Hidden Street Food Gems: Underrated Dishes You Need to Try

When you think of street food, the usual suspects like tacos, kebabs, and dumplings probably come to mind. However, the world is filled with hidden street food gems that many travellers overlook. These underrated dishes offer a taste of local culture and showcase unique, bold flavours that you won’t find in mainstream tourist hotspots.

In this guide, we’ll explore nine hidden street food dishes worldwide. From African grills to Asian treats, you’ll find global eats with rich histories and delicious flavours—ideal for adventurous food lovers looking for something new.

1. Ugandan Rolex (Uganda)

Ugandan Rolex has nothing to do with luxury watches—it’s actually a popular street food snack made of an omelette rolled in chapati (flatbread). “Rolex” is a play on the phrase “rolled eggs.”

What Makes It Special?

The chapati sizzles on the grill, transforming into a crispy delight. Meanwhile, the omelette, a symphony of seasoned onions, vibrant tomatoes, and earthy cabbage, comes together for a savoury feast. This delectable duo is a beloved choice for a quick breakfast or lunch among the locals, fueling their day with deliciousness.

Where to Find It

The best Rolex vendors are in Kampala, Uganda, especially in local markets. Street carts serve them fresh and hot, often with extra spicy sauce.

2. Vada Pav (India)

While samosas and pakoras get all the attention, Vada Pav is a hidden gem in India’s street food. This dish, called the “Indian burger,” features a deep-fried potato dumpling (vada) in a bun (pav) with chutney.

What Makes It Special?

The vada is seasoned with mustard seeds, garlic, and green chillies, creating a spicy kick. Served with spicy and tangy chutneys, it’s a flavour explosion.

Where to Find It

Mumbai is the birthplace of Vada Pav, but it can be found in street stalls across Maharashtra. Vendors often serve it with fried green chilli on the side.

3. Arepa de Huevo (Colombia)

Arepa de Huevo is a Colombian speciality—a cornmeal patty stuffed with an egg and deep-fried to perfection. This dish is a popular breakfast street snack along Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

What Makes It Special?

The arepa is crispy on the outside and soft, and eggy in the center. It’s often enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt and hot sauce.

Where to Find It

Cartagena and Barranquilla have some of the best street vendors selling Arepa de Huevo. Look for carts with golden, crispy arepas frying in hot oil.

4. Choripán (Argentina)

Choripán is Argentina’s beloved street food, but it’s often overshadowed by its famous steaks. This chorizo sausage sandwich is simple yet packed with flavour.

What Makes It Special?

The sausage is grilled until slightly crispy, then served in a crusty baguette. Topped with chimichurri sauce, made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil.

Where to Find It

Buenos Aires and Córdoba have choripán vendors at nearly every street corner. Often sold at football stadiums as a game-day snack.

5. Takoyaki (Japan)

While ramen and sushi dominate Japanese cuisine, Takoyaki is a lesser-known street food delicacy. These octopus-filled dough balls are a popular snack in Osaka.

What Makes It Special?

The batter is made from flour, eggs, and dashi stock, creating a light and fluffy texture. Filled with diced octopus, pickled ginger, and green onions. Topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.

Where to Find It

Osaka’s Dotonbori district is famous for its Takoyaki stalls. You’ll also find vendors at Japanese festivals and markets.

6. Baleada (Honduras)

Baleada is a Honduran street food staple that combines a thick flour tortilla with refried beans, cheese, and cream. It’s often enjoyed as a quick breakfast or snack.

What Makes It Special?

The tortilla is soft and slightly chewy, offering a comforting texture. The combination of salty cheese, creamy beans, and tangy crema creates a balanced flavour.

Where to Find It

In Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, street vendors sell Baleadas in abundance. You’ll find them served with avocado or scrambled eggs for extra richness.

7. Bosnian Ćevapi (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Ćevapi are small, grilled minced meat sausages, typically made from beef or lamb. They are served in a soft flatbread with onions and sour cream.

What Makes It Special?

The meat is juicy and smoky, thanks to its seasoning and grilling method. Served with ajvar (pepper relish) for added depth of flavor.

Where to Find It

Sarajevo and Mostar have some of the best street food vendors selling Ćevapi. Look for stalls with smoky grills and long queues—a sign of authenticity.

8. Poffertjes (Netherlands)

Poffertjes are mini Dutch pancakes that are light, fluffy, and sweet. These bite-sized treats are a favourite at Dutch street markets.

What Makes It Special?

Made from a yeast-based batter, giving them a light texture. Served with butter and powdered sugar.

Where to Find It

Amsterdam’s Albert Cuyp Market is famous for its poffertjes vendors. Also found at Dutch festivals and fairs.

Conclusion: Discover the World Through Hidden Street Food

Finding hidden street food gems presents unique and authentic flavours from all over. Sample the crispy Arepa de Huevo from Colombia or the savoury Ugandan Rolex. Typical local dishes are an authentic flavour of the culture.

When you’re travelling next, do yourself a favour, skip the famous food stalls, and search for these underrated street foods.
Or, even better, attempt to replicate them in your kitchen so you can taste their true flavours whenever you want.