Jakarta’s Street Food Ranks Among the World’s Top Three in 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Jakarta has been named among the cities with the best street food in the world in 2026, according to Time Out. Based on a survey of around 24,000 city residents across various countries, Jakarta received a 59 percent approval rating, placing third alongside Taipei, Taiwan.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, topped the ranking with a score of 63 percent. The city is known for its vibrant street food culture, offering a wide range of dishes such as pho and banh mi, which can be found in markets, alleys, and small eateries across the city.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ranked second with a score of 62 percent. Jalan Alor is one of the city’s popular street food destinations, offering a variety of dishes such as grilled satay, grilled fish, and char kway teow, typically cooked over high heat.

In Jakarta, the diversity of street food has long been part of everyday life. In an article published on July 30, 2026, Time Out highlights the city’s roadside warungs, or casual food stalls, where locals enjoy dishes such as spicy nasi goreng and gado-gado served with peanut sauce. Other popular dishes, including satay, ketoprak, and soto, can also be easily found across the capital.

Taipei ranked fourth with the same score of 59 percent. The city is well known for its bustling night markets, including Shilin Night Market, where visitors can enjoy a variety of Taiwanese snacks such as oyster omelette and stinky tofu.

Mexico City, Mexico, and Manila, the Philippines, followed in fifth and sixth place, respectively, with scores of 58 percent. Mexico City is known for its taco al pastor, while Manila offers a wide range of affordable local street foods that have become part of everyday life.

Hanoi, Vietnam, ranked seventh with a score of 57 percent, followed by Johannesburg, South Africa, and Bangkok, Thailand, which both scored 56 percent. Mumbai, India, completed the top 10 with a score of 55 percent, thanks to its diverse street food offerings, including vada pav and pav bhaji.

Jakarta’s place among the world’s top three highlights the strong global appeal of Indonesian street food. Its diverse dishes, distinctive flavors, relatively affordable prices, and the widespread presence of food stalls and street vendors all contribute to the unique culinary experience that makes Jakarta’s street food increasingly recognized around the world.