Tlayudas are by far the most recognizable street food from Oaxaca. Ask any local what you just have to eat when visiting, and this will be the first thing uttered from their lips. But, the question is, where are the best places to try the most delicious street food in any country? The answer is always the local spots, those hole in the wall places that only the locals know about. This is where the best food can be found. This is where all street food adventures must begin!

What is a tlayuda?

Tlayudas are the most classic, and probably most popular, late night street food in Oaxaca. They consist of a large, thin corn tortilla that’s toasted until crispy. It’s topped with beans, asiento (unrefined pork lard), meat (usually chorizo, tasajo, chapulines, or sometimes shredded chicken, beef tenderloin, or pork), cabbage, and incredibly stringy quesillo (Oaxaca cheese). There are a few optional ingredients like avocado or salsa, but the above are the musts.

Tlayudas can be enjoyed in two different ways, either open-faced or folded in half. They’re ultimately the same, but the way in which they’re served depends on the place. So, naturally the next question is, where to eat tlayudas in Oaxaca?

Tlayudas Don Ramón

At Tlayudas Don Ramón, they do the best tlayudas in Oaxaca. The ingredients they use are fresh, local and of high quality. They don’t skimp out either! They’ll pack your tlayuda to the brim with all the tasty ingredients you order.

Everything is cooked up fresh at the back of the shop. The meat is grilled to order and added into your thin tortilla with all the other delicious ingredients. It’s folded in half, then grilled over charcoal to give it that extra delicious, smoky flavour. This unique smoky taste is what really sets tlayudas apart from your typical tacos or quesadillas. Not to mention it melts all that tasty quesillo, ultimately fusing all the ingredients together in a perfect medley of greasy, meaty, cheesy deliciousness.

Of course, there’s many famous tlayuda shops in Oaxaca that you can visit, but the best places for us are the local, family-run joints. That’s usually where you’ll experience the best food and best hospitality.

What to order

Their menu is simple and straight to the point, as all of the best places are. Tlayudas Don Ramón only offers a limited number of dishes, with tlayudas as the star choice.

You’ve got three tlayudas options on the menu. The first is Sencilla, which translates to “simple” and is exactly what you’d think; all the base ingredients, with cheese. Second, you’ve got Con Carne, which is “with meat”, and in this case is chorizo and tasajo. Then, your third option is Vegetariana which, as you might have guessed, means “vegetarian”. As meat lovers ourselves, we can never resist a good con carne.

When you get your order, you’ll be able to add some spicy salsas to your tlayuda. They offer two kinds, a spicy picante verde (green salsa) and an even spicier rojo (red salsa).

The vibe

When we say hole in the wall, we really mean hole in the wall. Tlayudas Don Ramón is one of those places where if you’re not careful and keeping an eye out, you’ll walk right past it. The whole place is about the width of the door you walk in. The seating area is a long table along the wall, with stools set along it.

At the back is where the magic happens. That’s where you’ll find Ramón and his wife, busy cooking up a storm. There’s a reason they’re known for having the best tlayudas in Oaxaca.

Quality tlayudas for an affordable price

What sets Tlayudas Don Ramón above the rest is the affordable price for what you get, both in size and quality. Here, you’re guaranteed a massive tlayuda, packed with fresh, local ingredients, and all for an amazing price.

We had ours with chorizo, tasajo and quesillo, and the size of it was worth far more than what we paid.

The best tlayudas in Oaxaca are at Tlayudas Don Ramón

Oaxaca City is full of places serving tlayudas. Sure, the famous spots are worth checking out, but the real magic happens in tiny, family-run shops. Those hidden gems? That’s what travelling’s all about.

The hospitality at Tlayudas Don Ramón can’t be beat; Ramón and his wife are so welcoming and friendly. Supporting their humble shop is exactly what makes travelling worthwhile.

So, next time you’re in Oaxaca City, make sure you pay them a visit for their incredible tlayudas. You may have many spots to choose from, but this is the place you want to visit to try the best tlayudas in Oaxaca. Trust us, you’ll love it!

Name: Tlayudas Don Ramón
Address: Faustino G. Olivera 204 B, Col Figueroa, 68070 Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico
what3words: ///retiring.walks.revives
Price: 50-120 MXN

The post Best Tlayudas in Oaxaca: Why Locals Love Tlayudas Don Ramón appeared first on Hungry Two Travel.

What is nasi tim chicken rice?

Nasi tim chicken rice is a popular Chinese-Indonesian dish that you can find throughout Jakarta, especially in the Glodok neighbourhood. It has two different layers, and the best way to describe it is as an upside-down shepherd’s pie, except you switch out the mashed potatoes for rice.

The first layer is seasoned, boneless chicken that’s diced up and stir-fried with mushrooms, garlic, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, sesame oil and oyster sauce. The cook spoons this layer of savoury, meaty-deliciousness into a small metal tin. Then, they cover it with the second layer: raw rice flavoured with salt, pepper and garlic.

They add a little bit of water and place the tins into a massive steamer. Dozens of tins steam together until the rice cooks to sticky, chewy perfection.

How nasi tim chicken rice is served

Once you order, the cook flips your individual-sized tin upside down, exposing that savoury, juicy layer of stir-fried chicken. The chicken sits on top of the fluffy rice, creating a steamy layered cake of savoury goodness.

They then cover it with a few spoonfuls of savoury chicken oil, adding an incredible amount of umami flavour.

The last step is the proverbal cherry-on-top: a fresh raw egg yolk. The cook delicately places the yolk on the chicken layer, finishing off the dish.

We have to say, the addition of the chicken oil and egg yolk really heightens the dish. This truly turns nasi tim into something incredibly rich with a savoury flavour that can’t be matched.

Sides to go with your nasi tim

Two popular sides often come with your nasi tim. One is acar, Indonesian pickled vegetables. You’ll also spot large jars on the table full of little pickled onions. Both sides pair perfectly with the dish, cutting through the richness with a crisp sourness and adding a welcome crunchy texture.

Where to eat nasi tim in Jakarta

Our go to spot for nasi tim is at a very modest shop in Pasar Pagi Lama. Right in the heart of Glodok Chinatown Jakarta you’ll find Nasi Tim Pasar Pagi “Ayauw”. It’ll be tucked away on the northern side of the market, closest to Jalan Pasar Pagi Lama, on the upper floor.

The shop is surrounded by book stores and paper shops on the second floor. It can be tricky to find, but the effort is totally worth it for this Jakarta comfort food.

Once you’ve arrived, find yourself a spot and order up a nasi tim. As far as we know it’s the only thing on the menu, so there’ll be no confusion as to what you want.

Nasi tim: the ultimate Chinese-Indonesian comfort food

This savoury steamed chicken rice, known locally as nasi tim chicken rice, is the ultimate comfort food in Chinese-Indonesian culture. Hearty rice sits under a generous helping of savoury stir-fried chicken and mushroom, all steamed together into the perfect savoury cake. Top it with chicken oil and a fresh raw egg yolk, and you’ve got yourself the biggest savoury hug out there. Is there any better kind?

Name: Nasi Tim Pasar Pagi “Ayauw”
Address: Lt. 2, Ps. Jaya Pagi, RT.2/RW.2, Roa Malaka, Jakarta, Indonesia
what3words: ///cookery.ranted.holds
Price: IDR 50K

The post Nasi Tim 101: The Ultimate Indonesian Comfort Food You Need to Try appeared first on Hungry Two Travel.

Hailing from the Black Sea town of Akçaabat, these legendary meatballs have earned nationwide fame for being some of the most delicious in the country. Dare we even say, Türkiye’s best-kept meaty secret. Locals swear by them. Tourists fall in love at first bite. Honestly? We’re still dreaming about them.

Whether you’re a hardcore carnivore or just in it for the cultural flavours, no trip to Türkiye is complete without sinking your teeth into these savoury meat patties.

Wait, what even is a köfte?

Köfte (pronounced kuhf-teh) are Turkish meatballs, but don’t picture your typical meatball. These are another beast. Typically made with ground beef or lamb, they’re mixed with a secret blend of spices, onions, egg, and breadcrumbs, then shaped into patties or ovals rather than balls.

They’re grilled, fried, or sometimes even cooked in sauce. When it comes to Akçaabat köfte, it’s all about that smoky, charcoal-grilled goodness.

A meatball for every region

One of the interesting things about Turkish cuisine is that every region has its own version of different traditional dishes. These variations even go down to the restaurants and families of the locals, each having their own special recipe. The same goes for their köfte. Some are spicy, some are herbal, some are melt-in-your-mouth soft, with each one different from the last.

If there’s one kind of köfte that consistently steals the spotlight as the best Turkish meatballs, it’s Akçaabat köfte. Think juicy, meaty, flavour-packed patties that are so good, you better be ready to order a second serving, one just isn’t enough!

So, what makes Akçaabat köfte so special?

It all starts with the cows.

In the rolling green hills around Akçaabat in the Trabzon region, carefully selected cows are fed a diet of fresh grass, with local herbs and salt added to their feed. This unique diet gives the meat a distinct flavour that you won’t find anywhere else, making the meat a true specialty.

The making of Akçaabat köfte

The most common meat used for Akçaabat meatballs comes from lean forearm and rib meat. It’s minced then kneaded with egg, garlic, grated onion, breadcrumbs and that special blend of spices. For something so local and delicious, just honest, simple ingredients are used to let the quality of the meat shine.

Akçaabat köfte, as you can see, are more of a slider here in the Black Sea region. They’re formed into round, flat shapes, which is what makes them unique.

After this, the magic happens: they’re grilled over a charcoal fire until perfectly browned on the outside and irresistibly juicy inside. The result? Smoky, savoury perfection on a plate.

These meatballs are so unique they’re recognized worldwide

Akçaabat meatballs are officially recognized with geographic indication by the European Commission. This means that the whole life-cycle of Akçaabat köfte occur only within this geographic region, and nowhere else in the world. They’re made from specific cows that live and graze in a defined environment which can only be found in the geographic region of Akçaabat.

Where to find the best Akçaabat köfte

If you’re heading to Türkiye’s Black Sea region, and only make it to Trabzon, make sure you taste this local köfte. Tucked down a set of unassuming stairs, you’ll find one of our absolute favourite local gems: Kamiloğlu Köfte.

