The 5 Best Healthy Street Foods
Most of us grew up on fast food, but as we’ve gotten older, we’ve learned to avoid it. While fast food can be convenient, there are plenty of reasons why you should never go back. Instead, stick to these 5 best healthy street foods when you’re on the go and want something that isn’t prepared in the back of a kitchen with dubious health standards.
1) Mexico - Tacos Al Pastor
Tacos al pastor are street tacos that are made with small corn tortillas and filled with pork, pineapple, and cilantro. The great thing about tacos al pastor is that they’re grilled. This means no oil is necessary for cooking them. Grilling meat at high temperatures kills a lot of harmful bacteria and makes it more difficult for E. coli to contaminate your food. This recipe also calls for grilled onions, which you may have seen as an ingredient in some of our other favorite recipes like steak skewers and carne asada fries . The combination of pork and pineapples in these street tacos gives them tons of flavor without being too greasy or salty exactly what we’re looking for when trying to choose healthy foods to eat!
2) Thailand - Sticky Rice in Banana Leaf Wrapper
Of all Thai street foods, Khao is a must. This is a small portion of white rice wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed until soft and tender. In Thailand it is often served with a topping of salted duck egg yolk and chicken meat, but for health reasons you can ask for your Khao to be prepared without any meat or extra salt (or sugar). On hot days street vendors keep their rice fresh by keeping them covered with wet cloths so they will remain hot when you eat them. For under you get an entire meal that takes just minutes to prepare! You can find them next to any temple or busy intersection in Thailand. The taste, texture, and smell will have you wanting more!
3) Malaysia - Satay Chicken Skewers
For all of you health-conscious types out there, satay is one snack that will never make it to your do not eat list. Satay is cooked over charcoal and served on sticks so it can be eaten without unwrapping—which reduces food borne illnesses while also ensuring that absolutely none of those precious nutrients are wasted. Typically made with chicken or lamb, these skewers are high in protein and healthy fats while remaining very low in sodium and cholesterol. And they’re a breeze to whip up at home in just 15 minutes!
4) Turkey Kebab
In Turkey, kebab is often eaten with grilled vegetables and a salad. But as always, it's important to check if your choice of is well-seasoned (and also not served with ketchup). Another healthy option is to ask for your kebab without any pita bread or french fries; both items contain unnecessary amounts of carbohydrates that can bump up your calorie intake. However, I would suggest trying different types of kebabs to find what you like best. Some places offer low-fat or even vegetarian alternatives so be sure to check their nutritional information before ordering!
around . They consist of a mixture of diced and spiced vegetables, served with fish cakes or tofu on top. These dumplings are cooked in boiling sauce which can include ground red pepper flakes, hot chili powder, (Korean chili paste), or Worcestershire sauce. The ingredients that make up fried dumplings vary greatly based on region and personal preference. It is also common to add pork to fried dumplings. This dish is typically accompanied by kimchi as well as dipping sauces such as soy sauce or vinegar.