (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Vietnamese noodles, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Pepián (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Pepián, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Panipuri (Wikipedia)
  • Expressed By: Panipuri, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food
  • Expressed By: Pani Puri, Lead
    Panipuri is primarily a street food and is part of the chaat category of light snacks.
  • Expressed By: Panipuri, Lead
    Panipuri is primarily a street food and is part of the chaat category of light snacks.
View the Source
Quesadilla (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Quesadilla, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Sfenj (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Sfenj, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Peremech (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Peremech, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Knish (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Knish, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Crêpe (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Crêpe, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Taquito (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Taquito, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Burrito (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Burrito, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Kapsalon (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Kapsalon, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Khao mu daeng (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Khao mu daeng, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Obwarzanek krakowski (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Obwarzanek krakowski, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Chicken fillet roll (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Chicken fillet roll, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
French tacos (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: French tacos, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Jerusalem mixed grill (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Jerusalem mixed grill, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Enchilada (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Enchilada, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Danbing (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Danbing, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Galette-saucisse (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Galette-saucisse, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Kai yang (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Kai yang, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Meat pie (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Meat pie, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Dal puri (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Dal puri, Wikipedia category: Category:Street foodView the Source
Pho (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Pho, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in VietnamView the Source
Fish and Chips (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Fish and Chips, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in the United KingdomView the Source
Nasi Goreng (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Nasi Goreng, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Tteokbokki (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Tteokbokki, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in South KoreaView the Source
Gado-Gado (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Gado-Gado, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Takoyaki (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Takoyaki, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in JapanView the Source
Rojak (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Rojak, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Yakitori (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Yakitori, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in JapanView the Source
Pav Bhaji (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Pav Bhaji, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndiaView the Source
Chole bhature, Wikipedia
Expressed By: Chole Bhature, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndiaView the Source
Bakso, Wikipedia
Expressed By: Bakso, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Bánh xèo (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Banh Xeo, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in VietnamView the Source
Lumpia (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Lumpia, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Chapli kebab, Wikipedia
Expressed By: Chapli Kebab, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in PakistanView the Source
Hot dog - Wikipedia
Expressed By: Hot Dog, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in the United StatesView the Source
Vada pav, Wikipedia
Expressed By: Vada Pav, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndiaView the Source
Bhel puri - Wikipedia
  • Expressed By: Bhel Puri, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in India
  • Expressed By: Bhel Puri, Lead
    a savoury snack and a type of chaat, commonly served as street food.
View the Source
Birria (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Birria, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in MexicoView the Source
Breakfast burrito, Wikipedia
Expressed By: Breakfast Burrito, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in the United StatesView the Source
Jianbing guozi (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Jianbing guozi, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in ChinaView the Source
Indonesian noodles (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Indonesian noodles, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Panella (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Panella, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in ItalyView the Source
Panzerotti (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Panzerotti, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in ItalyView the Source
Beondegi (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Beondegi, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in South KoreaView the Source
Pecel (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Pecel, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Cendol (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Cendol, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Baked potato (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Baked Potato, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in TurkeyView the Source
Scaccia (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Scaccia, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in ItalyView the Source
Soto ayam (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Soto ayam, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Kumpir (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Kumpir, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in TurkeyView the Source
Nasi uduk (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Nasi uduk, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Bakwan (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Bakwan, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Serabi (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Serabi, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
10 won bread (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: 10 won bread, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in South KoreaView the Source
Makkaraperunat (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Makkaraperunat, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in FinlandView the Source
Gethuk (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Gethuk, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Hotteok (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Hotteok, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in South KoreaView the Source
Klepon (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Klepon, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Seblak (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Seblak, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Banana cue (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Banana cue, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in the PhilippinesView the Source
Siomay (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Siomay, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Bubur ketan hitam (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Bubur ketan hitam, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Salt and pepper chips (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Salt and pepper chips, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in the United KingdomView the Source
Quesabirria (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Quesabirria, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in MexicoView the Source
Pempek (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Pempek, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Battered sausage (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Battered sausage, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in the United KingdomView the Source
Mie ayam (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Mie ayam, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Stigghiola (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Stigghiola, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in ItalyView the Source
Small sausage in large sausage (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Small sausage in large sausage, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in TaiwanView the Source
Pani ca meusa (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Pani câ meusa, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in ItalyView the Source
Kerak telor (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Kerak telor, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Bubur kacang hijau (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Bubur kacang hijau, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Gizdodo (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Gizdodo, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in NigeriaView the Source
Ewa aganyin (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Ewa Aganyin, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in NigeriaView the Source
Sardenaira (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Sardenaira, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in ItalyView the Source
Cilok (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Cilok, Wikipedia category: Category:Street food in IndonesiaView the Source
Mohinga (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Mohinga, Lead section
Quote, Expressed By: Mohinga, Lead section
Mohinga is readily available in most parts of the country, sold by street hawkers and roadside stalls in larger cities.
