Best Vegan Street Food Recipes

Best Vegan Street Food Recipes

Vegan street food recipes bring the bold, exciting flavours of global street eats into your kitchen, without any animal products.

From crispy snacks to spicy handheld treats, these recipes are perfect for satisfying cravings on the go or at home. Whether you’re exploring Asian, Latin American, or Mediterranean influences, vegan street food offers endless variety, texture, and taste.

This article explores some of the most mouthwatering and easy-to-make vegan street food recipes that prove plant-based food can be irresistible.

Vegan Street Food Recipes

1. Sweet Potato Fries With Vegan Aioli

With the ideal balance of flavour and plant-based comfort, these crispy sweet potato fries make a delectable complement to vegan street food recipes. Baked or fried to golden perfection, they're full of flavour, nutrients, and plant-based indulgence everyone will love.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes | Servings: 3–4

Ingredients For The Fries

• Sweet potatoes: 2 large
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients For The Vegan Aioli

• Vegan mayo: ½ cup
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic: 1 clove, finely minced
• Sea salt to taste

Method

1. For frying, heat oil or preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season sweet potato fries with sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil.
3. Spread evenly across a baking sheet.
4. Bake, flipping halfway through, until crispy, 20 to 25 minutes.
5. Mix vegan mayo, lemon juice, garlic, and sea salt in a bowl to make aioli.
6. Serve fries hot with aioli on the side.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 10g
• Fibre: 4g

Health Benefits

Sweet potatoes boost immune and eye health since they are high in fibre, vitamin A, and antioxidants.  The vegan aioli offers a dairy-free alternative that’s easier on digestion. This combo provides satisfying comfort with a boost of plant-based nutrition.

2. Vegan Arepas

Vegan arepas are a standout in vegan street food recipes, delivering bold Latin flavours in a satisfying, gluten-free handheld meal. These handheld treats are satisfying, gluten-free, and bursting with flavour in every bite.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients For The Arepas

• Pre-cooked white cornmeal (like PAN): 2 cups
• Warm water: 2½ cups
• Sea salt: ½ teaspoon or to taste
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon

Ingredients For The Filling

• Cooked black beans: 1 cup
• Ripe plantain: 1, sliced and pan-fried
• Avocado: 1, sliced
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. In a bowl, mix warm water and sea salt. Slowly stir in cornmeal until smooth. Let rest for 5 minutes.
2. Form into flat discs after dividing the dough into eight pieces.
3. A pan that has been gently greased is heated to medium heat. Cook arepas until brown and just beginning to crisp, 5 to 6 minutes per side.
4. Slice the arepas open like a pocket.
5. Fill each with black beans, fried plantains, and avocado slices.
6. After seasoning with sea salt and pepper, serve hot.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 12g
• Fibre: 8g

Health Benefits

Arepas are naturally gluten-free and high in complex carbs. Black beans offer fibre and plant protein, while avocado provides healthy fats.

This balanced combo supports heart health, digestion, and energy levels, making it a nutritious vegan comfort food option.

3. Miso-Glazed Tofu Skewers

These miso-glazed tofu skewers are a savoury-sweet delight, perfect for grilling or roasting. The umami-packed miso marinade adds depth to tender tofu cubes, making this a flavourful and satisfying plant-based street food or appetizer.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 3–4

Ingredients

• Extra-firm tofu: 1- 14 oz block, pressed and cubed
• White miso paste: 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Maple syrup: 1 tablespoon
• Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced
• Wooden or metal skewers

Method

1. Put the miso paste, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and maple syrup in a bowl.
2. Toss tofu cubes in the marinade and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
3. Thread marinated tofu onto skewers.
4. Bake or grill for 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), turning halfway through, until lightly browned.
5. Brush with extra marinade before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fat: 10g
• Fibre: 1g

Health Benefits

While typically served as comfort food, this dish’s nutritious ingredients also make it a smart pick for health-conscious vegan street food recipes.

This dish is high in umami flavour yet low in cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy, nutrient-dense vegan comfort food choice.

4. Vegan Gyros

Vegan gyros bring Greek street food to your plate with bold flavours and wholesome ingredients. Seitan or tempeh is seasoned and grilled to perfection, then wrapped in warm flatbread with fresh veggies and creamy dairy-free tzatziki for a satisfying bite.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients For The Gyro Filling

• Seitan or tempeh: 1 cup, sliced
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
• Oregano: ½ teaspoon
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients For The Tzatziki

• Vegan yogurt: ½ cup
• Cucumber: 1 small, grated and drained
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
• Fresh dill or mint: 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Sea salt to taste

Other Ingredients

• Flatbreads or pitas: 4
• Lettuce: 1 cup, shredded
• Tomato: 1 small, sliced
• Red onion: ½, thinly sliced

Method

1. The seitan or tempeh should be browned after adding the paprika, garlic powder, oregano, sea salt, and pepper to a skillet with heated olive oil.
2. In a bowl, mix all the tzatziki ingredients until well combined.
3. Warm flatbreads, then layer with lettuce, tomato, onion, cooked seitan or tempeh, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki.
4. Fold and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fibre: 4g

Health Benefits

Seitan and tempeh provide high-quality plant protein and iron. The fresh veggies add fibre and antioxidants, while dairy-free tzatziki is lighter on digestion. This flavourful wrap supports muscle health and energy levels with fewer saturated fats than traditional gyros.

