In Western former Soviet countries, pirozhok, or half-moon shaped meat pies, are commonly found as street food. Pirozhok is a plural form of pirozhki. The fillings vary and include meat, vegetables, cheese, cabbage, and various sweeter stuff. You can buy pirozhok at kiosks located throughout St. Petersburg. Shashlik, a skewered meat and vegetable combination, is another common street food in Central and Western Asia. And of course, crepes are a common option, whether you just want them plain or filled with a variety of things.
Lessons learned from a study of street food in Bangkok
During a recent study, I conducted a comparative analysis of the management of street food in Bangkok, Thailand. In my findings, the place variable did not make a difference when determining whether a food is appropriate or not. Street food is located in public spaces, on the streets, and in big communities. The same set of obstacles were present for every food outlet. As such, the location factor should be a constant in every restaurant or food cart.
One of the most challenging aspects of street food in Bangkok is poor regulation. While hotel chains and tourist attractions have prestigious 5-star restaurants, it is the street that people choose. Despite this, street food is accessible to all, and the best dishes are usually sold by the people themselves. In fact, the top-rated stalls get long queues and even Michelin stars. Nevertheless, the problem of poor regulation should not be underestimated. Despite the legal framework, street vendors need to register with the authorities and pay a monthly fee to help keep the streets clean.
Types of street food
The term “street food” has multiple definitions and interpretations. It can refer to anything from hand-held fare to elaborate, gourmet creations. In the U.S., food trucks have taken the concept to a whole new level, taking advantage of high-profile trendiness and high-tech equipment to serve gourmet fare on the streets of urban markets. In other countries, street food has its roots in simple, handheld fare with little preparation and big flavor.
In many cities across the United States, street foods from Asia are available. Many fast-casual Indian concepts have expanded their offerings to include street food. Restaurants in the Asian neighborhood have jumped on the bandwagon, including Mama Fu’s in New York City. Founded by chef Mai Pham, this concept has added street food to its menu. Customers can choose from a variety of proteins, steamed or wok-tossed vegetables, and other toppings.
Energy content of street food
Street food consumption is highly diverse. The study found that the energy content of street food varied from 13 to 40 percent of the energy intake of the participants. Although street foods made up a small portion of the overall diet, the total energy content of the food items was high. The most commonly consumed food items included savoury pastries/snacks, main dishes, and soft drinks/juices. The lowest-reported food item was fruit. There were limited data on the amount of total fat and saturated fat in street food.
The study also found that the energy content of street foods differs greatly from homemade foods. The study found that three out of six popular street foods were industrially produced, while the rest were homemade. The homemade foods were boiled corn, sausage rolls, ashlyamfu, bread, and keksi. A single industrial wafer contained 35 g of fat per 100 g. Among these foods, only boiled corn and homemade bread were the highest in fat and energy content.
Regulations to make street food safer
Many street food businesses are unregulated and don’t comply with food safety regulations. These businesses increase the risk of contamination, resulting in food that is unsafe for customers. Not only can these contaminated foods make people ill, but they can also cause injuries and even life-threatening situations. People who are particularly vulnerable to food poisoning are especially at risk. Unsanitary food businesses can also cause cross-contamination, which can lead to serious health effects. Some physical contaminants may cause mouth injuries or choking.
Allergens can be found in both ambient and cold foods. Food businesses should label ingredients clearly and provide dietary information to customers. Street food operators should keep in mind people with allergies and intolerances when preparing and serving food. During preparation, it is important to avoid cross-contact between raw and cooked food. This includes ambient foods, chilled foods, salads, and meat. Other foods that are chilled or frozen include dairy products, butter, ice cream, and desserts.