The best street food markets in the world

Try it all!

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

Love your grub? Part of good food is getting the food freshly made, using traditional ingredients, and being able to try a wide variety. If you agree, the street food markets of the world have to be on your bucket list. But what makes street food so special?

Street food is an art

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

Street food is often eaten on a day-to-day basis in the countries you visit, so the vendors who prepare, cook and serve these morsels are generally doing so with fresh daily ingredients and at an affordable price. Street Food has kicked off over the last twenty years (it's also a lot cheaper to open and run than a restaurant) and now it's more than just a quick stop bit to eat. It's an art.

Where to go?

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

So the question has to be, where on earth can I find the best selection of street food? Luckily for us, Medium did a recent ranking of the best street food markets in the world. We take a closer look at the top 15 on the list.

15 - Borough – London, England

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

Counting down, starting at number 15 is Borough market in London. Uniquely 'London', the market sits beneath Victorian railway arches and has been a hub of British trade for hundreds of years. These days it has over 100 stalls, restaurants, cafés and shops.

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

From 10am to 6pm, Defensa Street comes alive with the energy of thousands of locals and tourists alike, drawn to the lively atmosphere and the tempting aromas wafting through the air. As you stroll down Defensa, your senses are awakened by the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling marketplace. The air is thick with the sizzle of grilling meats, the aroma of freshly baked empanadas, and the tangy scent of chimichurri sauce.

13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

The 'front door' of the Medina hides a treasure behind. For breakfast eat msimen, a Moroccan pancake fried on an open grill in the street, followed by pastries, lamb dishes and much much more for the rest of the day...

12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

From the iconic bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) to the savory kimbap (Korean-style sushi rolls), the market's stalls are a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage. Established in 1905, Gwangjang Market has stood the test of time, evolving from a humble textile trading center to a renowned gastronomic destination. With more than 5,000 shops and 20,000 vendors, this iconic marketplace offers a captivating glimpse into the heart of Korean cuisine

11. Portland – Oregon, USA

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

The heart of the city's food truck scene can be found in the bustling downtown area, where a concentration of mobile eateries has established itself. Visitors can explore a diverse array of options, from classic American fare to international delicacies, all within a short walking distance.

10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

Rue de Rosiers is a narrow street that accommodates a number of street vendors in the Jewish quarter of Paris. really, for food, it is all about the falafel. Visitors have warned, however, to do your research before you get there to go to the right stalls.

9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, a visit to this vibrant marketplace is sure to leave an indelible mark on your memory

8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

If you find yourself in Palermo, be sure to set aside time to explore the Ballarò food market and discover the flavors, stories, and traditions that make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

The Shilin Night Market is a feast for the senses, with an endless array of food stalls and vendors showcasing the best of Taiwanese cuisine. From sizzling street food to delectable desserts, the market caters to every palate. It can be daunting on first visit, but just sit back and take in the atmosphere.

6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

This iconic landmark, dating back to the 17th century, has long been the beating heart of the city. Wander through the stalls and sample the street food specialties, from the ubiquitous phở to the yummy bánh mì. Enjoy this culinary journey through the diverse flavours of Vietnam.

5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

One of the must-try dishes at Lau Pa Sat is the iconic Satay, a skewer of grilled, marinated meat that is served with a rich, peanut-based dipping sauce. Try Malay cuisine, Chinese and even Indian curries in this vibrant food market. 

4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

Explore the Turkish gastronomy from the meze to the kebab in one of the most stunningly traditional food markets in the world. The smells alone would make you want to come back.

3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

Described by a number of online reviewers as a 'crazy' and 'busy' place, the Jemaa el-Fnaa is a busting market day and night that gives you the full Moroccan experience. Popular dishes include sheep's brain, snail soup, skewered hearts and more...

2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

14. San Telmo – Buenos Aires, Argentina, 13. Bab Boujloud – Fez, Morocco, 12. Gwangjang – Seoul, South Korea, 11. Portland – Oregon, USA, 10. Rue des Rosiers – Paris, France, 9. Mohammed Ali – Mumbai, India, 8. Ballarò – Palermo, Italy, 7. Shilin – Taipei, Taiwan, 6. Bến Thành – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 5. Lau Pa Sat – Singapore, 4. Kadıköy – Istanbul, Turkey, 3. Jemaa el-Fnaa – Marrakech, Morocco, 2. Mercado de San Juan – Mexico City, Mexico

This market is very clearly split into two - one with the fresh produce and the other with prepared food and dishes. Aside from its diverse meals - with some including a variety of insects - the market itself sells exotic meats like crocodile, armadillo and scorpions.