Saint Petersburg, with its vibrant culture and cosmopolitan atmosphere, has become a hotspot for international street food. The city’s diverse food scene reflects its rich history of cultural exchanges, with food from all corners of the world now available in its bustling streets. Whether you’re craving Asian, Middle Eastern, European, or Latin American street food, Saint Petersburg offers something for every palate. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best international street food in the city, where you can savor delicious bites from around the world.
1. Georgian Khachapuri and Khinkali
Georgian cuisine is a favorite in Saint Petersburg, and you’ll find many street food vendors offering authentic khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (dumplings). These dishes are staples of Georgian street food, providing rich, comforting flavors.
What to Expect:
- Khachapuri: A warm, soft, cheese-filled bread, often served with an egg on top. It’s a filling and flavorful snack that combines cheese, butter, and dough in a heavenly way.
- Khinkali: Juicy, plump dumplings filled with meat, usually beef or pork, and seasoned with a variety of spices. They are served with a sprinkle of black pepper and are perfect for eating on the go.
Where to Try It:
- Khachapuri Café: A popular spot offering a variety of khachapuri and khinkali, served fresh and hot for a true taste of Georgia.
- Khinkali Bar: Located near the Nevsky Prospect, this place offers dumpling varieties and traditional Georgian soups.
2. Turkish Döner Kebab
A favorite among locals and tourists alike, the döner kebab is a must-try street food for anyone in Saint Petersburg. Known for its tender meat, fresh vegetables, and delicious sauces, it’s the ultimate street food meal.
What to Expect:
- Döner Kebab: Typically made with lamb, beef, or chicken, the meat is shaved from a rotating vertical spit and served in a flatbread or pita, often with salad, tomatoes, and a variety of sauces like yogurt-based tzatziki or spicy harissa.
- Fresh Ingredients: The kebabs are served with fresh salads and crispy fries, making it a satisfying meal.
Where to Try It:
- Döner King: A well-known spot in Saint Petersburg for fresh döner kebabs, offering both classic and vegetarian options.
- Döner House: Located near Vasilievsky Island, this spot serves some of the best Turkish-style kebabs in the city, with perfectly cooked meat and a variety of toppings.
3. Vietnamese Bánh Mì
The Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich has become increasingly popular in Saint Petersburg, and it’s easy to see why. This delicious sandwich, typically served with pâté, pickled vegetables, and cilantro, offers a perfect balance of fresh, savory, and spicy flavors.
What to Expect:
- Bánh Mì: A crispy baguette filled with grilled meats (usually pork or chicken), pickled carrots, cucumbers, cilantro, and a touch of sriracha or mayonnaise.
- Variety of Fillings: While the classic version contains pork, there are also options with chicken, beef, and even tofu for vegetarians.
Where to Try It:
- Pho Bo: This Vietnamese restaurant offers delicious bánh mì sandwiches, served fresh and packed with flavor, perfect for a quick snack.
- Bánh Mì Bar: Located in the city center, this eatery serves fresh and tasty bánh mì with a variety of fillings and spicy sauces.
4. Mexican Tacos and Burritos
Saint Petersburg’s vibrant international food scene wouldn’t be complete without a taste of Mexican cuisine. If you’re craving tacos or burritos, there are plenty of street food vendors and food trucks offering authentic Mexican-style fare.
What to Expect:
- Tacos: Soft corn tortillas filled with grilled meats (such as chicken, pork, or beef), topped with onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Burritos: A large flour tortilla wrapped around a filling of rice, beans, meat, and cheese, often served with guacamole and salsa.
Where to Try It:
- Burrito Bar: A trendy spot offering freshly made burritos and tacos with all the authentic fillings and toppings.
- Tacofest: Known for its street-style tacos, Tacofest offers a casual environment to enjoy classic Mexican street food in the heart of the city.
5. Indian Samosas and Chaat
The vibrant flavors of Indian street food have also made their way to Saint Petersburg. Samosas, chaat, and other savory snacks are available in several food stalls and restaurants around the city.