View the Source
Waakye (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Waakye, Lead section
Quote, Expressed By: Waakye, Lead section
Waakye is commonly sold by roadside vendors.
View the Source
Nasi Lemak (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Nasi Lemak, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Nasi Lemak, Article body
Nasi lemak is widely eaten in Malaysia and Singapore as breakfast and is sold in hawker centres and roadside stalls.
View the Source
Bratwurst (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Bratwurst, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Bratwurst, Article body
It is a very popular form of fast food in German-speaking countries, often cooked and sold by street vendors from small stands, and is also traditionally popular with fans at football games.
View the Source
Okonomiyaki (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Okonomiyaki, Lead section
Quote, Expressed By: Okonomiyaki, Lead section
Outside Japan, it can also be found served in Manila, Taipei, Bangkok, and Jakarta by street vendors.
View the Source
Samosa (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Samosa, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Samosa, Article body
It is served hot, often as a chaat street food, with fresh chutneys.
View the Source
Chow Mein (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Chow Mein, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Chow Mein, Article body
It is a very common street food and can be found in almost all restaurants on the island.
View the Source
Kaya toast, Wikipedia
Expressed By: Kaya Toast, Lead section
Quote, Expressed By: Kaya Toast, Lead section
It became integrated into coffeeshop culture, being widely available in eating establishments such as kopi tiams, hawker centres, food courts and Singaporean café chains such as Ya Kun Kaya Toast, Killiney Kopitiam and Breadtalk's Toast Box.
View the Source
Wonton, Wikipedia
Expressed By: Wonton, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Wonton, Article body
Wonton is commonly eaten in Singapore as part of the country's hawker culture.
View the Source
Hainanese chicken rice, Wikipedia
Expressed By: Hainanese Chicken Rice, Lead section
Quote, Expressed By: Hainanese Chicken Rice, Lead section
It is widely considered one of the national dishes of Singapore, and is commonly associated with Singaporean cuisine, being widely available in most food courts and hawker centres around the country.
View the Source
Burek (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Börek, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Börek, Article body
The final form can be small, individual triangles, especially from street vendors called "byrektore" which sell byrek and other traditional pastries and drinks.
View the Source
Stroopwafel (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Stroopwafel, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Stroopwafel, Article body
Today, stroopwafels are sold at markets, by street vendors, and in supermarkets worldwide.
View the Source
Mango Sticky Rice (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Mango Sticky Rice, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Mango Sticky Rice, Article body
Mango sticky rice is a common street food in Thailand and is popular among foreign tourists in Thailand.
View the Source
Mazamorra (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Mazamorra, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Mazamorra, Article body
It is usually sold as street food.
View the Source
Drunken noodles (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Drunken noodles, Lead section
Quote, Expressed By: Drunken noodles, Lead section
The dish is widely available in restaurants or at street vendors in Thailand but it is also popular in the United States, and has become ubiquitous on Thai restaurant menus there.
