21 Popular Street Foods of the US

America is filled with delicious and popular street foods thanks to its multicultural population. Burgers, hot dogs, bagels, and many more different and unique meals can be found in every corner of your city. Whether in a food stand or a food truck, street vendors serve some of the greatest feasts in the world.

Some of these street foods made their way up the chain and became fast food items available all across the globe, while others remain exclusive street delicacies. Street food has spread in recent years thanks to its authentic nature, and many people have started to travel and track down the best ones in every place they visit. America has a rich food scene with expressions of different cuisines in every state and city. So, we have listed the most popular street foods in the US and which ones you need to try. 

The US is home to many different street foods from all around the world. It offers a quick, convenient, and affordable way to enjoy various delicious meals. From classic hot dogs and pretzels to special regional foods, like cheese steaks and Tex-Mex tacos, the street food scene in the US is diverse and full of flavor. Questions like “What are the top street foods in the USA?” or “Where can I find the best tacos and hot dogs?” haunt all of us. While the answers to such questions can be quite subjective, statistical data points to certain regions and cities as the most popular options in the country and guide millions to these addresses every year. Here are 21 of the most famous ones!

1. Hamburgers

A hamburger is a popular American sandwich consisting of a ground meat patty, typically beef, placed between two halves of a bun. It often includes toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, cheese, pickles, and condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. They have regional variations and can include diverse ingredients and flavors, making them versatile and globally popular. In recent decades, there has been a spike in the burger sector: More and more chefs are putting their special spins on the classic hamburger and acquiring loyal customer bases.

The hamburger scene in the US is particularly lively since burgers can be considered the official symbol of American cuisine. Even if they did not originate in the US, it is a fact that they became a significant part of the country through global fast food chains.

2. Tacos and Nachos

Tacos and nachos are traditional Mexican snacks with well-seasoned meat and taco shells or chips. Their crispy texture and delicious fillings made them quite famous. Thanks to the Mexican influence, they can be found in many cities and states. San Diego is said to have some of the best tacos in the country. You might get lucky in cities closer to the Mexican border and establishments authentically Mexican-owned.

3. Doughnuts

Doughnuts are made with deep-fried dough and different flavor fillings depending on the chef’s choice. They are the sweetest street foods and appeal to a large demographic with shiny icing and sprinkles. They became especially popular with TV shows depicting cops eating them on stakeouts. Dutch immigrants brought the classic form of the doughnut to the US in the 17th or 18th century, and it quickly grew in popularity. Now, you can grab a box of different doughnuts and sit in your car to enjoy the scenery whenever you want.

4. Sliced Pizza

Pizza is an Italian dish with flat, round baked dough and several toppings such as tomato sauce and cheese. It is possibly the most popular street food in the world, and thanks to its simple form, it can be customized to any topping the chef desires. Even though they are now found in fast food chains and big shops, pizza food trucks are still roaming the streets.

Pizza is simpler in classic Italian form, and the dough is important. However, over the years and by spreading to the globe through an American lens, this Italian dish has become more American with large slices and varied ingredients. Now, it is possible to find pizza types named after American cities and states, such as Hawaii, Chicago, and New York, that look nothing like classic Italian pizza.

5. Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are typically grilled, offering a smoky flavor and crispy texture, served on a soft bun with tangy mustard and ketchup. They are common snacks in sports games and birthday parties. They can be found in almost every pub in the States, but it is a safe bet to claim they taste the best when bought from a street cart. Hot dogs seem straightforward initially, but this snack has many different versions. While the classic American hot dog is served with a line of mustard and ketchup on top, other cities created their toppings.

Seattle likes grilled onions and cream cheese, Boston steams the sausage instead of grilling, Carolina has slaw and chili among its many toppings, and Pennsylvania wraps the sausage in bacon. With high-quality hot dog machines, vendors can consistently prepare these regional twists, serving customers nationwide. The possibilities are endless, and you can find a different version of hot dogs in every state you visit. 