What to Expect:
- Samosas: Crisp, deep-fried pastry pockets filled with spiced potatoes and peas or meat. They are perfect for a snack on the go.
- Chaat: A flavorful street food dish made with yogurt, puffed rice, potatoes, and a variety of spices, offering a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
Where to Try It:
- Tandoor: A popular spot offering authentic Indian samosas and chaat. It’s the place to go for a delicious burst of Indian street food flavors.
- Indian Street Food: A food stall in Dostoevsky Street that specializes in serving fresh and flavorful samosas, chaat, and other street food classics from India.
6. Korean Street Food – Bungeoppang and Tteokbokki
Korean cuisine has been steadily growing in popularity in Saint Petersburg, and Korean street food is no exception. One of the most beloved snacks is bungeoppang, a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweetened red bean paste.
What to Expect:
- Bungeoppang: A crispy, fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste or custard, perfect for a quick, delicious snack.
- Tteokbokki: A spicy street food dish made with chewy rice cakes cooked in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, often served with fish cakes and boiled eggs.
Where to Try It:
- Seoul Street: This trendy café offers traditional Korean street food like bungeoppang and tteokbokki for an authentic taste of Seoul.
- Korean BBQ Street Food: A popular food stand offering spicy rice cakes and fish cakes, delivering an authentic Korean street food experience.
7. Middle Eastern Falafel and Shawarma
Middle Eastern street food has long been popular in Saint Petersburg, with falafel and shawarma topping the list. These flavorful, portable meals are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
What to Expect:
- Falafel: Deep-fried balls made from chickpeas and herbs, served in a pita or flatbread with salads, pickled vegetables, and tahini sauce.
- Shawarma: A popular street food made from shaved lamb, chicken, or beef, served in pita bread with a variety of toppings and sauces, including garlic sauce and yogurt-based sauces.
Where to Try It:
- Shawarma House: Known for its juicy, flavorful shawarma, this spot is a local favorite for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Falafel Bar: A great place to grab freshly made falafel, served with spicy sauces and tahini, perfect for a healthy street food experience.
8. Japanese Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki
Japanese street food is another international cuisine that has found its place in Saint Petersburg, with vendors offering takoyaki (octopus-filled dough balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) in various parts of the city.
What to Expect:
- Takoyaki: Small, savory dough balls filled with octopus, served with a drizzle of takoyaki sauce and bonito flakes.
- Okonomiyaki: A savory Japanese pancake made with a variety of fillings, such as pork, shrimp, and vegetables, all cooked on a hot griddle and topped with mayonnaise and teriyaki sauce.
Where to Try It:
- Takoyaki-ya: A small street food stand specializing in takoyaki, offering authentic Japanese flavors in a cozy setting.
- Okonomiyaki Street Food: This stall serves freshly prepared okonomiyaki with a variety of fillings and a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
9. Italian Pizza and Arancini
Saint Petersburg’s food scene wouldn’t be complete without a taste of Italian street food. Whether it’s a slice of pizza or a fried arancini ball, the city has plenty of options for those craving a taste of Italy.
What to Expect:
- Pizza: Thin-crust Neapolitan pizza with a variety of toppings, served fresh and fast.
- Arancini: Fried rice balls filled with cheese and meat, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Where to Try It:
- Pizzeria 22: A cozy spot offering authentic Neapolitan pizza with a crispy crust and fresh toppings.
- Arancini Street Food: A food stand that specializes in crispy arancini, served with a variety of fillings, including cheese and meat.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg’s international street food scene is as diverse as the city itself, offering everything from Georgian khachapuri to Japanese takoyaki. With an array of global flavors available in the city’s bustling streets, visitors can enjoy an immersive food experience that showcases the best of international street food culture. So whether you’re grabbing a falafel in the city center or enjoying a pita stuffed with shawarma, Saint Petersburg has something for everyone.
