Street food: regional and original

Street food: regional and... original 

Street food is something more than just fast food. Don't knock it 'till you try it – this is how local food shows off its culinary identity!  Some people confuse street food with fast food. Others associate it with poor quality products and questionable hygienic conditions. However, the growing number of food truck parks or night markets shows that street food has established itself as a force to reckon with in the global food service market. 

• The immense popularity of street food began along with globalization. Almost every region boasts unique specialties and snacks. What for locals is a quick and cheap way to fill their bellies, for visitors becomes an inexpensive addition to their culinary adventure. 
• Here are some unique delicacies sold around the world: 
• Japanese wasp crackers – served with coffee or tea. The wasps are said to taste similar to raisins, though with a slightly bitter and sour twist. We haven't checked. 
• Canadian poutine – an artery-clogging mixture of cheese curds, gravy and French fries. It originated in Quebec, from where it has spread to most of Canada. 

• American fried rattlesnake – it is said to taste like chicken and can be found in the southwestern part of the United States, mainly in Arizona.  
• English winkles – small sea snails, boiled and served with salt and vinegar. 
• Scottish haggis – a mixture of minced sheep organs (heart, liver, lungs) with onions, oatmeal, tallow and salt. It is most often served with turnips and potatoes, with whiskey used as a chaser, if needed. 
• South Korean beondegs – these cooked silkworm pupae served in small bowls, or on a skewer top the charts of street food in South Korea. Although they are a ready-made street dish, you can also buy them in local grocery stores. 
• Polish zapiekanka – called “the Polish pizza” is baguette halves toasted with cheese, mushrooms and various toppings.