Discovering America’s Best Street Food: A Culinary Journey

Youtuber: Joshua Weissman

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshuaWeissman

🌭 Introduction  

America has long been celebrated for its fast food and fine dining, but nestled between these two culinary giants is an often overlooked gem: street food. While street food is a way of life in many parts of the world, it often flies under the radar in the U.S. This blog explores the best street food cities across America, as revealed through a delightful exploration led by culinary expert Joshua Weissman.

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🍕 The Quest Begins  

The journey starts with a poll, gathering thousands of responses to determine the top street food cities in America. The final contenders are New York City, Los Angeles, Portland, and Austin, Texas. With local food experts guiding the way, each city’s best street food spots are evaluated to crown the ultimate street food champion.

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🌆 New York City: A Melting Pot of Flavors  

New York City’s street food scene is renowned, offering flavors from over 20 countries in just one day. With the help of local food expert Julian Moo, the exploration of NYC begins with several tantalizing food stops.

• Jerk Chicken from I Jerk  

The first stop introduces a street-side grill serving succulent jerk chicken. The perfect balance of spices and smokiness makes it an unforgettable experience, receiving high marks for flavor and texture.

• Bolivian Llama Party  

Next, Weissman tries a Bolivian salteña, a unique mix of a soup dumpling and empanada. The combination of soft pastry and flavorful filling provides a comforting bite, though the texture scores slightly lower.

• Halal Guys  

  No street food exploration of NYC would be complete without the iconic Halal Guys. Known for their mixed platters, the seasoned chicken and beef over rice garners rave reviews, showcasing the enduring quality of this beloved food truck.

• Rockstar Chicken  

Moving on, the group indulges in Korean fried chicken, highlighting the perfect crunch and balanced flavor profile. The chicken’s tenderness and sauce create a satisfying dish.

• Steinway Halal  

Lastly, a visit to Steinway Halal offers a value-packed meal, though it falls short in flavor and texture compared to the earlier stops.

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🌮 Austin: The Breakfast Taco Capital  

With a new guide, David Douglas, Weissman dives into Austin’s vibrant street food scene. The city is known for its breakfast tacos, and the first stop at La Santa Barbacha sets high expectations.

• Potato Barbacoa Breakfast Taco  

Loaded with succulent barbacoa, this taco impresses with its fragrant tortilla and fresh ingredients. Scoring high in both flavor and texture, it showcases the best of Austin’s breakfast offerings.

• KG Barbecue  

The next stop features Texas-style barbecue, blending Middle Eastern flavors. The ribs and lamb bacon shine with balanced seasoning, though a slight dip in brisket quality affects the overall score.

• Discata  

Known for their unique taco preparation, Discata serves flavorful tacos cooked in a giant stew. The balanced seasoning and crispy textures elevate this dish, earning high praise.

• Cocky Juicy  

This fried chicken stop adds a unique twist with a corn masa flour dredge, delivering a rich and spicy experience. The pairing with sparkling wine enhances the enjoyment.

• Sushi Hand Rolls  

The final stop in Austin introduces street food sushi, which impresses in flavor but falters in texture due to undercooked rice.

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🌲 Portland: A Foodie’s Paradise  

Next, Weissman heads to Portland, guided by food expert Mike. The city’s street food scene is vibrant and diverse.

• Kim Jong Grillin’  

  Starting with a Korean hot dog, Weissman is captivated by the unique flavors and textures, giving it high scores for both.

• Bing Me  

Specializing in Northern Chinese-style Jang Bing, this stop impresses with its crispy crepe and well-seasoned fillings, earning high marks in both flavor and texture.

• Bajala  

Known for Baja-style Mexican seafood, this food cart serves a standout taco that impresses with its fresh ingredients and balanced flavors.

• Frybaby  

Focusing on Korean fried chicken, Frybaby offers two distinct styles, with the classic version earning accolades for its rich flavor and texture.

• Matt’s Barbecue Tacos  

This stop features brisket and pork belly tacos, highlighting homemade tortillas that set them apart. Both tacos receive favorable scores, solidifying Portland’s standing in the competition.

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🌴 Los Angeles: The Final Frontier  

Finally, Weissman returns to his roots in Los Angeles, where the street food scene is as diverse as the city itself.

• Marisco’s Halisco  

  Known for its shrimp tacos, this food truck impresses with its texture and flavor, quickly becoming a favorite.

• Tacos from Taca  

  Featuring both goat and beef, this spot stands out for its handmade tortillas, delivering a rich and flavorful experience.

• Cypress Park Tacos  

A unique al pastor taco featuring a special cilantro cream takes the spotlight, scoring impressively in both flavor and texture.

• Korean BBQ Sliders  

Ending the LA tour with sliders from a renowned food truck, Weissman finds unexpected delight in their flavor and texture, showcasing the creativity of LA’s street food scene.

• Mam Mia Shawarma  

This final stop’s Jordanian-style chicken shawarma impresses with its unique bread and seasoning, ultimately pushing Los Angeles to victory in the street food competition.

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🏆 Conclusion  

After exploring the culinary landscapes of New York City, Austin, Portland, and Los Angeles, it is clear that America’s street food scene is brimming with talent and flavor. Each city offers a unique taste of culture and creativity, but Los Angeles emerges as the champion, showcasing the incredible diversity and quality of street food across the nation.