Tag Archives: street food

Jun 10

Why These Are The 2016 Top Street Food of London

Image Source: gourmettraveller.wordpress.com

Street food has been around since the time of ancient Greece but did you know that the first time it came under legislation was in 1502 under the Ottoman in Turkey? During the Roman times, many homes in London did not have kitchens so street food was the primary source of food for lower income citizens. At that time, one of the most common street food were oysters which was easy to catch in British waters, pies, and baked apples.

It was in the early 1800s when street food grew in demand because of a spike in population. There were around 6,000 street food vendors in London alone selling different varieties of fish alongside pies and soup.

Today, London street food has become a food art in itself with its own award, The Street Food Awards held annually. The carts have turned into food trucks and the most popular ones are raking in as much as 1,000 pounds a day.

Some of the top food trucks today in London are:

Bao is the most-queued food stall in Soho selling Taiwanese cuisine and they have a stall in Netil Market every Saturday. It is operated by brother-sister-girlfriend team selling handmade steamed milk buns and soya milk fried chicken which are their bestsellers.

The Cheese Truck has created melted sandwiches packed with so much that it takes grilled toasties to a new level of satisfaction. Their sandwiches offer unusual ingredients like pear chutney, chorizods, goat cheese, walnuts, and a variety of cheeses.

Bleecker St is operated by a lawyer, Zan Kaufman who wanted to serve the best burgers in London. Her inspiration is a burger she had while in New York’s East Village. She uses rare-breed, dry-aged beef from pasture-fed cows and the burgers ooze with natural juices and cooked to perfection.

Nazari is Andalucian cuisine which is a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food packed with flavors from unusual spices. Their bestseller is their chicken wrap that uses slow-cooked chicken mixed with parsley and garlic and a ton of hard-pronounce spices from that side of the world.

The Rib Man is one of the best ribs in London streets. It has been around since 2007 and was started by Mark Gevaux, a former butcher, with a fantastic spicy smoky barbecue ribs recipe that is indescribably yummy.

Finally, Mother Clucker offers the best tasting Southern fried chicken with spicy coating and sweet, juicy chicken inside.

Feb 18

Street Food in Mongolia

Known as an adventure destination, Mongolia has become one of the fastest growing economies in the world because of the influx of foreign investments. Mongolia is known for its untapped minerals, extreme climate, and Genghis Khan. Mongolian food is mostly animal fat, meat, and dairy products. It is not known for its use of spices and vegetables. Yet the street food in Mongolia is a flourishing business but mostly during holidays and special events because in Mongolia, eating in public can be seen as a form of disrespect. This is why in many places in Mongolia, street food only comes out on special days. The exception to this is the capital city of Ulan Bator or Ulaanbaatar and in Naadam. In addition, many of the streets in other places are not paved which makes for unfavorable eating and cooking conditions. However, when the street food comes out, some of the food you can expect to find and should taste are:

Image Source: wikipedia.com

Khuushuur – This is a fried pastry filled with meat that is very common as street fare. It is the local version of Russia’s chiburekki or the Asian dumpling. However, it looks a lot like the Spanish empanada as well. The meat used is either beef or mutton and the steamed version is known as buuz.

Airag – This is a Mongolian drink made from fermented horse milk and has mild alcoholic content.  The traditional way of making this drink is by putting the milk in horse hide containers to allow it to ferment. The container is turned over several times during the day to agitate and prevent the milk from coagulating.

Khailmag – This is a tasty butter pastry made with filling. It has been described as the local version of crème brulee. It is caramelized pastry made from urum or clotted cream. When it is being cooked, the fat separates and is used to make candles or for frying.

The food most popular to the world is Mongolian barbeque which is a stir fry dish originally from Taiwan.  The Chinese created this dish as their take on what they thought was the traditional way of cooking Mongolian meat – in large chunks all together. Today’s modern version of Mongolian barbeque is a mish-mash or meats, seafood, and vegetables and is nothing like any traditional Mongolian dish.

 

Jul 9

Loving’ Portland Street Food

Portland in Oregon has an incredible street food scene that attracts hundreds of tourists every year. Its climate is perfect for outdoor activities and this ultimately includes eating al fresco and choosing from the many delectable food trucks and kiosks around this 29th most populous city in the United States.

Even before arriving at Portland, you might be referred a name as the city’s top street food expert. This is none other than Brett Burmeister. According to Brett, 2013 could have been the year for Italian food as far as street food in Portland is concerned. He also talks about the growing number of food trucks and carts in the city which is now estimated to be 550. The city also has what is called as “food pods” which is an area where several food carts operate and there are around 38 in Portland.