It’s cozy, it’s family-run, and the köfte? Unbelievable. You’ll be welcomed with warm smiles, plates piled high with meat, and that unmistakable aroma of charcoal-grilled deliciousness. It’s the kind of place you leave already planning your return. Truly some of the best Turkish köfte in the region.

The best Turkish meatballs in Türkiye

We’re not saying Akçaabat köfte are the best Turkish meatballs just to entice you, they really are. From the quality of the meat, to the traditional preparation, to that smoky grill finish, everything about them is pure comfort food bliss.

Tasting your way through Türkiye’s köfte might just be the most delicious way to see the country. Each region has its own twist, and if Akçaabat is any indication, you’re in for one unforgettable (and filling) adventure.

Exploring a country and tasting your way around it… doesn’t sound like a bad reason to travel, does it?

Name: Kamiloğlu Köfte
Address: Mumhane Önü Piyasa Meydanı No:5 Moloz, 61200 Ortahisar/Trabzon
what3words: ///frame.decide.sweeten

The post Are Akçaabat Köfte the Best Turkish Meatballs in Türkiye? appeared first on Hungry Two Travel.

With so many gorgeous places to visit, deciding which European Christmas market to go to is a feat in itself. The best markets will serve up the most unique and classic local flavours of the country, most often set amongst a stunning backdrop. There, you’ll be able to peruse local artisanal crafts in a vibrant, festive atmosphere. But, if you’re looking for something a little less touristy, with a more local feel, then we’ve got just the destination for you.

With a multitude of Christmas fairs to experience all around Europe, we have to say Budapest, Hungary is one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe.

Budapest, Hungary: a city full of festive spirit

As the holiday season approaches, the city suddenly comes alive with the magic of Christmas. Streets glow with lights, alleyways display decorations, shopkeepers adorn their shops with trimmings, and trees sparkle with ornaments and lights. People are full of holiday cheer as the aroma of mulled wine and the sound of cheerful carols fill the air. No matter where you look, you know it’s Christmas.

Budapest, Hungary, is home to some of the most incredible Christmas markets in Europe. These charming markets are scattered throughout the city, offering plenty of festive attractions and opportunities to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, each market a little different from the last.

Visitors from around the world flock to these markets, drawn in by the enchanting atmosphere and delicious local Hungarian delicacies which, trust us, are mouth-watering delicious! All of this is why you’ll find some of the best Christmas markets in Europe here in Budapest.

With a number of markets to visit once you enter the city, it’s tough to know what’s what. So, through first-hand experience, we’ve narrowed it down to the top three best Christmas markets to visit on your trip to Budapest. We’ve also included a special bonus fourth as an honourable mention.

Advent Bazilika: the best Christmas market in Europe

Nestled in the heart of Budapest, the Advent Bazilika Christmas market is a dazzling winter wonderland that’s sure to captivate you with its enchanting atmosphere. Voted the Best Christmas Market in Europe for the past four years, if there’s one Christmas market in Budapest you must visit, this is the one.

Set against the backdrop of the stunning St. Stephen’s Basilica, this Christmas market is a feast for the senses. As you stroll through the market, you’ll be greeted by twinkling lights, the scent of sweet and savoury Christmas delicacies and the sounds of festive music. The towering Christmas tree and inviting ice rink at the heart of the market acts as the centrepiece.

Feast, anyone?

Known in English as the ‘Advent Feast at the Basilica’, feast is by far the most appropriate word! This market is full of local Hungarian Christmas food, featuring everything from the famous chimney cakes (kürtőskalács) and mulled wine (forralt bor) to goulash (gulyásleves), cabbage rolls (töltött káposzta), lángos, strudel (rétes), traditional Christmas roll (beigli), Hungarian sausage and freshly smoked salmon. This market seriously has it all. Whether you prefer savoury or sweet, there’s something for everybody.

Apart from these incredible, traditional Hungarian specialties, one of the highlights of the Advent Basilica Christmas Market is its wide array of handcrafted goods. Local artisans showcase their creations, offering everything from intricate ornaments to cozy winter wear. Here, you’ll find a plethora of unique gifts, making it the perfect spot for any holiday shopping you might have. All of these hand-made creations are sold within the most festive log cabins, and with around 150 exhibitors, this truly ads to the ambiance of the market.

A magical wonderland

As night falls, the market transforms into a truly magical spectacle. The façade of St. Stephen’s Basilica is covered in a projection of charming Christmas animations set to music every 30 minutes from 16:30 – 22:00. The beautifully illuminated basilica serves as an impressive background to live performances, including carolers and traditional music that fills the air. The best is to be able to experience the market in both the day and night to get the full effect. It practically feels like you’re experiencing two markets in one.

Whether you’re exploring with loved ones or soaking in the atmosphere on your own, the Advent Basilica Christmas market promises a truly unforgettable experience.

Name: Advent Feast at the Basilica
Address: Budapest, Szent István tér, 1051, Hungary
what3words: ///librarian.packets.respond
Entry: Free
Market Dates: November 15, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025

Vörösmarty Tér: the largest Christmas Fair in Budapest

Less than a ten-minute walk from Advent Bazilika is the Vörösmarty Tér Christmas market. This market is the largest in Budapest and is held in the most famous square of the city, Vörösmarty Square. This is one of the most iconic and popular Christmas markets in Budapest, complete with twinkling lights, beautifully decorated stalls, and all the most delicious local food your stomach can handle.

As soon as you enter the square, you’re immediately taken aback by the massive tree adorned with lights and ornaments. Here, you’re treated to a unique shopping experience beyond any other.

Local handcrafts

Surrounding the large square are rows of cute wooden cottages selling handcrafted, unique gifts made by local artists from all over the country. Porcelain ornaments, intricate lacework, furs, decorations of all kinds, artisanal cheeses and elaborately decorated sweets and treats are just a fraction of what you’ll find here.

Oh, the food!

If it’s your eyes that take you to the shopping, it’s your nose that will take you to the other side of the square. Here, you’ll discover long booths selling all kinds of traditional, local Hungarian Christmas foods. You can enjoy savoury sausages, goulash in a bread bowl, cabbage rolls, fried potato pancakes, pork hock, barbecue ribs, cured pork belly, lamb shank, duck on red cabbage and of course, your mulled wine.

If you’re a meat lover, then this is the place you want to be. One thing Hungary is known for is their incredibly juicy and succulent meat dishes, and here they have them all. The selection of Christmas delicacies is seriously more than you can imagine.

That Christmas feeling

As the evening draws in, the market comes alive with local musical performances and traditional folk dances, adding to the festive ambiance. All kinds of people gather here to enjoy the feeling of Christmas, which completely radiates from the square.

The market at Vörösmarty Tér is larger and more spread out than the Advent Feast at the Basilica. So, if you’re looking for something a little less crowded with more space to walk around, then this is the market for you.

What makes these markets so special, beyond what you can buy, is the mere act of exploring and wandering around, taking in all the sights and smells. You’ll see for yourself, the Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square is truly a sensory extravaganza. It’s no wonder you find the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Name: Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival at Vörösmarty Tér
Address: Budapest, Vörösmarty tér, 1051, Hungary
what3words: ///chilled.flat.incomes
Entry: Free
Market Dates: November 15, 2024 – December 31, 2024

Advent Óbudán: the Christmas market in Old Buda

In the courtyard of Fő Tér in Old Buda, you’ll find one of the smaller, and undoubtedly picturesque, Christmas markets in Budapest. A little off the beaten path compared to some of the other markets, Advent Óbudán is well worth the trip to get there.

A warm welcome

This traditional market is much more quant and less touristy than the larger Christmas markets throughout Budapest. The cobblestone streets, medieval architecture and nearby ancient ruins provide a unique setting to the festive atmosphere of the market.

When you arrive, you’ll walk through a small street with local artisans displaying their unique handicrafts, distinct from the larger markets in the centre of the city. People sell all kinds of mulled wine from charming wooden huts, their warmth and inviting smells whisk through the crisp winter air.

As you finally stroll into Fő Square, you’ll encounter a courtyard fully transformed into a Christmas paradise, aglow with shimmering lights, enriched by an enormous tree that sets the perfect stage for holiday fun. In the centre, an ice rink sparkles, while vendors surround the square, offering a variety of local street food. Meanwhile, at the corner of the square stands a large stage, offering live performances throughout the Christmas season.

The best langos

With Advent Óbudán being located a little further out from the city centre, you’ll find that it has a more local feel to it than the other Christmas markets in Budapest. It’s smaller, but trust us, there’s no less Christmas cheer here. The warm welcome of the local people and the historic atmosphere of the square truly make this market a special one. There’s even a must visit lángos shop just around the corner from here that you cannot miss if you’re in this part of the city.

For us, the local atmosphere and these hidden gems are what we live for. Of all the Budapest Christmas markets you can visit, we highly recommend taking the train for the short trip out to Advent Óbudán. As far as the best Christmas markets in Europe go, this is one you won’t regret visiting!

Name: Advent Óbudán
Address: Budapest, Fő tér, 1033 Hungary
what3words: ///exacts.sung.metals
Entry: Free
Market Dates: December 1-23, 2024

Corvin Sétány Christmas Fair: a truly local experience

Last, but certainly not least, is our honourable mention, the Corvin Sétány Christmas Fair. This little market can be found along Corvin Sétány, within the Corvin neighbourhood in District VIII. Most notably, it’s just outside the large Corvin Plaza shopping mall.

This lovely little local market along the arcade boasts a number of stalls selling handicrafts from artisans in the neighbourhood, as well as delicious local Hungarian Christmas food. Here, you’ll find cured meats, Hungarian sausage, mulled wine, strudel, beigli, chimney cakes, cabbage rolls and of course lángos (our personal favourite).

The best Christmas markets in Europe

The best part about the Christmas season in Budapest is finding all the little markets that pop up around the city. Many of them are local for that specific neighbourhood, so aren’t advertised or well-known. The best way to find them is to do your own exploring and discover them yourself.

One of the benefits to exploring the city for these smaller, less touristy Christmas markets is the price. We tasted the lángos here because, well, we couldn’t resist. It was twice the size and half the price of lángos from the other popular Christmas fairs in Budapest! That’s a definite win-win in our books.

