Written by: Vihaan Vyas
Edited by: Harnoor Chahal
Designed by: Suhana Shaik
Published by: Eleanor Jeavons
Street food is more than just a quick bite—it’s a window into the culture, history, and daily life of a place. Whether it’s a bustling market in Mumbai or a food truck on the streets of New York, street food captures the essence of a region’s culinary traditions. In this blog, we’ll explore four distinct street foods from around the world: the iconic hot dogs of the United States, the spicy Vada Pav from India, Canada’s beloved poutine, and Germany’s savoury Currywurst. Each of these dishes reflects the local culture and history, and they hold a special place in the hearts of those who consume them.
1. Hot Dog (United States)
The Dish:
The hot dog is one of the most iconic street foods in the United States. It is Traditionally made with a grilled or steamed sausage. The sausage is often made from beef or pork, typically served in a sliced bun and topped with condiments like mustard, ketchup, onions, sauerkraut, and relish. It is a simple, portable dish that has become synonymous with American culture.
Historical Significance:
The origins of the hot dog trace back to European immigrants, particularly Germans, who brought sausages and their culinary traditions to the U.S. in the 19th century. The first recorded hot dog stand in the United States is attributed to Charles Feltman, a German immigrant, who began selling sausages in buns at Coney Island, New York, in the 1860s (Levenstein, 1993). The hot dog grew in popularity, particularly in cities with large working-class populations, due to its affordability and convenience.
Cultural Importance:
The hot dog has become a symbol of American cuisine, especially linked to sporting events like baseball games and 4th of July celebrations. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, held annually in Coney Island, has become a major cultural event, celebrating this humble street food. The hot dog’s adaptability, with regional variations like the Chicago-style hot dog (which includes tomatoes, pickles, and peppers), also demonstrates its place in American culinary diversity.
2. Vada Pav (India)
The Dish:
Vada pav is a street food from the bustling city of Mumbai, India. It consists of a spicy, deep-fried potato patty (vada) placed inside a pav, a type of soft bread, and is typically served with chutneys made from garlic, tamarind, and green chilies. Sometimes, it is accompanied by a fried green chili for added heat.
Historical Significance:
Vada pav has its roots in the 1960s when street vendor Ashok Vaidya began selling it outside Dadar railway station in Mumbai to cater the needs of the working class (Deshpande, 2016). Vada Pav’s affordability, portability, and satisfying flavor quickly made it popular among the city’s commuters, laborers, and students.
Cultural Importance:
Can be referred to as the “Indian burger,” vada pav is more than just a snack in Mumbai—it is a way of life. It represents the city’s fast-paced, industrious spirit and the ingenuity of its people. The dish has also become a political symbol over the years, with local parties associating themselves with vada pav to represent their connection to the common people. The widespread appeal of vada pav extends beyond Mumbai, with versions of the dish found in many other parts of India today.
3. Poutine (Canada)
The Dish:
Poutine is a quintessential Canadian dish, especially popular in Quebec. It consists of French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. The crispy fries, soft cheese curds, and warm gravy create a comforting blend of textures.
Historical Significance:
Poutine’s origins can be traced to rural Quebec in the 1950s. Although several towns may claim to be the birthplace of the dish, it is widely believed that the first version of poutine was created when a customer at a small restaurant asked for cheese curds to be added to their fries (Hodgson, 2012). The addition of gravy came later, solidifying poutine as the dish we know today.
Cultural Importance:
Poutine has evolved from its humble beginnings as a regional specialty into a national dish that symbolizes Canadian identity. The dish represents Quebec’s distinct cultural influence within Canada, showcasing the province’s French-speaking population and culinary traditions. Today, poutine can be found across the country, with gourmet versions incorporating ingredients like pulled pork, foie gras, or even lobster. The annual La Poutine Week, held across multiple Canadian cities, celebrates the dish’s versatility and enduring popularity.
4. Currywurst (Germany)
The Dish:
Currywurst is a popular street food in Germany, particularly in Berlin. It consists of steamed, fried pork sausage (bratwurst) cut into slices and smothered in a tangy tomato-based sauce, seasoned with curry powder. It is often served with a side of French fries or bread.
Historical Significance:
Currywurst is said to have been invented in 1949 by Herta Heuwer, a food vendor in post-war Berlin. As the story goes, Heuwer obtained ketchup and curry powder from British soldiers stationed in the city and combined them with sausages to create the dish (Fachinger, 2015). Currywurst quickly became a favorite among construction workers rebuilding the war-torn city, and its popularity spread throughout Germany.
Cultural Importance:
Currywurst represents a fusion of German and international flavors, reflecting the country’s history during and after World War II. It is a symbol of post-war resilience and the rebuilding of Berlin. Today, currywurst is deeply ingrained in German street food culture, with dedicated currywurst stands throughout the country. Berlin even has a museum—the Deutsches Currywurst Museum—celebrating the dish’s impact on German society. It remains a popular snack among locals and tourists alike, capturing the essence of Germany’s culinary creativity.
Sources
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Canada’s Food: Poutine. (2023). In Food in History. https://wordpress.kpu.ca/foodhistory/2023/04/17/canadas-food-poutine
Hannon, M. (2011). Currywurst: The Evolution Of Berlin’s Popular Street Food. In NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/nprberlinblog/2011/10/05/141048303/currywurst-the-evolution-of-berlins-popular-street-food
The story behind currywurst, Germany’s favourite fast food. (2025). In Travel. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/what-is-currywurst-where-to-eat-berlin-germany
Hot Dog History. (n.d.). In NHDSC. Retrieved February 28, 2025, from https://www.hot-dog.org/culture/hot-dog-history
Selinger, H. (2020). How the hot dog became an American icon. In CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/hot-dog-classic-american-summer-food/index.html
Help With Vada Pav – Nanhi Pari Foundation. (2023). https://nanhiparifoundation.org/help-with-vada-pav/
Vada Pav: History of the Popular Mumbai Snack. (2021). In The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/vada-pav-history-of-the-popular-mumbai-snack/articleshow/76973714.cms