Some of the best street foods to try when in Portland are:

Image Source: foodcartsportland.com

Dump Truck – This is food truck sells the best dumplings in town and run by a non-Chinese couple who met in Beijing where they were working. They trained under a dumpling expert and started the food truck in 2010. They have wonderful variants like their bestseller bacon cheeseburger dumpling.

Nong’s Khao Man Gai – Nong is a Thai who migrated to the U.S. His specialty is Khao Man Gai which is more popularly known as Hainanese Chicken. This is poached chicken served with herb sauce and cup of rice with vegetables on the side. Interestingly, this is the only item in the food cart which is doing exceptionally well.

Duende – A highly rated street food business that serves authentic food from Spain. It is a food cart that just opened in mid 2013. Duende, in case you didn’t know means “dwarf” and it could very well be magical because it is food that will make you want to keep coming back to Portland.

The Frying Scotsman – The only item on this street food business is its fish and chips. It is cooked to a delicious crisp and while it is a little oily, the dipping sauce is an excellent complement to the somewhat oily crunch.

Other great street food offers around Portland are El Taco Yucateo, a variety of food stalls in the Portland State University farmer’s market, Tiffin Asha, and Ole Latte coffee on SW Alder.

Jun 18

Street Cooking With The Wok

Image Source: raboff.com

In the streets of Asia, if the food isn’t served grilled or raw, it’s cooked with a wok. The wok is a rounded cooking vessel that originally came from Guangdong Province in China. It can be used almost all kinds of cooking from pan fried to smoking and from steaming to stewing. The main benefit in using the wok for street food is that it consumes less fuel and chances are very low that you get to burn the food because the hottest area is tiny and found at the bottom of the wok. Also, the wok minimizes spills and one can cook 2 things at the same time: stir fry and steam. Finally, with the rounded bottom, you use less oil and therefore can preserve the flavors of the food better.

The Best Street Food Cooked In a Wok

In Bangkok, the best street foods cooked in a wok is debatable depending on your personal taste but a few of the top favorites are:

  • Sukhothai noodles with roasted peanuts – Thin rice noodles with pork, sugar, green beans, and tamarind.
  • Pad Thai – Favorite noodle dish with garlic, bean curd, chives, sugar, fish sauce, and tamarind. It can be served spicy.
  • Phad kee mao – Also known as drunken noodles and served with prawns and smoky gravy

In Vietnam, the amazing street foods cooked using the wok:

  • Pho – This is a traditional Vietnam noodle dish
  • Banh xeo – small crispy pancakes with onions, pork, and shrimp cooked with turmeric and wrapped in lettuce or rice paper
  • Lemongrass beef stir fry

For a safe street food experience in Asia, here are some tips you should be aware of and follow:

  1. In Thailand, there is a 10 point standard all street food vendors must follow. Make sure you eat from these vendors by asking them about it.
  2. Some cooks partially cook the food and then toss it back into the wok for the finishing touches. This is normal in Asia because meat is not as tender.
  3. Observe the cooking style and habits of the vendor before you buy. Look at the surroundings, plates, bowls and utensils if they are clean with sufficient clean water supply.
  4. Follow the crowd.
  5. Check the oil if it is light-colored or dark-colored.
  6. Look for city permits and sanitation licenses.
  7. Pork and chicken have to be fully cooked or you could get sick. Any fresh salads should be thoroughly washed. If possible, avoid eating fresh vegetables. Instead, settle for vegetables cooked in a wok.

Finally, eat with gusto but try not to overdo it. You may not be accustomed to certain flavors and styles in cooking so it is best to stay on the conservative side first until you get used to the cuisine.

Jun 11

Dubai Street Food

Image Source: timeoutdubai.com

Dubai has gourmet street food! Of course every country has street food and many have gourmet street food but it just seems right that Dubai would have 5 star dining experiences available on major streets and intersections.

Two of the more popular 5 star gourmet street food brands are Ghaf Kitchen and Moti Roti.

Ghaf Kitchen

Known as a 5 star restaurant on wheels, Ghaf Kitchen is unbelievable. Instead of your usual food truck, the brand uses a restored vintage Citroen H van. It has an unusual menu (for street food, that is) because it serves scallops, truffle salad, spinach cakes, and fish finger sandwiches, among others. The brand assures all its customers that their ingredients are from sustainable sources and everything is cooked fresh. If you are expecting street food prices, you might be a little disappointed though. You will have to shell out a little more for Ghaf Kitchen food but everything tastes incredible and worth the price.

