Vegan food has stepped out of the health store and onto the streets of the world, sizzling in woks, wrapped in newspaper, and served hot from carts and stalls. Whether you’re a full-time vegan or just craving a flavor-packed snack, street food is where plant-based cuisine truly shines—bold, creative, and always satisfying.
At Spicy Scoop, we’ve rounded up 10 incredible vegan street foods from around the world that prove plant-based eating is anything but boring. Ready to snack your way across continents? Let’s dig in.
🇹🇭 Grilled Corn with Coconut Milk – Thailand
What it is:
Sweet corn grilled over open flames and slathered with a salty-sweet coconut milk glaze.
Why it slaps:
Simple, smoky, creamy—and a total Thai street food staple. It’s sweet and savory, with just the right amount of char.
Where to try: Bangkok night markets.
🇻🇳 Bánh Mì Chay – Vietnam
What it is:
A crusty baguette loaded with pickled veggies, tofu, fresh herbs, and spicy vegan mayo or hoisin sauce.
Why it slaps:
Vietnamese street food perfection in sandwich form. Crunchy, spicy, umami-packed, and portable.
Where to try: Ho Chi Minh City or your local Vietnamese deli.
🇮🇳 Bhel Puri – India
What it is:
A crunchy, spicy, and tangy mix of puffed rice, vegetables, tamarind chutney, and sev (crispy chickpea noodles).
Why it slaps:
It’s the ultimate Indian chaat—refreshing, flavorful, and 100% vegan by default. A burst of textures and flavors in every bite.
Where to try: Mumbai beaches or your local Indian street food joint.
🇪🇹 Sambusas – Ethiopia
What it is:
Golden, crispy triangular pastries filled with lentils, spiced potatoes, or sautéed greens.
Why it slaps:
Like samosas with a twist—bold spices, vegan fillings, and perfect for munching on the go.
Where to try: Addis Ababa markets or Ethiopian cafés.
🇲🇽 Esquites (Vegan Style) – Mexico
What it is:
Steamed or grilled corn kernels served in a cup with lime, chili, and vegan mayo or avocado crema.
Why it slaps:
Creamy, spicy, citrusy street corn you eat with a spoon? Yes, please. Totally craveable and customizable.
Where to try: Mexico City or modern vegan Mexican food trucks.
🇰🇷 Tteokbokki (Vegan Version) – South Korea
What it is:
Chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy, slightly sweet gochujang (chili paste) sauce.
Why it slaps:
Sticky, spicy, addictive. Traditionally fish sauce is used, but the vegan versions bring the same fiery kick—without the fish.
Where to try: Seoul street stalls or Korean vegan pop-ups.
🇯🇲 Callaloo Patties – Jamaica
What it is:
Flaky golden pastry filled with seasoned callaloo (leafy greens) and spices.
Why it slaps:
Hearty, herby, and filling—these patties are a tropical twist on savory pastries.
Where to try: Kingston roadside bakeries or Caribbean food festivals.
🇹🇷 Cig Köfte – Turkey
What it is:
A raw vegan dish made from bulgur wheat, tomato paste, and spices, shaped into finger-sized bites.
Why it slaps:
Spicy, zesty, and traditionally vegan. Wrapped in lettuce or flatbread and topped with lemon—it’s a street-side sensation.
Where to try: Istanbul or Turkish vegan eateries.
🇳🇬 Akara – Nigeria
What it is:
Deep-fried bean cakes made from black-eyed peas, onions, and chili.
Why it slaps:
Crispy outside, soft inside, and incredibly flavorful. Breakfast food, snack food, street food—Akara is all of it.
Where to try: Lagos streets or West African food trucks.
🇮🇩 Tempeh Skewers – Indonesia
What it is:
Fermented soybean cakes marinated in sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), grilled, and served on sticks.
Why it slaps:
Tempeh is rich in protein and full of umami—grilled on open flames and served with peanut sauce? Game over.
Where to try: Bali food markets or Southeast Asian food fairs.
🌍 Flavor Without Boundaries
These plant-based street foods are more than just meatless meals—they’re proof that vegan food can be bold, fun, and packed with personality. Each dish carries the soul of its culture, made to be eaten hot, fast, and with joy.
🌶 Craving More Global Vegan Flavor?
Explore our full Plant-Based Street Eats Collection for more global vegan delights, recipes, and street food inspo you can cook at home.
Tried one of these delicious bites on your travels (or at home)?
📸 Share it with us on Instagram @spicyscoop.shop and tag it with #SpicyVeganEats to be featured!
Eat Bold,
The Spicy Scoop Team
