The charm of travel often lies not in fine dining but in the local flavors hidden in alleyways and streets—these authentic tastes truly represent a city's soul. The UK magazine 'Time Out' has just released its 'Best Street Food Cities 2026' ranking, based on evaluations from 24,000 people worldwide, assessing the quality, affordability, and overall dining experience of street food. Taipei, Taiwan, claimed third place globally thanks to its iconic night market culture, while Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, took the top spot.

Global Best Street Food Cities Top 10

According to 'Time Out’s' results, the top 10 cities and their approval ratings are:

- 1st: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (63%) - 2nd: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (62%) - 3rd (tie): Taipei, Taiwan / Jakarta, Indonesia (59%) - 5th (tie): Mexico City, Mexico / Manila, Philippines (58%) - 7th: Hanoi, Vietnam (57%) - 8th (tie): Johannesburg, South Africa / Bangkok, Thailand (56%) - 10th: Mumbai, India (55%)

Top 5 Cities and Their Local Food Highlights

### 1. Champion: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (63%)

While Ho Chi Minh City boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, it's the everyday street food that truly captivates global food lovers. Tourists can sit on small plastic stools by the roadside and enjoy a steaming bowl of pho or a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside Vietnamese baguette, experiencing the city’s most authentic culinary culture.

User reviews highlight: 'Must-try foods include pho, banh mi, seafood, and Vietnamese coffee,' 'Don’t miss the massage!' 'Check out the old colonial cafes in District 3 and the book street locals love—great for photos away from crowds,' 'Vietnamese pork rib rice is a must—paired with iced coffee, it’s unbeatable,' 'Try unique snacks like salted egg coffee and shrimp omelet,' 'Great shopping—buy clothes, jackets, and pants for just over 1,000 TWD for three items,' 'After a day of sightseeing and打卡, your shoulders get stiff—treat yourself to a Vietnamese royal head spa for full relaxation,' 'The key to enjoying Ho Chi Minh City: stuff your stomach and fill your suitcase to the brim,' 'Always bargain at markets—dropping prices to 30% of the original is totally acceptable.'

### 2. Runner-up: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (62%)

Kuala Lumpur is best known for its 'Jalan Alor' night food stalls, a bustling open-air food street filled with aromatic grilled satay, freshly roasted fish, and stir-fried kway teow, drawing large crowds of international tourists.

### 3. Third Place: Taipei, Taiwan & Jakarta, Indonesia (59%)

#### Taipei, Taiwan:

Taipei earned high marks for its internationally renowned night market culture. Popular spots like Shilin Night Market allow visitors to sample local specialties such as oyster omelets and stinky tofu. 'Time Out' emphasized that Taipei’s night markets are more than just food venues—they symbolize local life. The vibrant stalls, street aromas, and the experience of queuing alongside locals create profound travel memories.

#### Jakarta, Indonesia:

Jakarta is famous for its lively roadside food stalls. Everyday local dishes like nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) and gado-gado (peanut sauce vegetable salad) are beloved by travelers.

### 5. Fifth Place: Mexico City, Mexico (58%)

Mexico City is renowned for its unique street tacos, especially the 'taco al pastor'—tacos made with meat sliced from a rotating spit—considered one of the city’s most iconic culinary traditions.

For modern travelers, exploring local markets, night markets, and street vendors to experience everyday life through affordable snacks has become a key measure of a city’s appeal. Taipei’s night markets once again shining on the global stage reaffirms the enduring charm of Taiwan’s street food culture.

Source: 'Time Out' Editor: Li Yi-Qing

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR Times
  • Category: Survey
  • Organizations: Time Out