This Trick Never Fails for Finding the Best Street Food

Street food is one of life’s great joys. Whether you’re wandering through a bustling night market in Bangkok, a train station in Mexico City, or just a busy corner in New York, there’s something magical about food sizzling on a cart, eaten standing up, and costing less than your morning latte.

But here’s the problem: when you’re hungry, jet-lagged, and surrounded by ten different sizzling grills—how do you know which vendor is worth it?

Here’s the first thing to look for: the line.

It’s simple, almost too simple, but trust me—it’s some of the best street food advice Anthony Bourdain ever gave. Locals don’t waste time queuing for food that’s mediocre or slow. If you see office workers grabbing lunch, families corralling kids, or grandmas patiently waiting with exact change in hand, you’ve found the good stuff. A long line means two things: people love it, and the food isn’t sitting around—it’s being cooked and sold on repeat. Freshness guaranteed.

But—don’t be fooled by the wrong line. If the crowd is mostly tourists with cameras dangling from their necks and matching sun hats? That’s not necessarily a great sign. Tourists will wait for anything with a pretty sign or a “Top 10 Street Eats” mention. Locals are the gold standard.

Beyond the Line: Extra Clues to Spot the Real Deal

• Menus matter. A laminated menu in English isn’t always bad, but if it’s only in English, the stall might be catering to travelers rather than locals. A menu in the local language, with maybe a translation or two, is usually a better bet.

• Watch the grill. Food flying off the flat top, trays being filled and refilled, and cooks moving fast without stacks of dishes backing up? That’s the sign of high turnover and food that hasn’t been sitting around getting sad.

• Trust your eyes. Does the meat look freshly cooked, not just parked out on a counter? Is the vendor handling food and cash with the same hand? (Big red flag if yes.)

• Time of day matters. Breakfast stalls might pack up by noon, and after-work vendors may only appear once the sun drops. Crowds ebb and flow—follow them.

A Quick Word on Safety

(Because Nobody Wants to Spend Vacation in a Hotel Bathroom)

Street food is usually safe if you use common sense, but there are some things to consider. Pre-cut fruit, ice, or rinsed veggies can be iffy in certain countries—do a little research before you dive in. When in doubt, go hot and cooked-to-order. Your gut instinct is usually right (and worth listening to).

Bottom Line

The line is your best friend. If the locals are waiting for it, it’s probably delicious. Add in a quick scan for freshness, turnover, and clean handling, and you’ve got yourself a street food jackpot. And honestly? Even if you gamble and get it wrong once in a while, the wins are so, so worth it.