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street food

American  
[street food] / ˈstrit ˌfud /

noun

  1. ready-to-eat food sold on the street or in a park, open-air market, or other outdoor public place.

  2. a particular food sold in an outdoor public place.


Etymology

Origin of street food

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One night, Mr. Irani announced he wanted to open a restaurant that served the street food he craved from his childhood in India.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

From the 17th to 19th centuries, spaghetti was a popular street food in Naples, typically enjoyed with one’s bare hands in large fistfuls.

From Salon • Feb. 14, 2026

Yet Japanese chef Satoru Hasuike, who runs a ramen stand in the city, hopes to operate officially in the Azteca "with a street food vibe."

From Barron's • Nov. 5, 2025

Additional attractions will include free live music, and street food stalls.

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2025

Rishi told Cat stories about incredible street food in Bangalore and all his little cousins.

From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn