STREET EATS & GLOBAL TREATS
This month, we’re hitting the streets—culinarily speaking! From the food carts of Portland to Sicilian Arancini and Japanese Karaage, street food is the heart and soul of global cuisine. We’ll explore top destinations for street food lovers, the best street food restaurants in Chicagoland, and easy recipes to bring those bold flavors to your own kitchen.
For globe-trotting food lovers, some of the best meals aren’t found in fine dining restaurants but in lively markets and bustling streets. Here are some destinations famed for their unique street food experiences.
Known as the nation’s Gastronomic Capital, Lyon, France offers a sophisticated take on street food. Les Halle de Lyon Paul Bocuse is a landmark food market with butchers, produce vendors, bakeries, wine merchants, and restaurants. Be sure to try local specialties like Quenelles, a savory dumpling, often served with Sauce Nantua—a mixture of Béchamel and crayfish butter.
The streets of Palermo, Sicily are filled with sights and tastes rooted in the island’s long history. Established centuries ago, when the island was ruled by the Moors, the colorful Mercato del Capo evokes a North African souk. Be sure to try Arancini (stuffed rice balls), Sfincione (Sicilian-style pizza) and
Panelle (chickpea fritters).
Boasting more than 500 food trucks, Portland, Oregon is the food cart capital of the U.S. Gathered in permanent “pods” all around the city with names like Cartopia and Piedmont Station, you can sample a world of flavors from Thai and Egyptian to Hawaiian and Mediterranean.
Kyoto, Japan is renowned for its elegant, multi-course Kaiseki dining, but the country’s ancient capital also boasts bustling street markets. With 400 years of history, Nishiki Market offers a kaleidoscopic array of foods including local specialties like Dashimaki, a rolled omelet, and Yuba, the delicate “skin” that forms atop simmering soy milk.
You don’t have to wait for Chicago’s summer festivals to enjoy your favorite street foods. Here are some you can make at home with a few simple ingredients.
Craving something sweet? Try Deep-Fried Candy Bars. Just coat your favorite chocolate bar in pancake batter and fry until golden—crispy outside, melty inside, pure indulgence. Funnel Cakes are another easy win. A simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, and sugar is drizzled through a funnel into hot oil, creating crispy, golden swirls that are best dusted with powdered sugar and maybe some cinnamon.
For a savory fix, Elote (Mexican street corn) is an easy treat. Grill corn on the cob, then slather it with lime, mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder. And of course, who doesn’t love a good Corn Dog? Dip hot dogs in a thick cornmeal batter, fry until golden, and serve with mustard or ketchup.
Soft Pretzels are another street food favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make. A quick dough, a baking soda bath for chewiness, and a sprinkle of salt create a warm, golden snack—perfect for dipping in your favorite mustard or cheese sauce.
You don’t need a passport to savor global street foods! Head to one of these local joints to sample street eats from around the world.
LaShuk Street Food: Inside the Sterling Food Hall, chef Yosi Alhadif brings the bold flavors of Tel Aviv to downtown Chicago. Hummus bowls, chicken shawarma, and grilled lamb kabobs are customer favorites.
Pinoy Grill: Savor authentic Filipino comfort food at this Arlington Heights eatery. Street food favorites like marinated pork or chicken skewers complement a large menu including shareable family meals and refreshing shaved-ice desserts.
Sfera Sicilian Street Food: Traditional risotto balls (Arancini) and Sicilian thick-crust pizza (Sfincione) are featured along with sandwiches and salads at this Edgewater restaurant.
Tomo Japanese Street Food: Popular street eats at this Evanston spot include Takoyaki (octopus balls) and Karaage (fried chicken) along with a full menu of Japanese favorites including ramen, donburi rice bowls, and barbecue.
The Tamale Guy: Chicago street food legend, Claudio Velez now has a brick-and-mortar kitchen where you can pick up fresh tamales. You can even have Claudio come to your next special event with his signature, red cooler. His tamales are also on the menu at local bars like Quality Time in Logan Square.
The name Arancini comes from arancia, the Italian word for orange—as the round shape and golden color of these crispy rice balls resemble the fruit. Now a beloved street food found across Sicily, their origins date back to the 10th century, during Arab rule, when rice was introduced to the island and residents began serving saffron-infused rice with meat and vegetables.
In the 12th century, according to legend, the dish evolved into a portable snack when Emperor Frederick II wanted to enjoy his rice on a hunting trip. The classic version with its meat-sauce stuffing emerged in the 1700’s with the introduction of tomatoes from the New World.
Over time, different regions of Sicily developed their own versions—some round, some cone-shaped, with fillings ranging from the traditional Arancini al Ragù to Arancini al Burro, filled with ham, cheese, and Béchamel sauce.