6. Polish Boy

The Polish Boy is a popular street food from Cleveland, Ohio. It consists of a kielbasa sausage placed in a bun and topped with French fries, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce. This hearty sandwich combines flavors and textures with the smoky kielbasa, crispy fries, tangy coleslaw, and sweet, savory sauce, creating a unique taste experience.

Polish Boy is a less-known variation of hot dogs, including fries and barbecue sauce as toppings. While it is not as famous as the rest of the foods on this list, it is still a big deal, especially in Ohio, often found at local food stands, restaurants, and street carts throughout the city. You can try one and decide whether you like the classic hot dog or the Polish Boy better. 

7. Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is made with macaroni-type pasta and a cheese sauce, usually cheddar-based. It dates back to 14th-century Italy or Medieval England. Mac and cheese is a favorite takeaway truck food and a common side dish to many meals. You can add different toppings, such as bacon or vegetables, to improve flavor and get more nutrients from your meal.

8. Burrito 

Burritos are Mexican foods prepped as chicken or meat-based stuffed wraps. Burritos are often sold from food trucks; you can choose which ingredients to add to your wrap. Rice, salsa, sour cream, beans, lettuce, and more can be found in your vendor’s display cabinet. Once you choose your stuffing, you can grab your hot wrap and be on your way. 

9. Falafel

Falafel is a deep-fried chickpea or fava bean-based street food. It is a relatively new addition to the American street food world. Originating from the Middle East, falafel quickly became a favorite among people. It is made with fried chickpeas or fava beans.  Its crunch texture and vegetarian content made it an alternative to deep-fried chicken wraps and burgers. Falafel is often served wrapped in pita, a traditional type of bread that is filling and delicious. 

10. Churros 

Churros are popular fried-dough sticks covered in sugar, originating from Spain and Portugal but widely enjoyed in Latin America and the United States. They are made from a simple flour, water, and salt dough, piped through a star-shaped nozzle, and deep-fried until golden and crispy.

Churros are typically dusted with sugar or cinnamon sugar and often served with dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel. Their crunchy exterior and soft, airy interior make them a beloved street food and dessert. They are perfect little snack If you are on the road and craving something sweet.. 

11. Corn Dog

A corn dog is a deep-fried hot dog on a stick common at fairs and carnivals. You don’t need a special event to enjoy the taste of this popular street food. You can find corn dogs in street cars or the frozen food aisle of a grocery store. 

12. French Fries

French fries are deep-fried potato slices that ironically originated in Belgium. However, the name stuck, and now it’s consumed as French fries across the US. These fried potatoes have been the side dish to many main courses over the years and are a favorite among children. You can find some great vendors and even choose toppings for your fries, such as different condiments or cheese. 

13. Döner and Shawarma

Döner and Shawarma are two similar yet distinct foods. Döner originated in Turkey, while Shawarma is a famous Middle Eastern dish. They are identical in terms of their cooking methods. In both meals, the meat is cooked on vertical, rotating rotisseries. They are later sliced into thin layers of meat and served wrapped in some bread.

The seasonings and toppings create two distinct tastes, while they resemble each other in theory, . Döner is often accompanied by tomatoes, pickles, and lettuce, while Shawarma includes hummus, tahini sauce, and fattoush. They are both incredibly delicious and some of the most popular street foods that originated from the Middle East.  

14. Soft Pretzel

Soft pretzels are biscuits shaped like a knot and flavored with salt. They are often bought in the morning as a fast breakfast or at other times as small, filling snacks. You can also find them in bakeries and breakfast cafes. 

15. Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese is a simple toast made with cheddar cheese. It is a staple among American comfort foods, and it is possible to find them on your street. While it is an easy food to make, the sheer quality of the materials used by your vendor can make a huge difference in your experience of this comfort food. 

