Did you know that street food is eaten by 2.5 billion people every day across the world? It’s extremely popular, with street food menus catching the attention of tourists, locals, busy commuters and wanderers with rumbling tummies. But what makes something a street food and how does street food differ from a traditional restaurant menu?
Location
Street food is not served in a restaurant or café. It’s available from food carts, market stalls, converted horse boxes, trucks and more, and is sold in public spaces such as streets, markets, fairs and festivals. In fact, street stall sellers often make their living by going from one big event to the next, paying for their pitch and attracting people with delicious aromas and food options.
Street food is available across the globe, with many travellers preferring this option to more costly alternatives. Street food vendors are often available late into the night too, meaning there’s no set time when you have to eat – just when you feel hungry.
Affordability
Street food is typically not as expensive as sit down lunch places or fancy eateries. It’s designed to be both affordable and accessible to the masses, even those with not much cash in their pockets. Food is usually made in bulk, served quickly and is best when consumed immediately.
Prices are usually set in advance and advertised on posters or big black boards. This is because vendors know what they need to make in order to break even. Prices might drop as the food runs out or an event comes to an end. Portion sizes are usually pretty impressive considering the low price tags.
Portability
Street food is made to eat on the go. You’ll often see people munching on tacos, hot dogs, samosas, paella or crepes as they walk down the street or sit in the park. Many vendors now supply recyclable food carriers and cutlery for environmental reasons too, as well as napkins to mop up any mess.
Simplicity
Street food sellers do not offer a long and detailed menu with fancy descriptions and upmarket fonts. Instead, they offer limited options that can be prepared simply without losing flavour, although a surprising amount of variety is still available.
Popular street food options include meat skewers, curry wraps, burritos and jacket potatoes as well as caramelised nuts and cold fruit sellers. You’ll even find an array of drinks including smoothies, slushies, fresh juices, milkshakes – and of course, Bubble Tea.
Cultural Significance
Street food has become more multicultural of late due to travel and tourism, but it’ll often reflect the culture and heritage of a particular area. Eating street food in different countries is a real delight and the chance to try something you might not have had before. If you head to Marrakech, for example, don’t hesitate to try the shawarmas on sale. These are served with chips and salad and are utterly delicious. Or head to Cyprus for their warm corn on the cob covered in butter and oregano.
Local Ingredients
Street food sales are good for local economies. They’re often supplied by local vendors and are made using fresh, local ingredients. Product limitations and seasonal ingredients often lead to new and exciting innovations.
Eating from a street food vendor is a great way to spend the afternoon, but if you’re heading to Wembley and fancy a sit-down meal in a contemporary environment, book a table at Studio Five.