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Manchow soup (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Manchow soup, Lead section
Quote, Expressed By: Manchow soup, Lead section
It is available in many restaurants and street food carts.
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Corn dog (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Corn dog, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Corn dog, Article body
Corn dogs are often served as street food or fast food.
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Khao kha mu (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Khao Kha Mu, Lead section
Quote, Expressed By: Khao Kha Mu, Lead section
Khao kha mu is a food that can be found online from street stalls, food courts in department stores to luxury restaurants.
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Qatayef (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Qatayef, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Qatayef, Article body
Qatayef was traditionally prepared by street vendors as well as households in Egypt and the Levant.
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Chwee kueh (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Chwee kueh, Lead section
Quote, Expressed By: Chwee kueh, Lead section
In Singapore, chwee kueh became a widely available hawker-centre breakfast dish, and the local preparation is commonly associated with Singaporean cuisine.
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Karedok (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Karedok, Lead section
Quote, Expressed By: Karedok, Lead section
Nowadays karedok can be found in many variation from hawkers carts, stalls (warung) as well as in restaurants and hotels both in Indonesia and worldwide.
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Porchetta (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Porchetta, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Porchetta, Article body
It is a common street food in Rome and Lazio served as a filling for pizza bianca (lit. 'white pizza').
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Şambali (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Şambali, Lead section
Quote, Expressed By: Şambali, Lead section
Şambali is widely sold at street corners and street vendors in İzmir.
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Tempura (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Tempura, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Tempura, Article body
In the early 17th century, around the Tokyo Bay area, tempura ingredients and preparation changed as the yatai (food cart) culture gained popularity.
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Sweet and sour pork (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Sweet and sour pork, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Sweet and sour pork, Article body
In Singapore, sweet and sour pork is a common dish found in both hawker centres and Chinese restaurants.
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Rat-on-a-stick (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Rat-on-a-stick, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Rat-on-a-stick, Article body
They can be found grilled over an open flame, creating a portable street food snack, at almost any market in Southeast Asia.
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Tapioca chips (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Tapioca chips, Article body
Quote, Expressed By: Tapioca chips, Article body
The snack is sometimes purveyed and consumed as a street food.
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Bakmi - Wikipedia
Expressed By: Bakmi, Lead section
Quote, Expressed By: Bakmi, Lead section
In Indonesia, especially in large urban areas such as Jakarta, Medan, and Surabaya, there are many warung food stalls, restaurants, and eateries that serve this type of noodle dish, each specialising in different ingredients and toppings.
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Koshary (Wikipedia)
  • Expressed By: Koshari, lead paragraph
    Koshary, Kushari or Koshari (Egyptian Arabic: كشرى [ˈkoʃæɾi]) is Egypt's national dish and a widely popular street food.
  • Expressed By: Koshary, lead paragraph
    Koshary, Kushari or Koshari (Egyptian Arabic: كشرى [ˈkoʃæɾi]) is Egypt's national dish and a widely popular street food.
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Suya (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Suya, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Suya, lead paragraph
Suya is most popular as evening street food or snack, restaurant appetizer, and as accompaniment with drinks at bars and night spots.
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Litti (dish) (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Litti Chokha, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Litti Chokha, lead paragraph
It is also a popular street food in small towns and cities.
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Koko (millet porridge) (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Koko, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Koko, lead paragraph
It is a popular Nigerian Ghanaian Togolese street food and commonly consumed as a breakfast meal.
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Gilgeori toast (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Gilgeori toast, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Gilgeori toast, lead paragraph
Gilgeori toast (Korean: 길거리 토스트; lit. 'street toast') is a South Korean street food sandwich.
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Macun (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Macun, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Macun, lead paragraph
It is a street food that may be prepared with many herbs and spices.
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Sosis Bandari (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Sosis Bandari, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Sosis Bandari, lead paragraph
Port sausage) is an Iranian fast-food or street food, usually served in sandwich shops in Iran in the form of a sub or meal.
