Now, I know this is hard, but in light of recent events I think I need to come out and say it. Hi, my name is Flic, and I’m a street food addict. It feels good to get it out in the open.
How do I know I’m a street food addict? There are symptoms. If you are suffering from any of the following then I’d recommend seeking your nearest food van and going in for some serious treatment options.
The tell-tale signs of a Street Food Addict
1. Your phone is full of pictures of food. I don’t know when I stopped being able to appreciate a meal for what it was, but once upon a time, before we were all hardlining the internet, I used to eat things without taking pictures of them first. But then how would the rest of you know what it looked like?
Genuine pictures from my phone over the last year. Clockwise from top left: Breakfast toastie, bowl of cereal (no, I don’t know why), home made biscuits, chocolate fondant, the rocky road toastie, beef miso soup, penis pasta, egg quiche and central: spring onions and ginger root.
2. You can no longer eat the fast food versions of your street food favourites. Burgers are a great example of this. You eat a glorious, messy burger from one of our street food buddies (Meat Shack or the Original Patty Men if you are anywhere near Brum) and the limp, tasteless form of a McDisappointment seems like a waste of jaw movement.
3. You know most of the other local street food addicts. We all hang out in the same places, so we bump into each other a lot. We should probably start a support group with circles of chairs and pale tea in syrofoam cups.
Or picnic tables in the sunshine, either way.
4. You go out in the rain to get it. I really appreciate this one. I mean technically, when I’m out in the rain doing street food, I’m also inside a nice warm van. You guys are just getting wet, and that’s a level of dedication that goes above and beyond the usual food fan, who will scarper at the first sign of drizzle.
5. You choose a festival based on the food as much as the music. We’re still a few years off Glasto announcing that The Jabberwocky are headlining the spot just over from the Pyramid Stage, but loads of festivals are actively seeking better food, and many people have started taking a sly glance at the culinary line-up before firing cash at a weekend of mud and music.
6. Sourcing isn’t just about adding ketchup. You find yourself noticing a free range here and a rare breed there. You enquire after the origin of bread. We like this: It makes us feel like the extra care, time and expense is justified. Also please; if it needed ketchup, we’d add ketchup.
7. Even when street food sucks, you can’t help but stick with it. Probably more one for the traders amongst you. These last few months everything that could possibly go wrong, and several things that really were highly improbable, have gone wrong. Yet here I am, with a working van and only a few lasting scars, and we’re still sticking with street food.
Now gather round, you’re in a safe place here. Are you a street food addict?
I know I’m a street food junkie abroad. Eating in restaurants just doesn’t have the same appeal. I went to Morocco last yr with my bf and we were the only tourists in a densely crowded market street eating from a open top hot plate. Fried mince and spices with a cracked egg mixed in, shoved in a bun. 50p for dinner and we even got a table covered in stains and surrounded by flies. Far more authentic and people seemed impressed we were there eating their local grub. Restaurants? No thank you!
Being a street food addict is often characterized by a deep passion and love for exploring and indulging in the diverse and flavorful offerings of street vendors. If you’re wondering whether you fall into the category of a street food addict, here are some signs to consider:
Constant Cravings: You find yourself constantly craving and thinking about street food, and your culinary adventures often revolve around seeking out new street food vendors.
Fearless Exploration: You are not afraid to try new and exotic dishes from street vendors, embracing the diversity of flavors, textures, and ingredients that street food offers.
Local Expertise: You have an in-depth knowledge of the best street food spots in your city or region. You may even consider yourself a local expert, recommending specific dishes and hidden gems to friends and newcomers.
Street Food Bucket List: You maintain a list of street foods you want to try, either locally or in various destinations around the world. Your travel plans often include a culinary itinerary of street food hotspots.
Social Media Documentation: Your social media accounts are filled with pictures of street food. You love sharing your food adventures with others, whether through photos, videos, or detailed descriptions.
Frequent Food Festivals: You actively seek out and attend food festivals, especially those focused on street food. These events are like heaven for you, offering a variety of culinary delights in one place.
Adaptability: You are willing to eat street food in all kinds of environments, whether it’s standing by a street vendor, sitting on a curb, or participating in a bustling night market.
DIY Street Food: You try to recreate your favorite street food dishes at home, experimenting with recipes and ingredients to capture the authentic flavors you love.
Unpredictable Schedule: Your meal schedule is flexible, and you’re willing to interrupt your routine for an impromptu visit to a favorite street food spot or to try something new.
No Food Snobbery: You appreciate street food for what it is – delicious, affordable, and often representative of local culture. You don’t dismiss it in favor of more formal dining experiences.
If many of these signs resonate with you, there’s a good chance you’re a street food addict. Embrace your love for the culinary delights of the streets, and continue enjoying the diverse and exciting world of street food!