In today’s globalized world, different cultures, languages, and traditions continue to spread and mix with national cuisines. Wherever you go, you’ll be sure to find some delicious street food to whet your appetite.
Things like hotdogs, shawarma, sushi, and more have become global snacks that people in almost all countries can enjoy. But what’s the story behind their popularity?
1. Shawarma, Kebab, Gyro
In Greece, they have gyros; in Turkey — düner kebab; in Eastern Europe — shawarma. The names of these yummy dishes vary, as do the filling options, but the basis is the same — grilled, juicy meat, vegetables, sauce, and some flat, thin bread. In the middle of the XIX century, the Ottoman Empire, famous for its kebabs, came up with a vertical rotisserie grill, which has become a staple of modern street food carts. After World War II, another wave of immigrants from Turkey brought the popular recipe to Athens, where the dish was adapted and renamed gyros. Later the Greek immigrants brought gyros to the US in the 1960s and 70s, while Western Europe yoinked the original Turkish recipe and started selling doner kebabs. It’s still one of the most popular street foods in Berlin. Practically the same components wrapped in “lavash” are called durum kebab in Turkey and shawarma in the Middle East.
2. Fish’n’Chips
What can be better than fried fish fillet with French fries chased down with some cold brew? Fish’n’chips have become a hallmark of English cuisine, and it’s all thanks to a 13-year-old lad from London. Joseph Malin bought some fried fish for dinner, and as you may know, fish goes great with potatoes. While probably contemplating what he’ll have for breakfast, Malin suddenly realized that he’s never seen fish and potatoes being served in pubs. The cogs in his head started clicking, and so a business idea was born. Soon, citizens of London saw a young boy selling his 2 in1 special “Fish’n’Chips” right on the street. At the beginning of the XX century, about 25 thousand restaurants in Great Britain had this snack on their menu.
