There are delicious vegetarian and vegan options available in many cultures around the world, so street food isn’t exclusively for meat eaters. These plant-based street foods, which range from spicy snacks to sweet delights, are ideal for tourists who want to sample local cuisines while following a plant-based diet. Here are a few international vegetarian and vegan street food options that you simply must try.
1. Falafel (Middle East)
Ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices are combined to make falafel, a mainstay of Middle Eastern street cuisine, which is then formed into balls and deep-fried till golden. This dish, which is vegan and high in protein, is served in pita bread with fresh vegetables, hummus, and tahini sauce. Falafel stands can be found in Tel Aviv, Beirut, Cairo, and other cities.
2. Aloo Tikki (India)
One of the most popular vegetarian options in India’s street cuisine is aloo tikki. Spiced and shallow-fried, these crispy potato patties are eaten with cold yogurt or tart tamarind chutney. In the busy markets of Delhi or Mumbai, aloo tikki is frequently served as a snack.
3. Gado-Gado (Indonesia)
This colorful Indonesian salad, called gado-gado, is a visual and gastronomic delight. It is made up of a variety of cooked vegetables, including spinach, potatoes, and bean sprouts, and is dressed with a thick, peanut-based sauce. This vegan-friendly dish, which is frequently served at food carts across Jakarta and Bali, is a filling and refreshing dinner.
4. Grilled Corn (Mexico)
Grilled corn on the cob, or elote, is a popular street snack in Mexico that is readily veganized. To create a smoky, spicy snack, vendors smear the corn with a mixture of chili powder, lime juice, and salt. Some vendors serve it with vegan mayo for a unique twist, which adds a creamy touch without using any dairy.
5. Vegan Bao Buns (China)
In China, bao buns—soft, steamed buns with a variety of fillings—are a common street snack. Many sellers provide vegan options, such as marinated tofu, pickled vegetables, or mushrooms, even though many versions include meat. These mouthwatering morsels are frequently found in night markets in places like Shanghai and Beijing.
6. Takoyaki-Style Tofu (Japan)
Although Osaka’s most well-known meal is takoyaki, or octopus balls, many sellers serve a vegetarian variation that uses tofu in place of shellfish. A delightful plant-based substitute for the classic meal, these crispy, salty balls are topped with bonito flakes and drenched in soy-based sauce.
7. Empanadas (Argentina)
Empanadas are a common street food snack in Argentina, and many sellers sell vegetarian varieties that are loaded with lentils, spinach, or cheese. When strolling through the streets of Mendoza or Buenos Aires, these golden, flaky pockets of bliss make the ideal light lunch or snack.
8. Vegan Samosas (India and Beyond)
In India and throughout South Asia, vegan samosas are a popular street dish. Spiced potatoes, peas, and onions fill these crispy pastries, giving them a hearty and tasty bite. They go well with a larger dinner or as a quick snack.
9. Roasted Plantains (West Africa and the Caribbean)
Roasted plantains are a common street snack in regions of the Caribbean and West Africa. The sweet, caramelized fruit is frequently served as an accompaniment to other foods or with hot sauces. This easy yet filling snack is popular among both natives and visitors in places like Ghana and Jamaica.
There is something for everyone in the realm of vegan and vegetarian street cuisine, regardless of your preference for anything savory, creamy, or crispy. In addition to being tasty, these plant-based meals offer you a genuine taste of the native way of life. You won’t regret trying these delectable plant-based street food options the next time you’re on the road!