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.

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Etymology

Origin of street food

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Last month, the High Street food chain Leon said it will close 20 restaurants and cut jobs as part of a major restructure.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

Street food vendors are a quintessential ingredient of the vast Mexican capital and one of its biggest attractions for foreign visitors.

From Barron's • Nov. 5, 2025

"Street food in Singapore is not something you burn or deep fry. It's fairly complex. They take six hours just to prepare a meal to get it ready at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m."

From Reuters • Sep. 28, 2022

Street food is very popular, Kausar says — especially beef.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 29, 2022

Street food standbys like tacos al pastor, chilaquiles, and savory-sweet moles usually steal the spotlight.

From Salon • Aug. 3, 2019