Tired of chasing down food trucks for that global gourmet fix? Get ready to bring the world to your kitchen with 33 iconic street eats you can craft at home. From the crispy allure of Chicken Pakora to the vibrant flavors of Mexican Street Tacos, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Samosas
This Indian snack is a street food staple, featuring a flaky crust filled with spiced potatoes and peas. Making it at home allows you to control the spice levels and fillings. A homemade version elevates the flavors while keeping the essence of the original.
Get the Recipe: Samosas
Chicken Pakora
A deep-fried delight, Chicken Pakora is a common sight at Indian street food stalls. The recipe uses a spiced chickpea flour batter to give the chicken a crispy exterior. Replicating this at home offers a fresher alternative to the often-oily street food version.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora
Onion Samosas
A variation of traditional samosas, Onion Samosas offer a quicker preparation with simpler ingredients. This recipe focuses on spiced onions and smaller, triangular pastry pockets. They’re perfect for those who want a less filling but equally satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: Onion Samosas
Quesabirria Tacos
This Mexican fusion dish combines the rich flavors of birria stew with the comfort of a taco. At home, you can adapt the spice levels and choose your preferred cuts of meat. These tacos bring the complexity of street food into your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos
Beef Birria
Beef Birria is a traditional Mexican stew that’s gained street food fame. Preparing it at home allows you to enjoy its intricate flavors without the long lines at the food truck. Serve it with tortillas, or as a stand-alone dish.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria
Char Siu Bao
This Cantonese specialty features fluffy buns filled with sweet and savory BBQ pork. Making Char Siu Bao at home lets you modify the filling to your liking while enjoying the traditional flavors. It’s a project, but one that’s worth the effort.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu Bao
Chicken Potstickers
These Chinese dumplings are a popular street food item and are surprisingly easy to make at home. Fill them with a mixture of chicken, vegetables, and spices. Pan-frying provides that characteristic crispy bottom.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers
Korean Hot Dogs
A twist on the classic American hot dog, Korean Hot Dogs are often coated in batter and deep-fried. The homemade version provides an opportunity to experiment with fillings and sauces. You can even opt for a healthier cooking method like baking.
Get the Recipe: Korean Hot Dogs
Elote
This Mexican grilled corn dish is a street food classic. At home, you can grill or broil the corn and customize your mayonnaise and cheese topping. It offers the vibrant flavors of the street food version without any of the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Elote
Vietnamese Summer Rolls
Made with rice paper and often filled with shrimp, herbs, and vegetables, these rolls are a lighter street food option. Preparing them at home allows for endless customization. They’re an easy and refreshing dish ideal for warm weather.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Summer Rolls
Pad Kee Mao with Chicken
Also known as ‘Drunken Noodles,’ this Thai dish is a street food favorite. Make it at home to enjoy a plate of wide rice noodles stir-fried with chicken and vegetables. The recipe can be adjusted for preferred spice levels.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with Chicken
Paneer Pakora
Cubes of paneer are dipped in a gram flour batter and deep-fried to make this Indian treat. Making them at home gives you the flexibility to play with spices and serving sauces. They’re a vegetarian alternative that packs a punch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Pakora
Arepas con Queso
These Venezuelan corn cakes filled with cheese are simple yet satisfying. When made at home, you can stuff them with your choice of fillings beyond just cheese. They offer a gluten-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Arepas con Queso
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Traditional Chicken Shawarma involves a rotisserie, but this air fryer recipe simplifies the process. Use a blend of spices to marinate the chicken before air frying. The wraps capture the essence of the street food experience without the need for special equipment.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles
This noodle dish offers the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and spicy, often found at Thai street food stalls. You can make it at home using readily available ingredients. The recipe is versatile, allowing for protein substitutions.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles
Pancit Bihon
A Filipino noodle stir-fry, Pancit Bihon is often enjoyed during festivals and family gatherings. Replicate the street food vibe by using simple ingredients like rice noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein. This dish offers a comforting bowl of diverse textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon
Har Gow
These Chinese shrimp dumplings are a dim sum classic. At home, the recipe lets you focus on getting that translucent wrapper just right. The process can be labor-intensive but the end result mirrors the street food original.