Name: Corvin Sétány Christmas Fair
Address: Budapest, Futó u. 38, 1082, Hungary
what3words: ///polo.announce.evenly
Price:Entry: Free

Tips when exploring the Christmas markets in Budapest

A few last minute tips when visiting Budapest for some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Make sure to wander around the city. You’ll find loads of little, local Christmas markets scattered along the way. These are the true hidden gems during Christmastime.

Explore

Explore the streets around the centre of the city in and around St. Stephen’s Basilica and Vörösmarty Square. Walk along Deák Ferenc utca, also known as Fashion Street by Vörösmarty Square, and Zrinyi utca, which leads away from St. Stephens Basilica. Both streets are full of lights and decorations, as well as a few extra stalls selling all kinds, from sweet and savoury treats to unique gifts.

Truly the best part about this time of year in Budapest, and Europe for that matter, is exploring the streets and getting into the festive spirit. Each street has something new to experience and admire. At this time of year, European cities transform completely, creating something you have to see to believe. So, get out there and roam the streets with no set destination in mind. You’ll be surprised at what you might find.

Cash or Card?

As of writing, most, if not all, of the popular markets do not accept cash; you can only pay by card. This is important to note if you’re visiting from another country. Make sure you have a good credit card or pre-paid travel credit card with no foreign exchange fees. This will make your spending experience a happier one.

Entrance

Lastly, all the Christmas markets listed are free to enter. So, it doesn’t matter what your financial situation is, you’ll be able to experience the magic of these enchanting Budapest Christmas markets no matter what.

The best Christmas markets in Europe are in Budapest

As the city transforms into a festive wonderland filled with charming markets and the most delightful aromas, it’s safe to say that Budapest truly shines during the Christmas season. From the renowned Advent Feast at St. Stephen’s Basilica, to the vibrant Vörösmarty Square Market and the quaint Advent Óbudán, each market offers a unique blend of local Hungarian foods, handcrafted gifts, and holiday cheer. These are amongst the most magical Christmas markets in Europe, and we promise you don’t want to miss them!

As you explore the bustling market squares steeped in centuries of history, discovering hidden gems off the beaten path of course, you’ll find that Budapest is not just a destination at this time of year. It’s a true celebration of the magic of Christmas.

The post Budapest, Hungary: The Best Christmas Markets in Europe appeared first on Hungry Two Travel.

As the street food capital of the world, it’s really no surprise that Bangkok is full of street food on quite literally every corner. The list of all the incredible Thai street food in Bangkok could go on forever, it’s unfathomable. But, with anything this good, you’ve got to start somewhere. That’s why we’ve narrowed down this near impossible list to 24 of the best of the best, most popular street food in Bangkok, including where to find them and how much you’re likely to pay in baht.

So, get ready for your mouth to water and your stomach to grumble, because we’ve got your list of the top 24 best Thai street foods in Bangkok right here.

24. Kuay Teow Reua

These famous little bowls of noodles are called kuay teow reua, or simply, boat noodles. Historically, they were served from boats to small canoes passing along the canals between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, hence the name, boat noodles!

Each bowl is rich and packed with flavour, despite their small size, with a broth made from pigs’ blood and fragrant herbs. Flavours like galangal, Thai basil, coriander, cilantro, garlic, anise, chilli, pandan, cinnamon, vinegar and soy sauce enrich the broth.

It was practical when serving these Bangkok noodles from within the canals to do so in tiny bowls. This practice continues to this day, and has actually become part of the appeal. At an average of only ฿16/bowl, the key is to get a few bowls to satisfy your hunger and add them all into one. Don’t be afraid to order a few, you’ll see locals with stacks of bowls, like a game to see who has the most!

Name: Baan Kuay Tiew Ruathong
Address: 2/16-18 Phahonyothin Rd, Khwaeng Samsen Nai, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///truck.benched.panels
Price: ฿16/bowl

23. Khai Jiao

Khai jiao is not your everyday omelette. Not only are they particularly fluffy and delicious, but they’re offered with a plethora of different ingredients to add in.

First, you’ll be given a little bowl to pack as high as you can with as many ingredients as your heart desires. Once full, hand them over to be mixed in with your eggs. These, meanwhile, have been thoughtfully seasoned with soy and fish sauce before being whisked up, all nice and fluffy.

After everything is all mixed in, your eggs will be cooked up in a way that they’ll end up all crispy and pleasantly greasy on the outside, while super fluffy and light on the inside. This is the sign of a truly well-made Thai omelette.

Served up on a bed of rice with sweet chilli sauce, khai jiao is more than just your average Bangkok street food snack, it’s a proper meal!

Name: Thai Style Omelette Khai Jiao Cart
Address: Convent Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///lentil.hoaxes.journey
Price: ฿40

22. Gai Tod

Almost every culture has their own version of fried chicken, it’s the chicken universal language! In Thailand, the gai tod, aka fried chicken, is some of the best.

Chicken wings and drumsticks are marinated in a special blend of spices and rice flour, then fried up in hot oil. Each piece comes out crispy and crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. They’re often served with a spicy dipping sauce on the side, like nam jim.

Some of the best gai tod fried chicken in Bangkok can actually be found outside of a 7-Eleven, which are plentiful in Thailand. This is one of the ultimate spots for street food in Thailand, because believe it or not, the 7-Eleven’s are where all the action is.

Name: Gai Tod Hawker
Address: 104 Rang Nam Alley, Thanon Phaya Thai, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///saloons.plotted.complain
Price: ฿30

21. Bua Loy

Bua loy is a sweet and creamy, warm coconut milk dessert that’s full of chewy and colourful rice flour balls. Translating to ‘floating lotus’, the name refers to the little balls which float to the surface when cooked, resembling floating lotus flowers. If you’ve ever had a Taiwanese bubble tea, think tapioca balls in terms of texture.

In addition to these, your bowl of bua loy will also be packed with fresh taro, corn, massive chunks of coconut meat, and your choice of a fresh or salted egg.

What makes this unique treat extra flavourful is that the warm coconut milk has that incredible, Thai coconut cream flavour. It’s very similar to the coconut cream poured over mango sticky rice. Sweet, with a hint of saltiness to it that makes it so distinctly Thai. Bua loy is by far one of Thailand’s best street food desserts.

Name: Bua Loy Ket Kaew
Address: 536 Thanon Tanao, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///wiring.retire.straws
Price: ฿35

20. Gui Chai Tod

In the Yaowarat Chinatown area of Bangkok, it’s hard to walk around on an empty stomach. With so much of the best street food in Thailand at your fingertips, you won’t walk far without some delicious temptation.

Gui chai tod are a Bangkok street food that you may just stumble upon, and when you do, make sure you don’t miss the chance to taste these delicious dumplings.

Gui chai tod are crispy, garlicky dumplings that are packed to the brim with chives. Usually served in at least three different varieties, including taro, we recommend getting a combo of all three. Sticky and chewy, fried up to tasty perfection, the number of chives in gui chai tod will have you leaving the stall with the most incredible breath.

Name: Fried Chives Jae Noi Yaowarat
Address: 644 Charoen Krung Road, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///player.official.dinner
Price: ฿33

19. Khao Moo Dang Moo Grob

This plate of deliciousness is khao moo dang moo grob, a must try dish in the Yaowarat Chinatown area of Bangkok. The star of the meal is a toss-up between the juicy, tender cuts of pork or the savoury, homemade barbecue sauce that’s poured all over.

One thing’s for sure, this dish is a flavour bomb!

Both crispy pork belly (sui yuk) and barbecue pork (char siu) are served over a bed of rice, with lap cheong Chinese sausage and a bright orange medium boiled egg on the side. Everything is covered in a generous helping of that incredible barbecue sauce made of pork broth, peanuts, sesame and garlic. This is a sublimely savoury, sticky substance that ties the whole dish perfectly together.

Si Morakot is where we recommend trying khao moo dang moo grob. This hawker turned food stall has been around for over 70 years, serving their old, traditional recipe.

Name: Si Morakot
Address: 80-82 Sukon 1 Alley, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///asset.toffee.selects
Price: ฿65

18. Sai Krok

These little balls of sausage are sai krok. They’re an authentic specialty originally from Isaan in the northeastern part of the country that are now popular all over Thailand.

So, what exactly are these little beads of meat? They’re fermented sausages made of pork and glass noodles that have a very unique, strong and sour flavour. The sour fermentation is what really makes them so distinctive.

Sai krok look like large beaded necklaces when hanging up. You can usually find them grilling on a cart attached to a motorbike, the epitome of Thai street food. Their round, chubby links are hard to miss. Purchased as an order of four, they’re served in a bag with fresh, crunchy cabbage to eat with them.

Name: Sai Krok Hawker
Address: 138, 1-2 Soi Phetchaburi 10, Thanon Phetchaburi, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///sour.briefing.grading
Price: ฿10

17. Malang Tod

Fried insects are a popular snack in certain parts of the world. They’re full of protein and nutrients, and might be our future meat someday! Known as malang tod in Thai, they’re a local delicacy in Thailand.

The best place to find this particular Thailand street food is at a local market. The stall will most likely be selling a number of different insects that have been fried up. From small worms and grasshoppers, to crickets and massive water bugs, you’ll have many creepy crawlies to choose from.

Our favourite is grasshoppers. They’re usually fried up until they resemble the texture of a chip, without any softness you may be imagining. Crispy and crunchy, covered in a spray of soy sauce and sprinkled with spices, you can barely tell you’re eating a bug!

This might be a bit of an intense street food to some, but trust us, they’re well worth trying and a great little snack to munch on.

Name: Malang Tod Street Food Stall
Address: SE Corner of Victory Monument, Thanon Phaya Thai, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///outfit.obeyed.sleepy
Price: ฿50/bag

16. Moo Dad Deaw

Moo dad deaw is another great little affordable Bangkok street food to snack on while exploring the city that’s similar to jerky.

Small strips of pork and beef are first marinated, then hung on bamboo bracelets. Next, they’re sun-dried to take out the moisture of the meat and to start the curing process. Lastly, they’re fried in oil to finish off the whole process.

Through the drying and cooking, the texture of the meat becomes chewy and turns into a jerky-like consistency. Moo dad deaw has a subtle saltiness and savouriness to it from the marination that’s the perfect treat for any carnivore.

Grab as many as you’d like and they’ll just charge you per bracelet. Moo dad deaw is usually offered with some sticky rice that you can purchase on the side. This makes it more of a proper meal, while also mitigating some of the saltiness of the meat.