Moti Roti

Moti Roti is Pakistani food that uses a lot of curry, chutney, and spices. However, it is not authentic Pakistani food rather a western version which makes it more palatable for tourists and those not used to strong eastern flavors. The food is served in wraps which is the Roti and you get a choice of different fillings. The filling choices are changed daily so you’ll never know what will be on the menu for the day. On some days, fillings may be made with okra or zucchini and on other days, you will be pleasantly surprised with eggplant and Kofta. Chicken is a regular filling. Every Roti is served with fresh salad and chutney on the side. Currently, there are 3 Moti Roti food stations around Dubai so they’re relatively easy to find.

If you happen to find yourself near Kite Beach, look for Beach Canteen which was a participant in the recent Dubai Food Festival. It was held last March 2014 at the Media City Amphitheater where almost types of food from around the world were available. It was a huge success that showcased the best of Dubai food, seasonings, and spices.

Jun 4

Reno Street Food: Glory, Glory Food!

Image Source: visitrenotahoe.com

Reno Street Food is a food company that holds regular food markets in Idlewild Park in Reno, Navada since 2012. They hold their street food market every Fridays from May 23 to October 3 of this year from 5 in the afternoon to 9 at night.

The Reno Street Food event has been called a foodie’s dream because of the variety of food choices available. They also have live entertainment and open spaces for families to sit down and enjoy the day.

The idea of a weekday food market for the spring and summer months are great because you get to experience different cuisines every time you drop by. The number of food trucks and kiosks are varied enough to keep people from getting bored with the choices. There are Asian, Western, European, and unique food items and almost everything is cooked on the spot. According to current and past vendors, it’s a great way to expand your food business although it can get very tiring because of the large crowds.

Some of the top food vendors are Bangkok Cuisine, Italian Ices, Local Taste of Paradise, the Ceol Irish Pub, and Carolina Kitchen and Barbeque, among many others.

The Food Business in Nevada

Food trucks in Nevada are sprouting up like crazy. One of the reasons for the spike is the low tax rate of the state that makes it appealing to invest in a business. Even with multiple business fees, there are benefits available that can cut the cost of running a business in Nevada.

The people of Nevada have begun to embrace the food truck culture because it offers freshly-cooked meals or specialty dishes at reasonable prices.

The street food business though in Nevada has had to go through some tough times before it became mainstream and popular. For instance, in 2012, many food trucks were being complained about by brick and mortar restaurants and these food trucks would have to move every 30 minutes to avoid getting a ticket or citation. Since then, many restaurants in Nevada and around the country have begun to launch their own version of the food truck probably because it is a better idea to “join the gang rather than fight the trend.”

May 28

Street Food Thursday in Berlin

Image Source: zimbio.com

Berlin food is simple, down-to-earth, and almost always has meat. Without even leaving the U.S. you can sample Berlin cuisine through street food offers and food trucks. In fact, Berlin street food is fast becoming a popular choice in food festivals and fairs.

A few treats you can enjoy without traveling to Berlin are the Knodel which are potato or bread dumplings, cheeses, and pork knuckles. Of course, nothing beats a trip to Berlin to enjoy authentic food right from Berlin’s top food trucks.

The House of the Flying Dumplings

This food truck offers fusion dumplings which is a blend of Chinese cooking and local style. It uses pork, tofu, Shitake mushrooms, and chives as its main ingredients and has been taking Berlin by storm.

Kjosk

Even if only to enjoy eating street food in an old fashioned 1970s double-decker bus, Kjosk is a must-try. Once you sample their food, you will want a repeat. They serve delicious cakes and sausages and offer a convenience unlike any other food truck business – a mini convenient store that sells magazines, cigarettes, and a lot of other interesting items to keep you from leaving with a bag in hand.

Hotzenplotz Berlin

Relatively new to the street food/food truck scene, this business serves lamb and beef burgers from spring to autumn. During winter, they take a break. Their burgers are loaded with fresh vegetables and 100% lamb or beef patties.

Die Dollen Knollen-Puffermanufaktur

Although the name can be difficult (is difficult!) to pronounce this food truck business serves some of the most amazing potato pancakes in Berlin. Their variants and toppings are interesting and flavorful from cheese to smoked fish. All pancakes are served with extra crispy fries. Yum!