16. Cheesesteaks

Cheesesteaks, often dripping with melted cheese and sauteed onions, deliver a savory explosion in each bite. They are some rare popular street foods with a clear origin story. They originated in Philadelphia about a century ago. Pat Olivieri decided to grill some steaks and onions and put them in buns. The cheese was added later, and cheesesteaks became a famous street food across the states. It’s a must to try this snack if you ever visit Philadelphia.

17. Dumplings

Dumplings are boiled dough with stuffing and a gift to the world from Asian cuisine. They are cheap and delicious and a staple in student houses. The best ones of this popular street food can be found in Chinatowns. 

18. Funnel Cake

Funnel cake is a deep-fried batter served with powdered sugar. It is particularly famous in carnivals and is believed to have originated from German immigrants in the 19th century. It is crispy and sweet and can be enriched with toppings like chocolate sauce, depending on your preferences. It is quite popular in and around Pennsylvania.

19. Frito Pie

Frito pie is made of corn chips, chili, and cheese and resembles a taco without the shells. It is one of the most delicious handheld meals you can get. It is particularly famous in the Midwest and Southwest and includes salsa, sour cream, rice, jalapenos, and onions. The ingredient list gives away the Hispanic inspiration at the root of the recipe. As the name suggests, it is popularized by the brand Frito, who is said to have come up with this particular product in 1943 in Texas.

20. Fried Clams

Fried clams are deep-fried clams and are highly common in coastal areas. They can be served in hot dog buns, wraps, or on a plate. They are often paired with tartar sauce as default, but you can use any sauce you like to enjoy this simple dish.

Fried clams are particularly popular in New England, especially along the coast of Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island. This dish is a classic in New England seafood shacks and coastal restaurants, often served with tartar sauce and lemon wedges. Ipswich, Massachusetts, is known as the birthplace of fried clams, and it remains a popular destination for this delicacy.

21. Poke

Poke is a Hawaiian street food made with sushi-grade fish, rice, and sauce that has become popular in recent decades. It is a part of the local Hawaiian cuisine that has spread and is customized in different regions worldwide. After discovering the new world, immigrants from Japan and China significantly impacted the region’s cuisine and influenced the way this ancient recipe is made today. The most commonly used raw fish in poke bowls is tuna.

Countries with Other Popular Street Food

Street food is a common concept across the world. They are convenient ways to get delicious food, and each country has something special. As a multicultural country, America is home to many cuisines, but some countries stand out with the sheer amount of foods that originated there. While it is hard to decide which one is the best, the following countries and regions have some of the most popular street foods in the world:

New Trends on Street Foods

Street food is synonymous with convenience and variety; more people are integrating these delicacies into their daily lives as years pass. Statistical data show that 55% of the population eats street food a couple of times a month, and the economic pricing of these meals is the primary driving force behind 30% of choices. With the sector’s growth in recent years, healthy street food alternatives are being created to appeal to more people. Food trucks are striving to source locally and invest in greener business choices, with more dietary preferences being considered, including gluten-free, vegan options, and even meat-plant blends.

A few trendy street foods have recently risen in popularity, adding a twist to the classic lineup. Korean corn dogs, a fun and flavorful street snack, are drawing attention with their crispy, golden coating and various toppings. Birria tacos, known for their rich, spicy flavors and satisfying dipping sauce, are also becoming a hit. Thanks to the tastiness of these meals, more people are cooking simple street-food-inspired dishes like these at home to save money and time while still enjoying a unique and flavorful meal.

FAQs About Popular Street Foods in the US

Conclusion

The United States of America is home to millions of people from different origins. This diversity is reflected in many things, from architecture to traditions, and street food is one of the biggest reflections. You can find tasty and popular street foods all over the country and enjoy some of the best meals of your life right down your street. Whether you are a tourist or a local, you should try these iconic dishes to taste American street food at its best!

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If you are interested in street food, you may wish to read our Food Truck Concepts, Food Truck Business, and Food Truck Equipment articles related to this topic.