Name: Moo Dad Deaw Hawker
Address: Outside 15 Phaya Thai Rd, Thanon Phaya Thai, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///nurses.products.vest
Price: ฿10/piece

15. Roti Gulay

Roti gulay, also known as Thai roti, is a very popular street food in Thailand. You can find stalls cooking it up all over the country, no matter what city you’re in, especially Bangkok. You can have it savoury or sweet, and we’ve gotta say the sweet ones are to die for.

Thai roti itself is a pan fried bread that’s similar to Indian paratha or Malaysian roti canai. It’s offered with a number of different fillings. One of the top choices is often banana with either Nutella or peanut butter. Whichever spread you choose, it gets super melty and gooey with the warm banana, an indulgent combo.

One of our favourites is banana with egg and fresh coconut meat. No matter which sweet ingredients you choose, however, your roti gulay will always be smothered in a generous helping of condensed milk to finish it off.

The crispiness of the fried roti with the soft and gooey filling is the perfect texture and flavour combo.

Name: Thai Roti Silom
Address: Convent Rd, Khwaeng Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///line.wisely.fewest
Price: ฿45

14. Bua Loy Nam King

There’s something about chewy, glutinous rice balls that are just so comforting. The little orbs you see here are bua loy nam king, black sesame rice balls in a spicy ginger tea.

The outer dough of glutinous rice is tender and chewy, similar to a mochi. The inside is full of a sweet, nutty, warm black sesame seed filling that oozes out with every bite. They’re served in a hot broth of sugary ginger tea that tastes so strong of ginger, it warms you up from the inside out.

Even though bua loy nam king technically falls in the dessert category, it can really be enjoyed any time of day, we won’t judge.

Name: ชูจิต บัวลอยน้ำขิง Chu Jit Bua Loy Nam King
Address: 332 Yaowarat Rd, Khwaeng Chakkrawat, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///unroll.grazed.sulk
Price: ฿45

13. Saku Sai Moo

These translucent little balls are saku sai moo, a pork-stuffed tapioca dumpling that’s a sweet and savoury Thai street food snack.

The unique filling is made of seasoned ground pork, sweet pickled radish and peanuts. It’s covered with tiny tapioca pearls and steamed until sticky, giving saku sai moo their translucent appearance. The last step is to paint these chewy balls with fresh garlic oil to prevent them from sticking, and of course for garlicky flavour!

The colourful ones are made with tapioca starch and use butterfly pea flower or dragon fruit skin for natural colouring.

How do you eat saku sai moo? Either on their own or in a lettuce wrap with fresh chilli. However you taste them, they’re loaded with flavour, tender and chewy with a satisfying peanutty crunch.

This Thai street food is fairly elusive and can be hard to find, so when you do, make sure to grab some!

Name: Saku Sai Moo Street Food Stall
Address: Si Wiang, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///wool.drifter.handle
Price: ฿35

12. Poo Nim Tod

Poo nim tod is a popular Thailand street food snack of fried soft-shell crab. They’re the perfect crustacean for a snack because they can be easily eaten whole. You’ll find these tasty little crabs sold on the streets of Thailand, usually coupled with piles of tasty fried shrimp.

Poo nim tod is one of the must try street foods in Thailand. They’re meaty and tender on the inside, while nice and crispy and crunchy on the outside; the ultimate marriage of textures. Dipping the crabs into the spicy chilli sauce that comes with them is the finishing touch.

We recommend one of the most famous and delicious poo nim tod vendors in Bangkok, located in Silom. This shop is an institution in the area, now onto the second generation. They’re known to sell out, however, so make sure you arrive early to get some of these delicious soft-shell crabs before they’re all gone!

Name: Talay Tord Saladaeng
Address: Sala Daeng Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///ridge.honey.rooster
Price: ฿60

11. Hoy Tod

Behold the juicy oyster omelette, hoy tod. This is a dish best described as a slightly gooey, battered omelette packed with seafood. Sound a little strange? Yes. Tasty? Also, yes!

Hoy tod is a unique dish. Fresh oysters (or mussels) are cooked up with both egg and batter on a flat top grill. The batter really places hoy tod somewhere between an omelette and a pancake. The best part about this popular Thai street food is the oysters. Fresh, meaty, plump and juicy, they add heaps of flavour and texture to the dish.

Hoy tod is very similar to pad thai, the real difference is that you’re swapping out the noodles for oysters. No tamarind in this one though! Their similarities are what makes hoy tod often referred to as pad thai’s partner in crime.

Name: Hoi Tod Chaw Lae
Address: 25/5 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///playing.lines.behaving
Price: ฿140

10. Kuay Teow Neua

Kuay teow neua is a popular Thai street food in Bangkok that directly translates to ‘Thai beef noodles’. Found especially in Bangkok, this is one of the richest bowls of Bangkok noodles you’ll eat.

A bowl of fresh rice noodles is packed with tender chunks of beef, strips of raw beef, and beef balls. Bean sprouts, coriander, garlic, Chinese spices, star anise, black pepper and cinnamon are but some of the herbs and spices that make the broth so rich, complex and fragrant in flavour.

The best place in the city to try these Bangkok noodles is at Wattana Panich. Here, they practice the art of perpetual stew and is a must visit to try the best kuay teow neua in Bangkok.

Name: Wattana Panich
Address: 336 338 Ekkamai Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///creeps.margin.putty
Price: ฿100

9. Pa Tong Go

Pa tong go is a tasty little savoury Thai fried doughnut. This unassuming Thai street food snack might be simple, but it’s also oh-so-delicious.

It’s made from a sticky dough that’s cut into small rectangular pieces and stuck together two-by-two. The pairs are stretched out then plopped into boiling hot oil. Within seconds they float to the top and puff up, super fluffy and bubbly.

The end product is a beautifully golden doughnut that’s fluffy, light and airy on the inside, while deliciously crispy and crusty on the outside.

The best way to enjoy these crunchy guys is fresh and warm right out the oil, dipped in a sweet, gooey, Thai pandan custard. The Yaowarat Chinatown of Bangkok is where you’ll find the best pa tong go in the city. So good, they’re even mentioned in the Michelin Guide.

Name: Pa Tong Go Savoey
Address: 56 Yaowarat Road Samphanthawong, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///noodle.steadily.hats
Price: ฿50

8. Khao Gaeng

Curry is one of the most popular Thai foods known outside of Thailand, along with pad thai. Thai curry and rice, or khao gaeng in Thai, is an incredibly flavourful dish that can be enjoyed in a multitude of different ways. At its core, this Thailand street food is made up of coconut milk, a protein, veggies or fruit, and aromatic herbs.

The base of any Thai curry is the curry paste. Chillies, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, cilantro, shallots, Thai basil, coriander, cumin seeds, and shrimp paste are some of the most common ingredients. What makes khao gaeng so delicious, besides the obvious above, is the coconut milk. Velvety, creamy, rich and oh-so-coconutty, it creates a specific kind of curry.

One of the main differences that sets Thai curry apart from other curries around the world is the use of fresh ingredients. Herbs and aromatic leaves are used in lieu of a mix of dried spices.

The most popular variations of khao gaeng are green, yellow, red, panang and massaman, always served over rice.

As one of the most famous and popular Thai street foods, the best place you can get a Thai curry is from a local street vendor. Affordable and of great quality, this is the finest of street food in Thailand.

Name: Khao Gaeng Jek Pui ข้าวแกงเจ็กปุ๊ย (เจ๊เฉีย)
Address: 25 Mangkon Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///milkman.keys.fairness
Price: ฿50

7. Som Tam

One of the spiciest dishes you’ll taste in Thailand is som tam. This papaya salad is jam packed full of fresh ingredients and super spicy, raw chillies.

Som tam is made up of shredded raw green papaya, tomatoes, carrots, peanuts, dried shrimp, runner beans, palm sugar, tamarind pulp, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic and lots and lots of chillies.

Everything is added into a massive mortar and pounded, crushed, and mixed together with a pestle. The process of pounding is very important in Thai cuisine. It breaks down the ingredients and amplifies the flavours into something very intense. Quite possibly just enough to blow your socks off!

Som tam is a flavour bomb that encompasses the five main basic tastes of sour, bitter, salty, umami and sweet. It’s the perfect example of the balance and complexity of Thai cuisine, making it an extremely popular street food in Thailand.

Name: Som Tam Jay So
Address: Phiphat 2, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///custom.lays.times
Price: ฿100

6. Kanom Krok

Ah finally, the delicious kanom krok. This traditional Thai dessert is a delicious one. It’s sweet yet savoury, and one of the most incredible coconut-rice pancakes you’ll try.

Kanom krok is prepared by mixing rice flour, sugar and coconut milk together to form a runny batter. A second batter is made of the same ingredients except with salt added. The two batters are combined, then poured into and cooked in a heated mantle that looks like an indented iron pan.

As they cook, different ingredients are added to the tops of the halves before they’re plucked out. Taro, green onion and corn are most commonly used, making for the perfect savoury-sweet contrast.

After getting scooped out, two half balls of batter are stuck together to form one round globe. The outsides of these little balls are nice, golden and crispy, with the inside soft and gooey like pudding. The strong coconut flavour is reminiscent of the slightly salty coconut cream poured over mango sticky rice. The only way to describe it, is that it tastes like Thailand.

Name: Kanom Krok Food Stall
Address: Phetchaburi 7 Alley, Thung Phaya Thai, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///picture.bossy.shunts
Price: ฿30

5. Pad Thai

Pad thai is quite possibly the most recognizable Thai street foods out there. As one of Thailand’s national dishes, it’s no wonder it’s so famous!

Pad thai is made with satisfyingly chewy rice noodles which will vary in size and thickness depending on where you get it from. It will come with your choice of protein, usually prawns, shrimp or chicken.

Every good pad thai starts with a fresh, rich egg cracked onto a searing hot gill to which the noodles and protein are added. Veggies and other ingredients slowly get added in: crunchy beansprouts, crisp green onions, acidic lime, oily peanuts, sweet sugar, firm tofu, sour tamarind, savoury fish sauce and salty dried baby shrimp. Everything is stir-fried up together and left with that unmistakeable wok hei, breath of the wok.