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Lampredotto (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Lampredotto, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Lampredotto, lead paragraph
A sandwich with lampredotto-panino co i' lampredotto-has been described as a "classic Florentine" sandwich and is a traditional regional street food in Florence.
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Bombay sandwich (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Bombay Sandwich, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Bombay Sandwich, lead paragraph
The sandwich is popular as street food across Mumbai, but it is not as popular elsewhere.
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Bread pakora (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Bread Pakora, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Bread Pakora, lead paragraph
A common street food, it is made from bread slices, gram flour, and spices among other ingredients.
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Luzhu huoshao (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Luzhu huoshao, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Luzhu huoshao, lead paragraph
Luzhu huoshao (Chinese: 卤煮火烧; pinyin: lúzhǔ huǒshāo; lit. 'pork stew with bread') is a popular traditional Beijing street food.
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Guajolota (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Guajolota, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Guajolota, lead paragraph
Guajolota (Spanish: [ɡwaxoˈlota]), also known as a torta de tamal, is a form of street food commonly found in Mexico City and within the State of Mexico.
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Nasi bogana (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Nasi Bogana, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Nasi Bogana, lead paragraph
Nasi bogana is a common street food in Indonesia and is sold in Jakarta for 12,000 to 20,000 rupiah each.
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Sekba (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Sekba, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Sekba, lead paragraph
It is a popular fare street food in Indonesian Chinatowns, such as Gloria alley, Glodok Chinatown in Jakarta, Indonesia.
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Bánh bao (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Bánh bao, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Bánh bao, lead paragraph
Banh bao is a popular street food and is typically eaten as breakfast or a snack.
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Qingtuan (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Qingtuan, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Qingtuan, lead paragraph
Much of the qingtuan consumed in China is prepared and consumed as street food from local vendors.
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Fried Rice (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Fried Rice, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Fried Rice, lead paragraph
Fried rice is a common street food in Asia and other parts of the world.
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Pljeskavica (Wikipedia)
WikipediaExpressed By: Pljeskavica, lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Pljeskavica, lead paragraph
Pljeskavica is also popular street food in countries of the Central and Eastern Europe, including Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Slovenia.
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Pakora, Wikipedia
Expressed By: Pakora, Lead
Quote, Expressed By: Pakora, Lead
They are sold by street vendors and served in restaurants across South Asia.
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Malagasy Cuisine (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Malagasy Cuisine, Lead paragraph
Quote, Expressed By: Malagasy Cuisine, Lead paragraph
A wide variety of sweet and savory fritters as well as other street foods are available across the island, as are diverse tropical and temperate-climate fruits.
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Australian Cuisine (Wikipedia)
Expressed By: Australian Cuisine, Article text
Quote, Expressed By: Australian Cuisine, Article text
Roof-top dining has become an iconic part of the culinary landscape, as well as a large street food scene with food trucks and pop-up bars common.
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Open Questions (1 open question)
In what century, region or single tradition did street food culture (selling ready-to-eat food from stalls and shopfronts to city dwellers) first arise, if it arose in one place at all?

Street food culture is independently attested in the ancient Roman world (popina and thermopolia, over 80 counters excavated at Pompeii) and has since developed independently in virtually every urban culture. No source consulted names a single point of origin, and the phenomenon is defined by a recurring urban condition (city dwellers without home kitchens) rather than a single invention or diffusion event, so an honest origin-start-year cannot be given without implying a single-origin claim the sources do not support.

What would resolve this A comparative food-history source establishing whether ready-to-eat food-for-sale independently arose in multiple ancient urban centers (Rome, and separately in ancient China, Mesoamerica, South and Southeast Asia) on convergent timelines, or whether the earliest attested instance anywhere (not just the Roman world) can be dated and cited.
Food HistoryAncient Pompeiians Stopped at This Snack Bar to Feast on Snails, Fish and Wine (Smithsonian Magazine)
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