The Food Truck and Street Food Cookbook

An ordinary definition of the term "street food" is a food prepared by a vendor and sold from an open-air stand, cart, truck, or perhaps a market stall. The food served is usually in the fast and snack food categories; that is, prepared quickly from pre-made ingredients and served in timely fashion. Street food is also usually eaten out of hand, meant to be consumed on the spot or while walking.

Street food has broader definitions and meanings than simply snacks eaten by people on the move. Street food is commercial because it is made by individual entrepreneurs and sold to customers. It is food that belongs to cities and towns, anywhere where people gather for business or even recreation. Therefore, the places where these foods are served can include not only streets, but also open air and enclosed markets where individuals vend wares. The small stands in Mexico's food markets, called fondas, are examples. Other venues include amusement areas such as carnivals, fairs, and boardwalks, and athletic events, bus and train stations, and schools.

World's Best Cities for Street Food

1. Bangkok, Thailand

2. Singapore

3. Penang, Malaysia

4. Marrakech, Morocco

5. Palermo, Sicily

6. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7. Istanbul, Turkey

8. Mexico City, Mexico

9. Brussels, Belgium

10. Ambergris Caye, Belize (beachside ceviche)