The forward flavour is by far the tamarind, giving these Thai Bangkok noodles a unique flavour unlike any other noodle. Pad thai is a tangy, sweet, savoury and nutty Thailand street food that’s both an affordable and quick meal found on many street corners.

When in Thailand, you can’t miss pad thai, it would be sacrilege!

Name: Pad Thai Shophouse
Address: 231/1 Phetchaburi 7 Alley, Thung Phaya Thai, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///wept.land.piper
Price: ฿90

4. Khao Niao Mamuang

We’ve made it to the ultimate Thai dessert, the one dessert to rule them all, mango sticky rice, aka khao niao mamuang. Who can help but gush about how incredibly delicious, fresh and flavourful it is?

The gorgeous mango sticky rice starts with steamed glutinous sticky rice that’s made with a characteristic, sweet-yet-salty coconut cream that’s absorbed into the rice. A generous bed of this is topped with slices of ripe, juicy, sweet, fresh mango. To finish it all off, an extra portion of velvety coconut cream is poured all over, with a sprinkling of crunchy mung beans as the final touch.

Mango sticky rice is a comforting dish that you could seriously eat any time of day. It’s one of the top Thailand street foods to eat in Bangkok, and quite clearly, one of our personal favourites.

Name: Sticky Rice Joom Silom
Address: 4 Sala Daeng 1/1, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///potions.marathon.however
Price: ฿100

3. Pad Kra Pao

One of the most common and popular street foods in Thailand is pad kra pao, Thai holy basil stir-fry. This deliciously spicy Bangkok street food is named after the flavourful star ingredient, holy basil.

Minced meat (pork, chicken or beef), garlic, shallots, and spicy birds eye chillies are stir-fried together in a wok on a blazing-hot open flame. Soy and oyster sauce are added in with sugar to balance out the flavours.

The most distinct and characteristic flavour of the dish is that holy basil. This aromatic herb has an unmistakable peppery-anise flavour that gives pad kra pao its signature, fragrant taste. Served on a bed of rice with a freshly fried up duck egg, this is one savoury piquant dish.

The spiciness of the chillies and the flavour of the holy basil is what make this Bangkok street food so well-loved. It’s a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to over and over again.

Name: Phed Mark เผ็ดมาร์ค
Address: 300 Sukhumvit Rd, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///dots.case.courtyard
Price: ฿129

2. Khao Kha Moo

You can’t beat the rich taste and soft texture of slow cooked pork. Khao kha moo is an incredibly tasty, braised pork knuckle stew that’s the ultimate pork street food in Thailand.

Pigs’ trotters are stewed for hours in Chinese five-spice powder, as well as other herbs and spices. The deep and complex flavour of the spices combines with the slowly melting pork fat to create an incredibly rich broth. The flavour is savoury with a hint of sweetness to it that permeates into every layer of the meat.

After hours of stewing, the meat becomes so tender it completely falls off the bone. The skin, on the other hand, becomes incredibly succulent and soft, with a satisfying gelatinous texture. The overall flavour and texture of the meat is so rich and juicy, you’ll be tempted to drink the broth like a soup!

This popular Thai street food has a clear Chinese influence that gives khao kha moo a unique flavour.

When you order khao kha moo, you can choose the size of pork knuckle depending on how hungry you feel. Get it with a side of rice and pickled mustard greens to balance out the fatty richness of the dish. Served as breakfast, this is the perfect way to start your day of eating Bangkok street food.

Name: Jae Phon Lang Lerdsin
Address: 409, 11 ซอย Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///extra.twice.cursing
Price: ฿70

1. Tom Yum Goong

Finally, the number one Thai street food you’ll fall in love with is tom yum goong nam khon, a super spicy and ever-so-sour soup with prawns. This is one dish that you cannot leave Bangkok without trying.

Tom yum is immensely aromatic and fragrant, while also being deliciously spicy. It’s made with lemongrass, galangal, coriander, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, fresh lime juice, chilli and plenty of fish sauce.

You’ll find tom yum served a number of different ways. The basic version of tom yum nam sai is served as a clear broth. Tom yum nam khon is the much richer and creamier version, thickened with coconut milk, evaporated milk, or a combo of both. Tom yum goong is made with prawns. The version pictured here is the creamy tom yum goong nam khon. As far as we’re concerned, this is the tom yum you need in your life; nothing beats the creaminess of coconut milk with rich prawns.

Tom yum goong is the quintessential Thai street food. It’s full of all those traditional and typical fragrant and aromatic herbs that make Thai cuisine taste so distinct. The flavours don’t just remind you of Thailand, they are Thailand.

Name: Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle
Address: Phetchaburi 7 Alley, Thung Phaya Thai, Bangkok, Thailand
what3words: ///coining.tingled.owner
Price: ฿100

24 of Bangkok’s best street foods

There you have it, 24 of the best Thailand street foods in Bangkok. The list really could go on and on, but hey, you’ve gotta start somewhere!!

The number of different dishes you can try in Bangkok is unfathomable. As the hub and centre of the country, here you can find dishes from all over Thailand, not just Bangkok. Our recommendation is to always explore the local areas and just see what you can find. Follow the locals, eat where they do. Check out the busy stalls and see what they’re cooking up. Follow your nose and taste what entices you!

As the street food capital of the world, we can guarantee you won’t find yourself short of incredibly tasty Thai street food options when exploring Bangkok.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into the street food of Bangkok, then click below to watch our top 24 video showcasing all these delicious Bangkok street foods.

*Disclaimer* Hungry Two Travel assumes no responsibility or liability for growling stomach, salivation or intense cravings.

The post Top 24 Best Thai Street Foods in Bangkok, Thailand appeared first on Hungry Two Travel.

Being the capital and largest city in the country, Colombo is full of incredible Sri Lankan food to try. Walk along any local street and you’re sure to find incredible aromas wafting through the air leading to some mouth-watering foods. The problem always is, where do you begin?

This list of the top 10 Sri Lankan foods to eat in Colombo will get you going on your food adventure to try the best foods in the city. Complete with some of the best local shops, by the end of reading, you’ll no longer be wondering what the most popular food from Sri Lanka is. So, let’s dive in and explore the top 10 best foods to eat in Colombo!

Hoppers

Wondering what a typical Sri Lankan breakfast is? You’ve found it!

Some of the most iconic foods in Sri Lanka can be found on the street, especially at breakfast time.

Hoppers are the most typical breakfast in Sri Lankan and can be found everywhere throughout the country. These little pancakes are made from a batter of fermented rice flour, coconut milk, coconut water and sugar. Hoppers are cooked in a small, high sided pan similar to a little wok. The batter is swirled around to cover the pan, causing them to be thin and crispy on the sides, and thick and springy at the bottom.

Hoppers can be enjoyed any number of different ways. You can get them plain, with egg, chicken, whatever other proteins they’re offering, or even sometimes veggies!

One of the most popular hoppers are egg hoppers. A freshly cracked egg is added into the wok and cooked, sometimes kept runny, other times broken all over your hopper as they aggressively swirl the egg in the wok. They’re sprinkled with cracked black pepper and eaten with a spicy sambol that’s served on the side.

These savoury bowl-shaped Sri Lankan pancakes are one of the most traditional Sri Lankan foods found all over the country. As a result, they make for the perfect quick bite, and always at a good price.

Name: Rich Foods Hotel
Address: 115 1st Cross St, Colombo, Sri Lanka
what3words: ///animated.junior.weary
Price: Rs.150

Kottu Roti

After hoppers, kottu roti is the most famous Sri Lankan food you’ll come across.

This traditional Sri Lankan dish is made of chopped up godamba roti, veggies, egg, spices, curry sauce and your choice of protein. Chicken, cheese, beef and mutton are some of the most popular options to add into your kottu roti. Often times, your kottu is even served with a separate bowl of curry sauce to add extra flavour in as your heart desires.

Kottu roti is like a big, hot carb-filled hug. It’s bursting with spicy curry flavour and just oh-so-comforting because of the massive amount of godamba roti.

Watching this dish get made is just as much fun as eating it. Kottu roti is prepared and cooked on a large, hot iron skillet. The kottu maker wields two large metal blades, chopping and mixing together all the roti, veggies, meat and spices. Each cook creates their own tune with their slicing and chopping, making every kottu you order a different experience.

Kottu rotti is found as a quick street food meal and is one of the most popular foods from Sri Lanka. Luckily enough, due to the banging and clanging required to make the dish, you’ll easily find a kottu shop wherever you go by just listening for it along the street.

Name: Nana’s Chef
Address: Galle Face Green, Colombo, Sri Lanka
what3words: ///case.rainwater.challenge
Price: Rs.750

Ulundu Vadai

Vade are a popular short eat, meaning small snack, often eaten on the go in Sri Lanka. They’re a fried fritter that can be made in a variety of different ways, shapes and forms.

Ulundu vadai are one of the most popular vade in Colombo. The fritter is made up of ground dhal lentils and spices which are combined to form a batter that’s deep fried.

You’ll usually see them in a doughnut shape, with a nice crispy outside and soft doughy inside.

Oftentimes, they’ll be served with sambar (lentil and vegetable stew) and pol sambal (coconut chutney). Whether you’re having one on the side of a dish or on their own, ulundu vadai are great little savoury donuts for any occasion.

Name: Shri Vani Vilas
Address: 256 & 258 M. J. M. Lafeer Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka
what3words: ///loom.sweetener.steers
Price: Rs.145

Idiyappa

Another popular breakfast food throughout Sri Lanka is idiyappa, or string hoppers. This noodle-like dish is made from a dough of rice flour that’s pressed through an idiyappa, a contraption with holes that forms the dough into its noodle shape. The noodles are formed into a nest on a metal mat, then steamed until cooked through.

String hoppers themselves are quite mild in flavour, what really kicks them up a notch are the sides served with them. Coconut sambol, dhal curry and coconut milk curry are some of the most popular and tasty sides to have with your idiyappa.

The key to eating them is to grab your string hopper with your hands and get down and dirty! Dip them into your curry or pour your curry straight on them, the messier the tastier.

Name: Shri Vani Vilas
Address: 256 & 258 M. J. M. Lafeer Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka
what3words: ///loom.sweetener.steers
Price: Rs.32

Curd and Treacle

Who can resist fresh, sour yoghurt served in a clay pot?

