2019's Top Destinations for Street Food Around the World

Food can sometimes be the main event for travelers, and some of the most memorable experiences are from that hole-in-the-wall, authentic eatery that still makes your mouth water. My Late Deals recently released their 2019 list of Street Food cities-each ranked by the number of street food vendors, affordability, street food tours/experiences and sanitation. The main takeaway here is street food should not be missed when visiting one of these cities.

Coming in at the top spot is Hong Kong. Find local favorites like curry fish balls that seem to be offered at almost every stall, stinky tofu-which after you get past the funky smell are actually really delicious-and a wide variety of dim sum. Looking for something sweeter? Try an Eggette, which resembles a bubble waffle but made of an egg batter and often found flavored in chocolate or green tea.

Bangkok is famed as a food lover's paradise, offering cheap eats and delicious finds throughout the city. Pad Thai is a must, along with dried deep-fried pork and popular soup Tom Yum Goong.

Vietnamese food has seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years with Pho shops popping up in strip malls across the U.S. and variations of Banh mi sandwiches being added to menus. Therefore, it's no surprise that Ho Chi Minh is a popular foodie destination, especially with Asian tourism on the rise. Walk the streets of this fast-paced city and find delicious vegetarian dishes, a slew of rice noodle meals, Vietnamese pizza-made on a base of grilled rice paper-and fermented shrimp, which seems to be offered with almost everything.

Just be warned, you will be dreaming about the food at the hawker centers, similar to a mall food court, years after your visit to Singapore. The city is made up of mostly Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures, resulting in eateries that focus on each of these cuisines. Try chocolate naan, Hainanese chicken rice or splurge for the chili crab. Don't forget to wash it all down with a local brew like Tiger Beer.

From delicious chutneys to a mix of curries, Mumbai is a food haven. Vegetarians rejoice as many of the popular choices don't even include meat. Filled with aromatic spices and bold flavors, these street food stalls will start calling to you as soon as you get within smelling distance. Try Aloo Bonda, a potato mash that is deep-fried and served with sauces, or get your fill of Ragda Pattice, a chickpea curry served alongside deep-fried mashed potatoes. For those craving a meat dish, try Baida Roti, a fried pocket of chicken or mutton with eggs and onions.

Rome is on the offense trying to protect its city from fast food giants and over-tourism. As tempted as you may be to get that perfect selfie of you eating gelato by the Trevi Fountain, don't-you could be fined. Even with these new measures, street food in Rome is still a can't miss treat, including the obvious pizza, pasta and gelato. But also make sure to try the cured meats and favorite desserts like tiramisu and maritozzo.

Israeli food is fast becoming a personal favorite-the fresh flavors and bold spices just leave you satisfied and refreshed. And how can you beat anything served in or with a fresh, hot pita? Falafel, hummus and Israeli salad are all certainties when visiting Tel Aviv, but fried samosas, shawarma and kebabs also need to be on your list.

Sydney is a melting pot of cultures, so don't be surprised to find an influx of Asian and Indian food stalls located throughout the city. Bibimbap, curries and spring rolls can all be found throughout the city, as well as more traditional tastes like barbeque, pigs in a blanket and the famous meat pies, a handheld meal stuffed with savory fillings.

Street food in Mexico City is an absolute must. It may be tempting to fill up on all the street tacos you can find, but make sure to save some room for tortas, traditional Mexican sandwiches made in countless variations; elotes, street corn topped with cheese, chili powder and fresh lime; and birria, a meat stew that is very filling and satisfying.

Portland may seem like a bit of an under-the-radar spot, but it's growing popularity won't let it stay like that for long. A foodie's dream, it's hard to walk two blocks without seeing a place that leaves your mouth watering. Food trucks are located throughout the city and don't be surprised to find a parking lot full of them. Visitors will find dishes from Egypt, traditional barbeque, fried chicken, and Korean-infused flavors all at one sitting. And although it may be in a brick-and-mortar facade, Pip's Original Donuts is definitely worth a visit for their freshly fried nuggets of flavor.

Enjoy majestic temples, millennia-old festivals and some of the most scrumptious street food in Seoul, Korea. Fish cakes, stuffed pancakes and anything you can imagine on a skewer seem to be in abundance. Check out the Gwangjang Market-one of the city's oldest markets and an easy one-stop-shop for trying all the local favorites.

Beijing is a must, especially for those travelers wishing to visit the Great Wall of China. But you'll also find some really great street food here as well. Get past the more exotic novelties like scorpions and fried insects-or dare your travel partners to try these foodie delicacies-and head for the more traditional dumplings and skewered kebabs. If you're traveling to the city during the winter, be on the lookout for candied fruit, or tanghulu.

Berlin may not be the first place you think of when it comes to street food, but with so many Spatis or convenience shops, it really should be. Settle in for a hearty helping of bratwursts, doner kebabs, falafel and currywurst, or curry-flavored brats. Pair with your favorite Biergarten and you'll never want to leave.

Oh, the City of Lights! Food is a serious matter in France, so it's no surprise that their street food is something you'll crave long after you've made your way back home. From sweet or savory crepes to a wide variety of fresh sandwiches and an assortment of impeccable desserts, Paris will have you falling in love with their quick eats.

Is there anything more enticing than the smell of meat slow roasting or baked goods just being pulled from the oven? Just walking the streets of Istanbul you'll be sure to find savory smells and delicious eats from market stalls and carts. Try simit, a breakfast bread covered in sesame seeds; an Islak burger, covered in sauce and served on a hearty roll; or a doner, thinly sliced, roasted meats normally served as a sandwich.

This Sicilian city is filled with snackable treats that will have you wanting to skip meals in exchange for your favorite street vendors. The fresh ingredients send these simple dishes over the top. Arancini, or fried rice balls, is a must, as well as the local favorite Panino con le Panelle, fried chickpea fritters served on a sandwich. But the Pezzi de Rosticceria, filled brioche buns that come with a variety of fillings, may just take the cake.

This Malaysian city could arguably be one of the culinary capitals in Asia, with a mix of cultures like Indian, Sri Lankan, Chinese and Malaysian, which you'll find reflected in their food. Char Koay Teow, or flat noodles with bean sprouts and protein, is a city favorite that you'll see at almost every food stall. Assam laksa is another favorite. With fresh seafood so readily available, this fish soup is the perfect marriage of noodles and brothy goodness with just the right tanginess.

Tokyo can sometimes seem overwhelming with its millions of inhabitants, bright lights and go-go-go attitude, but it's this fast-paced lifestyle that has really made the quick-service street food a favorite. From yakitori to taiyaki to a filling dish of yakisoba, Japanese street food is full of flavor and doesn't skimp on the fresh ingredients.

There's more to New Orleans than just Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. For instance, the rich cultural influence that has given New Orleans food so much flavor. With quick bites that are often hard to find in other areas of the country, the food of the area should be a highlight for any trip to The Big Easy. Of course, beignets and chicory coffee are a must, but you should also get your fill of muffalettas, po-boys and chargrilled oysters during your stay.

Malaysian city Kuala Lumpur once again appears on the list for best street food, showing that the mix of cultures in the area and focus on food has really elevated street food in this region. Don't be afraid to try the Hokkien mee, a dark-colored, stir-fried noodle dish that is sure to satisfy. And don't be surprised if your curries are served on a banana leaf.