Get the Recipe: Har Gow
Tanghulu
This Chinese candied fruit on a stick is both visually striking and delicious. Making it at home requires only a few ingredients, and you can choose the fruit that goes into it. It’s a sweet alternative that replicates the street food experience.
Get the Recipe: Tanghulu
Samosa Chaat
This dish elevates the traditional samosa by topping it with various chutneys and spices. Making it at home allows you to balance the flavors to your preference. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a fusion of textures and tastes.
Get the Recipe: Samosa Chaat
Thai Chicken Satay
These skewers of marinated chicken are a Thai street food staple. Making them at home means you can perfect the peanut sauce and ensure the chicken is cooked to your liking. Grilling or broiling both offer excellent results.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay
Mochiko Chicken
This Hawaiian fried chicken dish features a unique rice flour batter. Prepare it at home to enjoy the chewy, crispy texture without the excess oil often found in street food versions. A homemade marinade enhances the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken
Veggie Pad Thai
This Thai classic is a balanced mix of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. Making it at home allows you to pack in more vegetables for a healthier twist. It’s a flexible recipe that can be adjusted to suit various dietary needs.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pad Thai
Thai Curry Puffs
These deep-fried pastries filled with curry-spiced meat are a street food favorite in Thailand. Making them at home lets you experiment with fillings and spice levels. The pastry recipe is straightforward, yielding a crisp and flaky crust.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curry Puffs
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Taquitos are often deep-fried, but this air fryer version offers a healthier alternative. Fill them with spiced chicken and cheese before cooking. They capture the essence of the street food experience in a more waist-friendly way.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons
These deep-fried parcels are a staple in Chinese street food culture. Making them at home allows you to perfect the pork and shrimp filling. They’re an indulgent treat that’s worth the effort.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons
Air Fryer Spring Rolls
A lighter take on the deep-fried classic, these spring rolls use an air fryer for a crisp finish. Filling options range from shrimp to vegetables, letting you personalize this popular street food. It’s a healthier way to enjoy a well-loved dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Vegan Shawarma Pita with Tahini Sauce
This recipe offers a plant-based alternative to traditional shawarma. Spiced tofu replaces the meat, and a tahini sauce adds creaminess. It’s a flavorful yet lighter take on a street food classic.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Shawarma Pita with Tahini Sauce
Quick Skillet Shrimp Fajitas
This Mexican dish brings the sizzle of street food fajitas right to your kitchen. Sauté shrimp with bell peppers and onions for a quick but flavorful meal. It’s a simple way to replicate the authentic taste without the food stall.
Get the Recipe: Quick Skillet Shrimp Fajitas
Shawarma Kebabs
These skewered meats draw inspiration from Middle Eastern shawarma stalls. The recipe allows you to marinate the meat in a blend of spices before grilling. It’s an approachable way to enjoy this street food classic at home.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs
Beef Kafta
These Lebanese meat skewers are a street food staple in the Middle East. Preparing them at home allows you to adjust the spice blend to your liking. They can be grilled or cooked on the stovetop for convenience.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta
Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
This is a leaner take on the traditional kofta, using ground turkey instead of lamb or beef. The baking method keeps the meat juicy while cutting down on grease. It’s a lighter way to enjoy a Middle Eastern classic.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
Mexican Street Tacos
These tacos replicate the simplicity and flavor of Mexican street food. Using small corn tortillas and straightforward toppings lets the meat shine. You can mix and match proteins to suit your preference.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Tacos
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
This dish offers spiced, minced chicken shaped onto skewers and grilled. Making it at home allows you to control the seasoning and ensure the meat is cooked to your satisfaction. It’s a lighter alternative to traditional beef or lamb kofta.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab