Unusual snack ideas: Street food around the world

The street food trend is on everyone’s lips. More and more unusual snack ideas can now also be found on German streets. Pursuing a classic street food concept is often no longer enough to prevail against the exciting street food dishes from all over the world. So to stand out from the crowd, you need an innovative business idea. Here we show you the current street food trends as well as eight unusual snack ideas. This is how you can ensure your success with innovative street food dishes and stand out from the competition. After all, who needs the fifth currywurst stand in a street?

Worldwide Streetfood Trends

The Food Truck Trends 2023 are all about sustainability and awareness. Because the topic of sustainability has now reached the centre of society, the street food industry must also deal with it. Responsibility lies with all people to make a difference together, and where better to start than with food? Various sustainable food truck ideas focus on reducing energy consumption through energy-efficient equipment, reducing packaging waste and offering more sustainable food, such as alternatives to animal products.

Food truck trends focus on zero waste and reusables

As part of the move towards a more sustainable society, you should try to reduce your food truck waste as much as possible and avoid single-use packaging. Since the beginning of the year, to-go providers have even been legally obliged to offer reusable containers as well as disposable ones. Smaller businesses with no more than five employees and a sales area of less than 80 square metres are excluded. So it may well be that you do not yet have to offer a reusable alternative. In view of the current sustainability trend, however, this already makes sense. For example, you can offer reusable containers or consider a bonus system for customers who bring their own containers. You can also use organic packaging that degrades naturally. With a sophisticated planning of your street food dishes that are coordinated with each other, you can minimise food waste and use your food leftovers sensibly.

Veganism at the forefront of street food trends

You may have started the new year with “Veganuary” – this international campaign encourages people to try a purely plant-based diet in January. In recent years, the number of vegan and vegetarian people has increased steadily, so you should consider meat substitutes for your street food idea. For example, offer soy, oat and almond milk as an option instead of traditional cow’s milk, or pea and soy protein-based meats. This way you can make a lot of people happy at once with just a little something/small gesture. This year, the street food trend is also moving towards so-called “veganising”: Vegan alternatives are offered to traditional, classic dishes. For example, chilli sin carne has now established itself as a vegan food truck dish in addition to the Mexican chilli con carne.

Eight unusual snack ideas for your individual food truck

While classic street food ideas are undoubtedly popular and successful, an unusual snack idea opens up a whole new potential for you. It offers you creative scope for yourself, unique customer experiences and the opportunity to stand out from your competitors in the area. Particularly popular is so-called fusion food, the combination of different ethnic cuisines. All you need to pick up such combined street food dishes is an extra dose of creativity. Below we show you eight unusual snack ideas for extraordinary taste experiences. Join us on a gastronomic journey!

1. the oriental street food idea: falafel

The small balls of chickpeas and spices originate from the Middle East and are usually served with hummus and salad. The mixture is formed into small balls and then deep-fried or baked until golden brown and crispy. By the way, you can also get on the vegan trend with this street food dish As a rich source of protein, they make a delicious vegan option.

2. the mexican food truck idea: tacos

The Mexican wheat or corn tortillas are filled with various ingredients, such as meat, beans, cheese and guacamole or even tofu. The fillings usually vary according to preferences and region. By using local ingredients, you can give this food truck dish additional freshness and your individual touch.

3. The street food trend from Japan: ramen

Ramen, the Japanese noodle soup, is particularly popular in Asia and is often served with meat, vegetables and eggs. The base is a rich broth, usually meat or bone-based. Ramen noodles are usually made from wheat flour and have a slightly thicker and more elastic consistency.

4. street food dish with Asian dumplings: Bao Buns

Bao Buns are like Asian burgers only better. These steamed dumplings from China come with various fillings such as meat, vegetables or tofu. The steam-cooked yeast dough buns are soft, fluffy and have a slightly sweet note. This street food idea can be served savoury with meat or tofu or sweet with pudding.

5. unusual snack idea from Korea and Mexico: Kogi BBQ

With Kogi BBQ’s fusion concept, you can make your food truck a hit on the street. The combination of tender, marinated meat with Korean spices and the use of fresh tacos or burritos is a real treat for the palate. You can complement this original street food dish with a mix of spicy and sweet sauces or side dishes such as kimchi and salsa.

6. Italian Street Food: Arancini

These Italian specialities are deep-fried rice balls, making them ideal as a street food dish. To make arancini, the main ingredient is cooked rice with a filling of various ingredients such as meat, cheese, vegetables and spices. Then you form small balls, roll them in breadcrumbs and finally deep-fry them in oil. The variety of fillings makes arancini a delicious and special food truck dish.

7. Food Truck dish from Thailand: Pad Thai

This Thai classic is made with fried rice noodles, vegetables, eggs and peanuts. For a good roasted flavour, first soak the rice noodles in hot water and then fry them. For your individual street food idea, you can serve Pad Thai with different sauces and offer it with tofu, chicken or prawns.

8. rethink old classics: sushi burritos

In this unusual street food idea, the ingredients and flavours of sushi are transformed into a handy, rollable burrito. This is the perfect way to fulfil the food truck trend of fusion food. The combination of traditional Japanese sushi cuisine and the handy format of Mexican burritos. With this innovative street food dish, you not only delight the taste buds of your customers, but also create a visual highlight with the colourful and appealing sushi burritos that attract people’s attention.

Conclusion: Finally that certain something – thanks to your unusual snack idea.

As it turns out, there are versatile street food ideas and thus countless possibilities to give free rein to your creativity. Classics such as bratwurst stands, chicken grills or chip stands are now plentiful. Use the potential of the new and unexpected to become successful with a unique food truck idea. With a unique offer, you attract attention, set new culinary trends and make a name for yourself in the industry. Let yourself be inspired by our unusual snack ideas and develop your own recipe for success. However, it is important that you think through your idea well and draw up a sophisticated business plan. Because you only have a chance of success if there is sufficient demand. Stand out from other concepts now and give your street food dishes an individual touch.