The Top Street Food Markets You Must Visit Around the World

Half of the reason to travel is to try the local cuisine, right? Of course, there are restaurants aplenty across the world. Yet, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture – and more importantly, the cuisine – is to eat at a local street food market!

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If you’re a foodie, travel enthusiast, or adventure seeker, exploring street food markets should be high on your travel bucket list. These markets offer not just food, but a sensory experience that immerses you in the area. 

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As you build your itinerary, ensure to include “buy eSIM” on your To-Do List. Finding some of the top vendors in these food markets will require navigation tools, or looking for photos of the façade online. 

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From the bustling squares of Marrakech to the vibrant streets of Taipei, here are the top street food markets you should visit during your next trip. 

Jemaa el-Fnaa (Marrakech, Morocco)

City/Country:

Marrakech, Morocco

Hours:

Open daily from 6:00 PM – late night (though the square is active all day)

Must-Try Foods:

• Grilled meats (kebabs)
• Snails in spicy broth
• Harira (Moroccan soup)
• Freshly squeezed orange juice
• Msemen (Moroccan flatbread)

Jemaa el-Fnaa is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. By evening, the square transforms into a massive open-air food court. Don't miss the chance to savor freshly grilled kebabs, or for the more adventurous, snails simmered in a spicy broth.

La Boqueria (Barcelona, Spain)

City/Country:

Barcelona, Spain

Hours:

Monday to Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Must-Try Foods:

• Jamón ibérico (cured ham)
• Croquetas (fried béchamel bites)
• Fresh seafood like squid and prawns
• Gazpacho
• Crema catalana (Spanish custard)

La Boqueria is one of Europe’s most famous food markets. Wander through the colorful stalls and sample Spanish delights like jamón ibérico and crema catalana. Stop by for a quick snack, or wander through for hours, munching away every time you find something that whets your appetite. Before you go, double check the hours of the market online using your eSIM app data plan. 

Shilin Night Market (Taipei, Taiwan)

City/Country:

Taipei, Taiwan

Hours:

Open daily from 4:00 PM – midnight

Must-Try Foods:

• Stinky tofu
• Taiwanese sausages
• Oyster omelets
• Bubble tea
• Hot star large fried chicken

Shilin Night Market is a must-visit in Taipei. The market offers a wide variety of Taiwanese street food. Be brave and try the stinky tofu, or indulge in a bubble tea while you stroll through the buzzing aisles. Allow the aromas to guide your choices and leave with a full belly. 

Maxwell Food Centre (Singapore)

City/Country:

Singapore

Hours:

Open daily from 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (varies per vendor)

Must-Try Foods:

• Hainanese chicken rice
• Satay
• Char kway teow (fried flat noodles)
• Popiah (fresh spring rolls)

For an introduction to Singapore’s hawker culture, Maxwell Food Centre is the place to be. The Hainanese chicken rice here is legendary, and the satay skewers are perfect for a quick snack. Hawker culture started with street hawkers catering to the working class; they made fast, affordable meals ideal for those headed into or getting off of work. 

Chandni Chowk (Delhi, India)

City/Country:

Delhi, India

Hours:

Open daily from 10:00 AM – late night

Must-Try Foods:

• Chole bhature (spiced chickpeas with fried bread)
• Jalebi (syrupy fried dough)
• Paratha (stuffed flatbread)
• Aloo tikki (fried potato patties)
• Pani puri (crispy puffs with flavored water)

Chandni Chowk is a sensory explosion in the heart of Delhi. The street is packed with vendors offering Indian classics like chole bhature and pani puri, making it a paradise for food lovers. If you’re wary of vegetarian food, this is your chance to see just how delicious it can be! 

Kowloon City Wet Market (Hong Kong)

City/Country:

Hong Kong

Hours:

Open daily from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Must-Try Foods:

• Roast goose
• Cheong fun (rice noodle rolls)
• Dim sum
• Egg tarts
• Snake soup (in season)

Kowloon City Wet Market is a treasure trove of Cantonese cuisine. Treat yourself to roast goose and dim sum, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try the seasonal snake soup. The smells alone will make it difficult to decide where you eat first!

Or Tor Kor Market (Bangkok, Thailand)

City/Country:

Bangkok, Thailand

Hours:

Open daily from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Must-Try Foods:

• Som tam (papaya salad)
• Grilled fish
• Sticky rice with mango
• Pad Thai
• Fresh tropical fruits like durian and mangosteen

Or Tor Kor Market is known for its high-quality produce and delectable street food. The som tam and sticky rice with mango are must-tries. If you opt for the papaya salad, be wary of your spice tolerance (the Thai people tend to have a higher propensity for spicy food than western cultures). If you get the chance try the durian – if it’s smell doesn’t deter you, that is.  

Night Noodle Markets (Sydney, Australia)

City/Country:

Sydney, Australia

Hours:

Open during special times of the year (October – November)

Must-Try Foods:

• Noodles from various Asian cuisines
• Dumplings
• Bao buns
• Satay skewers
• Matcha ice cream

Sydney’s Night Noodle Markets are a food festival held annually and are a dream for noodle lovers. Enjoy a night of culinary delights featuring bao buns, satay skewers, and matcha ice cream. eSIM cards make it easy to save and share your favorite vendors with others!

Mercado de San Juan (Mexico City, Mexico)

City/Country:

Mexico City, Mexico

Hours:

Monday to Saturday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Must-Try Foods:

• Exotic meats like crocodile or lion
• Tacos de guisado (stewed tacos)
• Tamales
• Fresh tropical fruits

Mercado de San Juan is known for its exotic meats and gourmet produce. This is your chance to try something you’re not likely to find on menus at home. Experience the unique flavors of tacos de guisado and tamales while exploring this vibrant market.

Smorgasburg (New York City, USA)

City/Country:

New York City, USA

Hours:

Saturdays in Williamsburg and Sundays in Prospect Park from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (seasonal)

Must-Try Foods:

• Lobster rolls
• Ramen burgers
• Doughnuts from Dough
• International food stalls with flavors ranging from Indian to Venezuelan

Smorgasburg is a seasonal foodie paradise that’s a must-visit for anyone in NYC. With diverse offerings like lobster rolls and ramen burgers, there’s something for everyone. This food market reflects the essence of what it is to be American; a melting pot of traditions and cultures, shared in the company of others. 

Conclusion

Street food markets are more than just places to eat; they are cultural experiences that offer a taste of local traditions. Whether you’re indulging in Spanish jamón ibérico or savoring New England-style lobster rolls, these markets provide an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

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Remember to snap lots of pictures and upload them to your favorite platform, you’ll need a virtual SIM card! Never travel without one and you’ll be able to pin, share and save all of your favorite food stops. 

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Ready to start your street food adventure? Which market are you most excited to visit?