One of the richest traditional Sri Lankan foods you can find is mee kiri. This buffalo milk cream curd is drizzled with local kithul treacle, a syrup made from liquid jaggery (unrefined cane sugar).

The curd is similar to yoghurt, but extremely creamy, a little bit sour and much lighter. Buffalo milk is the milk of choice for mee kiri. The high fat and protein content of the buffalo milk gives a higher yield of curd, as well as a creamier texture than cow’s milk.

Kithul treacle, on the other hand, is made locally in Sri Lanka from a fairly unrefined sugar called jaggery that’s popular throughout Asia and Africa. This sugar is high in molasses and rich in flavour. The combination of the sweet kithul treacle with the slightly sour buffalo milk yoghurt balances the mee kiri out perfectly.

Apart from the delicious flavour, the best part has to be eating it out of the clay pot that it’s made in. A tradition that is kept to this day. This is a can’t miss Sri Lankan food that you’ve got to try when in Colombo.

Name: Hondahitha – The Curd Shop
Address: 135E Dutugemunu St, Colombo, Sri Lanka
what3words: ///domain.trying.crunches
Price: Rs.150

Crab

Sri Lanka is known worldwide for its fresh, high quality, local seafood.

A famous food in Colombo is the lagoon mud crab, served in a multitude of different ways for different tastes. The most unique flavours can be found in the Negombo crab curry made with local Singhalese flavours. A combination of ginger, garlic, green chillies, curry leaves, cloves, cardamon and the famous Ceylon cinnamon is used. These incredible spices are fried up with coconut milk and veggies.

Rich, spicy, and incredibly flavourful, the Negombo crab curry is a curry unlike any other. Add in the succulent lagoon crab and it’s a flavour explosion.

Name: Culture Colombo
Address: 25 Kensington Garden, Colombo, Sri Lanka
what3words: ///recording.observers.majors
Price: Rs.2,250

Isso Vade

Isso vade is an iconic street food that’s purely unique to Colombo. It’s recognized as a bright orange lentil fritter that’s beautifully topped with shrimp or prawns. This is the ultimate local street food snack to have in Colombo.

While you’re there, you have to try the kakuluwo vade to go with it. A crunchy and savoury soft shell crab fritter that’s no less tasty and just as orange. Do yourself a favour and get a few of each.

The best place to enjoy this savoury street food? Galle Face Green just as the sun is setting.

Arrive before sundown and you’ll slowly see dozens of vendors setting up their isso vade carts. Tell the seller which ones you want and how many, and they’ll re-fry them up in hot oil for you. They’ll be served to you on paper, slathered with curry sauce and onions. You might need some extra napkins because these can get messy!

Isso vade are the perfect kind of snack to enjoy in the evening, surrounded by locals enjoying the sea breeze and taking in the gorgeous sun setting over the ocean. As one of the most famous foods in Colombo, this is a can’t miss experience.

Name: Galle Face Green Isso Vade Vendor
Address: Galle Face Green, Colombo, Sri Lanka
what3words: ///tadpoles.examiner.hostels
Price: Rs.100-250

Lamprais

Lamprais is a very traditional and authentic Sri Lankan recipe that you won’t find on just any restaurant’s menu. The recipe is quite labour intensive and first made by Burghers, descendants of Dutch colonials.

The dish involves a main meat and some flavourful accompanying sides. Lamprais usually consists of a combination of boiled eggs, eggplant, meat curry, frikkadels, seeni sambol and even a short eat or two, such as vade. The star of lamprais is by far the spiced rice. It’s boiled in a spiced stock that imparts incredible flavours of cinnamon, cardamon and other spices.

Everything that goes into the dish is first cooked separately. Finally, all the rice, curries and sides are wrapped together in a banana leaf and slowly baked.

No two recipes for lamprais are the same. So, each time you order from somewhere new, what you find inside will always be a pleasant surprise. It’s like unwrapping a delicious present every time!

Name: Green Cabin
Address: No 88 Chatham St, Colombo, Sri Lanka
what3words: ///inspects.enrolling.proudest
Price: Rs.930

Hot Butter Cuttlefish

Sri Lankan cuisine has evolved over the centuries, with influences from many different cultures over the years. As much of the rest of the world, it hasn’t escaped the rich inclusion of Chinese cuisine into its own.

One such flavourful Sri Lankan food born out of this fusion is hot butter cuttlefish (HBC). Oh yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like!

First, freshly prepared cuttlefish is seasoned, battered and deep fried. In the meantime, a Chinese inspired chilli paste infused with butter is cooked in a wok with shrimp paste. Last, the cuttlefish is thrown into the wok and tossed in the paste along with onion, carrots, chillies, and a decent helping of black sesame seeds. The result is a richly spicy dish, full of intense flavour and crispy cuttlefish goodness.

With Sri Lanka being an island country surrounded by ocean, there’s an abundance of seafood to be eaten and enjoyed. The use of cuttlefish in such a dish is a perfect example of the complexity and variety of Sri Lanka cuisine.

Name: House Vandervort
Address: 14 Windsor Ave, Colombo, Sri Lanka
what3words: ///politics.blackbird.isolating
Price: Rs.1,290

Falooda

Falooda is a popular dessert drink in Sri Lanka, and a very unique one at that! Sri Lankan rose syrup is layered with milk, ice cream, basil seeds, jelly, and sometimes even vermicelli.

The flavours sound interesting to say the least, but take our word for it, it’s tasty. Falooda is light and refreshing on a hot Sri Lankan day. Even the addition of basil seeds gives it a nice crunchy texture as you sip through the layers. The rose syrup does make it taste very floral, so if you aren’t someone who likes flowery flavours, this one may not be for you.

Name: Juice Station
Address: 258 Main Street, Colombo, Sri Lanka
what3words: ///yarn.finalists.fixture
Price: Rs.250

The incredible Sri Lankan food of Colombo

The variety of foods to eat in Colombo, Sri Lanka is out of this world. Take a walk along any street and you’ll uncover numerous places selling fresh cooked foods waiting to be tasted. As with any country, the best way to taste your way through Colombo is to wander and explore. Some of our best meals have been found when we were least expecting it.

Maybe you’ll even find a few hidden gems while heading to one of the places we’ve suggested. If so, make sure to let us know! We’re always on the lookout for tasty new spots selling the best Sri Lankan food.

We hope this list of the top 10 foods to eat in Colombo will get you going on your own food adventure around the city. Enjoy and happy eating!

The post Top 10 Sri Lankan Foods to Eat in Colombo appeared first on Hungry Two Travel.

The quality and value of the food, plus the traditional style of cooking, has even made Wong Mei Kee worthy of Bib Gourmand status in the Michelin Guide. As you can imagine, being invited to watch the entire preparation and cooking of these incredible pork dishes was a true honour. What’s more, is that despite Wong Sifu’s success, he’s remained humble and ever so welcoming.

If you’re looking to taste the best siu yuk in KL, then Wong Mei Kee’s crispy pork belly needs to be on your list of top foods to eat in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Our morning at Wong Mei Kee started a little before 9:00am, on the quiet, damp, humid streets of Pudu.

We were greeted at the front of the shop by a friendly lady, and announced that we were here to watch the full siu yuk and char siu preparation for the day. We’d been in contact with Wong Sifu days before in order to lock in this special opportunity.

We were sent down the side of the building and met by Wong Sifu’s grandsons. He’s been slowly guiding them over the last several years to take over the business. They do most of the preparation in the morning, and are met by Wong Sifu himself later in the day. The last stages of cooking are overseen by him, mind you. When it comes to chopping and serving the siu yuk, Wong Sifu is still the master.

This morning, his grandsons were beginning the process of preparing the massive slabs of skin-on pork belly, soon to be turned into the crispy roast pork. We could tell within the first two minutes of arriving that we were in for a treat today.

The crispiest pork belly starts with charcoal

Wong Sifu has a special set up in the alleyway behind the restaurant where he roasts all of his meat. It’s back here that Wong Mei Kee’s charcoal roast pork gets its name. There’s three 55-gallon charcoal fired barrels to roast the pork, and an extra-large barrel-like contraption for the roast chicken.

The slabs of pork belly are prepped, boiled and pounded

The first stage of preparation for the siu yuk is to boil the slabs of pork belly in water to begin the cooking process. Once boiled for several minutes, they’re taken out of the water, rubbed with coarse salt, and hammered with a meat mallet covered in two-inch-long spikes.

The pounding process is twofold. First, it penetrates the skin with salt. Second, it allows the skin to release moisture during cooking, thus causing it to dry out more easily. This final preparation stage really facilitates the extra crispiness of the skin, the ultimate desired outcome.

After this, it’s time to hang and cook the massive slabs of pork

On this day there were 14 huge slabs of pork belly to prepare. Wong Sifu uses only the best cuts of meat. High-quality skin-on pork belly, with distinct layers of skin, fat and meat are the finest.

After his grandson carefully placed meat hooks into the slabs of pork belly, they were hung inside the barrels. In the meantime, burning charcoal had been slowly added to the barrels to begin heating them up.

We watched intently as the pork belly was methodically hung off the inner sides of the drums, four slabs in each. By the time all the pork belly was dangling inside, the barrels had heated up nicely. The skin on the pork instantly started to sweat.

Within minutes the meat was roasting, giving off the most tantalizing aroma. We would have stood there for the next two hours, getting as many whiffs of the dripping pork as we possibly could, but more work was yet to be done.

Next up, the pork shoulder is cut and seasoned by hand

As the slabs of pork belly were happily roasting in the drums, it was time for the Chinese BBQ pork.

Wong Sifu’s grandson dumped out a massive pot full of the best cuts of fatty pork shoulder. He meticulously went through each of the long strips of meat, one by one, cutting off any unwanted parts.

The chosen pieces were added back into the pot and seasoned. Hoisin sauce, sugar, five spice powder, salt, a massive heap of freshly minced garlic, as well as a few other secret ingredients, were added to the pot for ultimate taste. Everything was stirred in together by hand. This ensured each piece of meat was evenly coated with the crimson red, sticky sauce.

As everything gets going, Wong Sifu arrives

It’s about this time that Wong Sifu arrived and took over the general overseeing of things. He met us in the alleyway behind Wong Mei Kee. We were hovering over the drums, of course, and greeted us with a beaming smile. This is a man who loves what he does.