Bebe Rebozo Steaks and Austern

A unique food idea is obvious once you set your sights on this tall cylindrical hot pink kiosk that sells steaks on wheels. They also serve Peruvian food – one of their specialties. Try their Lomo Saltado which is spicy beef served with rice. They also have special deals like 4 course meals with wine for special events like food fairs.

Other interesting food trucks in Berlin are Mr. Whippy, Burger de Ville, Vatos Tacos, Bunsmobile, and Heisser Hobel.

May 7

Malaysian Street Food: What an Experience!

Malaysia has been in the world news for over a month because of the missing airline jet that has caused so much grief among the families of the passengers and crew. It is sad because the effect trickled down to Malaysian shows or shows that feature Malaysia having to be stopped temporarily out of respect for the affected people. It also has had a tremendous negative impact on Malaysian tourism of which street food plays a huge role.

Image Source: watsontravels.blogspot.com

Malaysian street food is tempting, flavorful, quick, and simply amazing in its simplicity, texture, and use of spices. There are many street vendors in almost every corner or jalan of Malaysia. Jalan is a Malaysian word for “street” or “road.”  Here are the street foods that have to be tried if you ever get a chance to bump into a Malaysian chef or street food vendor. However, before that be ready to accept food packed in plastic bags including drinks if you ask for the food ‘to go.” If you plan on eating the food on the spot, it will be given to you in plastic melamine plates or bowls with a pair of chopsticks. It would be a good idea to wipe the chopsticks or bring your own pair with you. Some vendors are not very particular about where they get their water to wash their plates, bowls, and chopsticks, so be forewarned.

Assam Laksa – This is rice noodles served in sour fish soup. The soup is flavored with tamarind which would account for the sourness. You will also see ginger, cucumber, and chilies.

Rojak – Rojak is a vegetable and fruit fresh salad that may even come with a bit of fried squid and a sweet sauce. It is served with shrimp paste which may seem odd but the end result is incredibly flavorful and delicious.

Roti Canai – Roti canai is the Malaysian version of flatbread. It is flaky and dipped in a curry sauce. It is very common breakfast fare and goes well with coffee or hot milk.

Apom Balik – This is rice flour pancakes with creamed corn filling.  It is cooked right in front of you and eaten right away. It has a crispy texture with a sticky filling.

Other Malaysian street food are the chendul which is a cold dessert, satay which is a grilled chicken, shrimp, beef, or fruit on skewers, duck soap or koay chiap.

Mar 12

Street Food Dojo

Dojo is a Japanese word that can refer to a martial arts studio or a “place of the way.” As far as street food is concerned, dojo is defined as a place to practice towards enlightenment. Dojo can be found anywhere as long as there is discipline in the pursuit of a specific goal. There are hundreds of restaurants around the world, mostly in Asia, that try to perpetuate their concept of dojo. Dojo in food or in the food business would mean appreciation and respect for the pursuit of excellence in the selected cuisine.

Image Source: focussnapeat.com

There is one food business in San Francisco, Street Food Dojo, which has intrigued a lot of people because they are engaged in Asian fusion food. Those who are familiar with dojo have high expectations for the street food offer although since it is a work in progress, the feedback has been extreme and slightly confusing. In short, you either love it or you hate it.

Street Food Dojo is found in the financial district in downtown San Francisco. It opened late 2013 where a hot dog stand once stood. It is only open on weekdays from 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening. As a specialty food kiosk, you have to expect the strange and unusual. For example, they have Kung Fu Fries with melted cheese, pulled pork, and gravy, Spam Musubi, and Curry Bento. These are not your typical Asian food and take some getting used to.

The main attraction of Street Food Dojo kiosk is it novelty so it still remains a question mark whether customers will want to come back for seconds. Some of comments about the street food from Dojo are that the food is freshly prepared, the area is clean, and the staff of two is friendly most of the time.  The problem is that many of the customers of the old hot dog stand want the hotdog and Street Food Dojo does not have the typical hot dog. Theirs is either a Sumo Hot Dog or a Dojo Hot Dog. The hotdogs are served with Asian flavors like sesame seeds, shredded seaweed and gravy.

Other food items are the ribs with kimchi rice, spicy chicken wings, pork cutlets, and the popular Takoyaki balls which are octopus balls, and fried rice, among others. The portions tend to be small and the waiting time is long.

Does the Street Food Dojo come highly recommended? It’s definitely something worth trying.