Wong Sifu began his own siu yuk business when he was just 20 years old in 1982. Over the last four decades he’s been perfecting his method of cooking to create the best, crispiest, juiciest siu yuk in all of KL. During these 40 years, he’s made a name for himself. Wong Mei Kee is known as one of the best places to go to in KL for siu yuk, char siu, and roast chicken.

Wong Sifu went from drum to drum, checking on the siu yuk, rotating the slabs and adding extra charcoal as needed. The slabs of pork belly were now fully crisping up and starting to make our mouths water. This was truly starting to look like the best siu yuk in KL.

The pork belly finishes, so the BBQ pork begins

The pork belly finished cooking and was given the green light from Wong Sifu. The tender, juicy, insanely crispy slabs were taken out of the drums. The last stage of Wong Mei Kee’s charcoal roast pork is to scrape off any char that had built up on the bubbly, crispy skin to make sure it tastes perfect.

Now, it was time for the Chinese BBQ pork to take its rightful place in the drums. The amount of char siu was much less than the siu yuk, with three skewers of meat in total.

All three fit perfectly into one drum. It didn’t take long for the outside of the meat to begin to caramelize. Each piece slowly dripping with the sticky, gooey, crimson red sauce and mouth-watering fat.

Part way through the cooking process, Wong Sifu took the long strips of barbecue pork out of the drum and put them into a bath of honey barbecue pork sauce. The char siu was basted and doused with the thick, syrupy, garlicky sauce; the perfect balance between sweet and savoury.

Now freshly glazed, the strips of pork shoulder were put back into the drum for the final stage of cooking. The overall cooking time for the barbecue pork is only about 20 minutes, depending on the heat of the drum. It takes a proper master to monitor the heat and adjust the cooking time accordingly.  

Perfect meat requires constant attention

It was a busy place at the back of this humble shop. Wong Sifu went from drum to drum. He patiently waited for the perfect time to lift out whatever pieces of meat were left.

His grandsons were busy scraping off the last of the char from the roast pork belly skin. Each scrape revealing the heavenly crispy and salty crackling underneath. It’s a labour-intensive process, with 14 slabs of pork belly to tend to.

Wong Sifu, the master of Wong Mei Kee himself, made sure that all of the meat was ready to be taken to the front of the shop. His last quality check is the finishing touch. We knew what that meant, it was time to eat!

As hungry customers gather, this is what to expect

Restoran Wong Mei Kee opens at 12:30pm, with people starting to queue up at least an hour beforehand. By 1:00pm the restaurant will be so busy, there’ll be a queue out the door. By 2:00pm most days, everything is sold out; char siu, siu yuk, and the roast chicken are all gone.

It was 12:30pm. People had queued up and begun to order, pay and take different numbers for either dine-in or takeout.

Before long, every table was full.

The restaurant, packed to the gills.

Forks and spoons at the ready, as is customary in Malaysia, the excitement was palpable. Each table was full of hungry customers awaiting their share of the spoils. They’d heard about the best siu yuk in Kuala Lumpur and now they wanted their fix, too. Both new and returning customers alike, patiently waited for their order.

We were shown to our table, nestled near the front of the shop, in perfect view of all the action.

Prepared by others in the shop were the BBQ pork and roast chicken . Meanwhile, the crispy pork belly, the pièce de résistance, was sliced, chopped and portioned out by the master, Wong Sifu himself.

He prepared each slab by cutting off any unwanted areas of the meat, leaving only the highest quality pork belly behind. Next, two strips were placed beside each other and cut and chopped into each individual portion. At the same time, he made sure that each chunk of layered fat and meat had an accompanying piece of the crispiest pork skin to go with it.

It’s time to eat, starting with the siu yuk

Finally, our feast arrived.

By this time, we’d been a part of the process since 9:00am and we were absolutely famished. After watching the preparation and smelling the wonderful aroma of roasting meat for the past few hours, we were ready to taste what all the hype was about. We’d heard so much about Wong Sifu’s crispy roast pork being the best siu yuk in Kuala Lumpur that we just couldn’t wait!

We tucked straight into the siu yuk, Wong Mei Kee’s charcoal, crispy roast pork belly.

It was served in big bite sized chunks. Each piece with an equal amount of lean meat and streaks of melted fat running through, all topped off with a golden crackling piece of crispy pork skin.

The meat itself was extremely juicy, tender and just that bit salty. Our teeth sank right into it. Likewise, the fat was cooked to perfection. Buttery, rich and soft, it just melted in our mouths. The skin, oh my gosh, the skin! Crispy, salty, juicy, fatty, slightly greasy and satisfyingly crunchy, just how you want pork skin to be.

In particular, we could taste the smoky charcoal in every bite, adding a whole other dimension to the dish.

It was about this time that we realized we were eating the best siu yuk in KL. All the labour and hard work that went into creating this delicious cut of pork really shone through.

After the crispy pork is the char siu

The char siu was just as satisfying as the siu yuk.

The barbecue pork had the perfect ratio of meat to fat, making every bite extremely tender, succulent and oh so juicy. The outer layer was covered in the sticky, crimson red, honeyed barbecue pork sauce, now caramelized and gooey after roasting over the charcoal. A sweet and savoury flavour bomb exploded in our mouths after every bite.

Lastly, the roast chicken

Last but not least was the roast chicken. By this point in the meal, it was no surprise to us that the chicken was extremely tender and moist, just like the other meats.

This skin was just a little bit crispy from frying in the oil, giving it a nice texture and flavour. The sweet light sauce poured over top before serving added a hint of sweetness to the savoury meat. Everything led to an incredibly succulent plate of chicken.

An unforgettable day deserves big thanks

We finished every bite, not leaving a morsel behind.

Afterwards, we went up to Wong Sifu at the front of the shop, busy slicing, cutting, chopping and placing. We thanked him for having us and for showing us such incredible hospitality throughout the day. It was truly an unforgettable experience to be invited into his kitchen to witness the craft he’s been perfecting for the last 40 years.

It’s no wonder people line up every day to have a taste of what really is the best siu yuk in Kuala Lumpur.

The best siu yuk in KL is at Wong Mei Kee, Pudu

The unique street food in Malaysia never ceases to amaze us! After hours of preparation and cooking, Wong Sifu produces the best, insanely crispy siu yuk crispy pork belly and tender char siu Chinese BBQ pork in Kuala Lumpur. Melt in your mouth fat, tender meat and crispy pork skin, coupled with the gooey stickiness of the barbecue pork is just mind-blowing.

Wong Mei Kee Pudu is truly a must visit spot for the best roast pork in Kuala Lumpur.

Name: 王美記 Wong Mei Kee
Address: 30 Jalan Nyonya, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
what3words: ///taxi.tonight.slid
Price: RM28/strip

Check out the video below for our full experience at Wong Mei Kee, Pudu!

The post The Best Siu Yuk in KL is at Wong Mei Kee: The Ultimate Crispy Pork Belly appeared first on Hungry Two Travel.

Manila is a city that’s absolutely heaving with street food wherever you turn. Some of the most busy and bustling areas of the city, like Quiapo, can be hard to navigate.

This guide to the best street foods to eat in Quiapo will take you through the top seven most popular street foods in the neighbourhood, and where to find them. These are gonna have your mouth watering, so buckle up and let’s tuck in!

Lumpia

A nice light way to start your day off is with lumpia, a Filipino spring roll. Most commonly they’re deep fried and known as lumpia shanghai, but oh no no, not this kind of lumpia. These lumpia are fresh spring rolls.

The number one go to spot for these bad boys is at Globe Lumpia House. It all starts with a thin paper-like egg wrapper that’s slathered with a sweet brown sugar soy sauce and fiery fresh garlic. It’s packed full of lettuce, ubod (palm heart), carrots, peanuts and sprinkled with black pepper.

The delicious result is a delicate roll full of a savoury filling with the most intensely strong garlic flavour. The contrast of the soft sweet soy sauce with the crunchy veggies will make you happy you got at least two.

At Globe Lumpia House you purchase your lumpia as a single roll. Each one is made fresh to order, bursting with ingredients and served with an extra packet of sweet brown sauce for you to smother your lumpia with.

Name: Globe Lumpia House
Address: Zone 030, 740 Gonzalo Puyat St, Santa Cruz, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila
what3words: ///confirms.snap.wardrobe
Price: ₱35

Buko Sorbet

This cup full of insane deliciousness is buko sorbet. Creamy and full of huge chunks of fresh buko (coconut) meat, this is just what you need on a hot day.

You can’t beat the creaminess of coconut milk and the strong flavour of fresh coconut meat. Luckily, this sorbet is brimming with both. You’ll be practically chewing the ice cream for all the coconut meat that it’s packed with.

Keep your eyes peeled when you’re exploring the market for the buko sorbet man, because he’s on the move! You’ll find him pushing his ice cold sorbet through the market, making sure he gets to both the wandering shoppers and the busy vendors, each braving the heat.

We were lucky enough to run into him just as our mouths were craving something cold and oh so refreshing.

Name: Buko Serbet
what3words: ///traps.mutual.swipes
Price: ₱20

Kwek Kwek

One of the most popular on-the-go snacks here in the Philippines is kwek kwek, a bright orange, battered and deep-fried quail egg. This is one of the best street foods to eat in Quiapo because it’s both cheap and easy. You’ll find vendors selling kwek kwek in a number of different places.

The crispy batter surrounds the creamy rich quail egg, creating the perfect combination of textures. Once you’ve chosen a stick that you like, if it isn’t piping hot, you can ask the vendor to refry it for you to freshen it up. Definitely recommended.

You’ll put your hot skewer in a cup and pull your kwek kwek off, using your skewer as your eating utensil. This is when you’ll add in the sauces.

There’s a number of different ones to choose from, usually including vinegar with onion, a spicy sauce, and a sweet sauce.

Name: Kwek Kwek Cart
what3words: ///nearly.grumble.spoils
Price: ₱20

Sotanghon

Next up on our list of the best street foods to eat in Quiapo Market, Manila, is the popular Filipino food of sotanghon. This flavourful bowl of glass noodle soup is a must try Filipino street food in Quiapo.

The broth of the soup is light and red, packed with peppery, rich flavour from the fish sauce and annatto oil. The chewy and springy glass noodles soak up this garlicky broth, with an extra kick of freshness added in with the crunchy lettuce.

Have it as is, or add in a hard-boiled egg or pork belly for some extra fatty richness. We recommend going for both, the layers of pork belly fat and meat really kick it to the next level.

The best place to find sotanghon in Quiapo Market is at Rosa’s Pancitan – Famous Sotanghon. Tucked away along a busy side street, Rosa’s Pancitan is hard to miss. The massive pans of soup give the place away. Not to mention the queue of people waiting their turn to grab a fresh bowl of hot soup.

It’s a bit of a musical chairs situation here. Wait for a stool to open up around the action in the centre, pop yourself down and wait for your bowl of soup to be served in front of you.

Name: Rosa’s Pancitan – Famous Sotanghon
Address: 738 B, R. Hidalgo Street, Quiapo, 1001 Metro Manila
what3words: ///released.drive.woof
Price: ₱80

Lugaw

Something for the less faint of heart is lugaw, a Filipino rice porridge made with cow offal.

Depending on your level of adventurousness, you can get yourself a bowl full of porridge with both large and small intestine, and cow heart. If you’re not feeling quite at that level, you can choose to have a bowl of just the porridge, no offal required. Either way you choose, the result is a savoury, hearty porridge full of beefy goodness.

The congee-like rice soup is stewed with a number of spices such as chives, ginger, garlic and onion, infusing loads of flavour into this one bowl.

Once you’ve chosen your adventure of offal or not, more spices are added in. Green onion, chicharon (deep fried pork skin), fried garlic, chilli oil, black pepper, fish sauce and fresh calamansi all go on top.

Thick, hearty, savoury, soft and crunchy, this dish is full of interesting flavours and textures.

Eddie Wow Lugaw does this Filipino street food best. Right at the end of the main street leading from Quiapo Church is where you’ll find them. You can’t miss them cooking up their massive vat of lugaw on their street food cart.

Name: Eddie Wow Lugaw
Address: HXXJ+8VV, Paterno Gomez St, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila
what3words: ///minerals.forest.lighten
Price: ₱80 (with offal)

Pancit Palabok

Rich and sticky, pancit palabok is a flavourful rice noodle dish that’s a must try street food in Quiapo Market.

Thick rice noodles are sprinkled with crushed chicharon, spicy tofu, black squid ink adobo squid, fried garlic, egg, black pepper, green onion and huge pieces of freshly cooked chicharon. Everything is smothered in a super thick, rich, orange shrimp paste gravy.

Mix it up while you can! The thickness of the gravy only gets thicker, leading to a dish that’s practically a dry noodle. The richness of the sauce, strong garlicky flavour, chewiness of the squid, creaminess of the egg and crunchiness of the chicharon, oh my! This is a dish bursting with flavour and texture that you cannot miss.

On the far edge of Quiapo next to Quinta Fishport, you’ll find the best pancit palabok in Quiapo. Jolli Dada’s Eatery serves it up fresh and fast. When we visited, they were packed to the gills. Wait a few minutes though for a fellow customer to finish their noodles and you can park yourself on one of the stools. For the quality and price, they can’t be beat.

Name: Jolli Dada’s Eatery
Address: C. Palanca Street, corner, 1001 Quezon Blvd, Quiapo, Manila, Metro Manila
what3words: ///pulp.views.backpack
Price: ₱80

Halo-Halo

You can’t go exploring for the best street foods to eat in Quiapo Market without getting yourself a halo-halo. This dessert is extremely popular throughout all of the Philippines and is the perfect respite on a hot day.

Evaporated milk, ube jam, sweet brown and white beans, banana, leche flan, red tapioca, green jellies, and rice krispies are all set on top of a heaping ball of shaved ice.

Literally translating to ‘mix-mix’, all the ingredients of a halo-halo will be unique to each place you have one. Nevertheless, it’ll always have shaved ice and evaporated milk as the base, so it’s guaranteed to be cold and creamy!

Halo-halo is a must try street food to eat in Quiapo Market, originating around the Quinta Market area about 100 years ago. At Jolli Dada’s Eatery, they serve one in a massive bowl, so you can grab a cool dessert after your pancit palabok.

Name: Jolli Dada’s Eatery
Address: C. Palanca Street, corner, 1001 Quezon Blvd, Quiapo, Manila, Metro Manila
what3words: ///pulp.views.backpack
Price: ₱80

With so many incredible and popular Filipino street foods to find in the Quiapo Market, it’s hard to know where to begin your street food adventure!

As with any country, don’t be afraid to taste new things you’ve never seen before, or ask locals for recommendations. Filipinos are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet, and the locals in Quiapo are a wealth of information.

We hope this list of the seven best street foods to eat in Quiapo Market, Manila will get you going on your exploration of this vibrant neighbourhood.

Make sure to check out our video below tasting some of these popular Filipino foods on our Quiapo Market food tour!

The post Best Street Foods to Eat in Quiapo Market, Manila appeared first on Hungry Two Travel.

If you’re looking to add some incredibly yummy street food to your list of best foods to eat in Manila, then make sure these are at the top! Their kuchay (chive) dumplings are so delicious, they’ll have you fighting over the last one.

The historic district of Binondo

The Binondo neighbourhood of Manila is famed for being the oldest Chinatown in the world. Founded in 1594, this district has undergone many changes throughout the years. From small Chinese settlement to the centre of commerce and trade of Manila, one thing’s endured; the incredible street food that Binondo is known for.

The dumplings that originated in Dong Bei

About 20 years ago, a family moved from Dong Bei in northeastern China to Manila. In hopes of having a taste of home, they opened up a small shop selling what they knew how to make best, pork and chive dumplings.

Their plan was to have a small business sharing this local, traditional food with their community.

To their pleasant surprise, the chive and pork dumplings were a hit! Before long, their homemade and authentic dumplings became one of the most famous dumplings in Binondo.

Now, Dong Bei Dumpling is on every Manila street food tour and Binondo food trip list out there.

Full transparency of freshness

In China, it’s common for food to be made in the front of the shop, so that you can see the ingredients that are going into the food. Keeping with tradition, this is something Dong Bei Dumpling has implemented from the start. They make their dumplings by hand in a traditional way, fresh to order and with local ingredients.

How the best dumplings in Binondo are made

It all starts with a mixture of pork, onion and plenty of chives (kuchay). This is then generously packed inside a piece of circular, thin dough and sealed along one edge. The now chubby dumplings are immediately dropped into boiling water and left until they float to the top. With dumplings this fresh, they only take a few minutes to cook.

The secret, however, is adding in the pork mixture raw. This allows the meat to cook as it boils, releasing flavourful juices that are trapped inside the skin. The result is a dumpling so tasty and juicy, it practically melts in your mouth! If you’ve ever had a soup dumpling, you know what we’re talking about.

It’s time to eat, here comes the sauce

The dumplings are served with a delicious homemade sauce of garlic, vinegar and soy sauce. For those of you with taste buds that need an added kick, there’s also homemade chilli sauce on the side to bang them up a notch. Speaking from experience, you won’t need much of this to spice up your dumplings!

At the time of writing, there’s no area inside the shop to sit and eat. So, the best way to enjoy your dumplings is right there on the street.

What makes Dong Bei dumplings so special?

What has set Dong Bei Dumpling apart from competition over the years, is that the dumplings are made fresh to order with quality ingredients. Because of this, the dumpling is more delicate, the skin lighter and the meat juicier. Not to mention they’ve stuck to the same simple, delicious, authentic recipe that’s brought their customers back over and over again.

How to get there

Dong Bei Dumpling is located in the Binondo, Chinatown area of Manila, west of the Estero de la Reina. If you’re arriving from the east of Binondo, once you find Ongpin Street you’ll be at the heart of the neighbourhood.

Following Ongpin Street west across the Estero de la Reina bridge, you’ll come across Yuchengco Street, right after the ‘Shoppers’ Mart’ grocery store. Turn right on Yuchengco Street and follow the road almost to the end. Here, on the right, you’ll find Dong Bei Dumpling.

There’s no big fancy sign on the top of the shop, however, just a sign in the window as you walk by. This little establishment has kept itself humble despite its fame over the years, so if you don’t pay attention, you might walk right past it! Luckily, there will most likely be other hungry pedestrians looking for their dumpling fix, so follow the line of ravenous customers.

The best dumplings in Binondo

Eating at Dong Bei Dumpling is a must if you’re in the Binondo neighbourhood of Manila. No food trip in the city is complete without them. From the freshness of each dumpling to the quality ingredients used to make them, this is a place you can’t miss.

Name: Dong Bei Dumpling
Address: 642 Yuchengco St, Binondo, Manila, Metro Manila
what3words: ///gossip.sugars.outdoor
Price: ₱200/order (14 dumplings)

The post Dong Bei Dumpling: the Best Dumplings in Binondo, Manila appeared first on Hungry Two Travel.

Moroccan snail soup, good for the body

Babbouche snails are served in a bowl with a spiced broth made up of over 12 spices. Amongst them you’ll find licorice root, aniseed, thyme, chilli, lavender, mustard seed, bitter orange peel and tea leaves.

Not just tasty but also healthy, these spices are very good for the body. You’ll never forget this mind you, as the vendor will love to remind you of all the healing powers of this herbal soup.

A steaming bowl of spiced snails

Once you’ve been served your bowl of fresh Moroccan snail soup with an extra side of broth, you’ll be ready to eat.

This is the fun part.

You’ll be given a toothpick as your eating utensil. Its purpose?

To pluck your snails out with it, of course!

It’s by far the easiest way to eat them, and becomes a bit of game to see who has the largest snail.

Each meaty snail is washed down with a large gulp of spiced broth. Moroccan snail soup is perfectly balanced, with a nice warm after-burn from the ginger.

Where to find babbouche in Morocco

Moroccan snail soup is commonly found in the medinas of Morocco. In Fes, the maze of alleyways that is the medina will have a few babbouche stalls around. These are unmistakable by the huge nets of snails hanging on the wall behind them.

The stall we visited is not far from the main entrance to the medina. Lucky for you, whether you happen to arrive or leave this way, you’ll be able to get a taste of these local spiced snails.

Name: Babbouche Snail Cart
Address: Fès Médina
what3words: ///starting.jams.task
Price: 20Dhs

The post Are You Brave Enough for Babbouche, Moroccan Snail Soup? appeared first on Hungry Two Travel.