5. Tofu Katsu Sandos

Tofu Katsu Sandos are a Japanese-inspired vegan sandwich featuring crispy tofu cutlets, shredded cabbage, and tangy tonkatsu sauce tucked between slices of soft white bread. They’re crunchy, flavourful, and crave-worthy—perfect for a satisfying street food-style lunch.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 2

Ingredients For The Tofu Katsu

• Extra-firm tofu: 1- 14 oz block, pressed and sliced
• All-purpose flour: ½ cup
• Plant-based milk: ½ cup
• Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
• Sea salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Ingredients For The Tonkatsu Sauce

• Ketchup: ¼ cup
• Worcestershire sauce: ¼ cup
• Coconut sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Soy sauce or tamari: 2 teaspoons

Ingredients For The Sandwich

• Soft white bread: 4 slices, crusts trimmed if desired
• Cabbage: 1 cup, shredded
• Vegan tonkatsu sauce: 2 tablespoons (or mix ketchup, soy sauce, & Worcestershire)

Method

1. Press and slice tofu into thick slabs. Season with sea salt and pepper.
2. Dredge tofu in flour, dip in plant milk, then coat with panko mixed with garlic powder.
3. Tofu should be fried in hot oil in a skillet until it is golden and crispy on all sides.
4. Lightly toast bread if desired.
5. Add the ingredients for the tonkatsu sauce to a small bowl and mix them.
6. Assemble sandwich: spread tonkatsu sauce on bread, add shredded cabbage, top with tofu cutlet, and sandwich with another slice.
7. Slice in half and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 16g
• Carbs: 38g
• Fat: 22g
• Fibre: 4g

Health Benefits

Tofu provides plant-based protein, calcium, and iron. Cabbage adds vitamin C and digestive fibre. This sandwich offers balanced energy and flavour with fewer animal fats, making it a healthier twist on traditional fried cutlet sandwiches.

6. Vegan Elote Cups

Vegan Elote Cups are a street food favourite reimagined—sweet corn kernels tossed with vegan mayo, zesty lime, smoky chilli powder, and plant-based cheese. This deconstructed version of Mexican street corn is bold, creamy, and perfect for snacking or parties.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Corn kernels: 3 cups (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Vegan mayo: 2 tablespoons
• Lime juice: 1 tablespoon
• Chilli powder: ½ teaspoon or to taste)
• Smoked paprika: ¼ teaspoon
• Garlic powder: ¼ teaspoon
• Plant-based feta or parmesan-style cheese: ¼ cup
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Sea salt to taste

Method

1. If using frozen or fresh corn, cook it in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is just beginning to brown.
2. After moving the corn to a mixing dish, allow it to cool slightly.
3. Add vegan mayo, lime juice, chilli powder, paprika, garlic powder, and sea salt. Stir to combine.
4. Fold in plant-based cheese.
5. Garnish with cilantro and an additional squeeze of lime after spooning into small cups or bowls.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 10g
• Fibre: 3g

Health Benefits

Corn provides fibre and energy-boosting carbs, while vegan mayo and cheese lower saturated fat content. Lime juice adds vitamin C, and chilli spices may aid metabolism, making this dish a flavourful and lighter take on classic comfort street food.

7. Mushroom Shawarma Wraps

Mushroom Shawarma Wraps are a flavourful favourite among vegan street food recipes, offering a satisfying, plant-based take on a Middle Eastern classic.

Meaty mushrooms are spiced and roasted until tender, then wrapped in soft flatbread with creamy hummus and crisp veggies—perfect for a hearty and flavourful street-style meal.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients For The Mushroom Shawarma

• Portobello or cremini mushrooms: 2 cups, sliced
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Cumin: 1 teaspoon
• Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Ground coriander: ½ teaspoon
• Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients For The Wraps

• Flatbreads or pitas: 4
• Hummus: ½ cup
• Lettuce: 1 cup, shredded
• Tomato: 1, diced
• Red onion: ¼, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley or mint (optional)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss mushrooms with olive oil and spices until evenly coated.
3. Transfer to a baking sheet and roast for 18 to 20 minutes, rotating halfway through.
4. Warm flatbreads and spread with hummus.
5. Add roasted mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, onion, and herbs.
6. Wrap and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 270
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 14g
• Fibre: 5g

Health Benefits

Mushrooms offer antioxidants, B vitamins, and immune support. Hummus adds plant protein and healthy fats. Together, this wrap supports energy levels and digestion while delivering big flavour with fewer calories than traditional shawarma.

8. Sweet & Spicy Vegan Empanadas

Sweet & Spicy Vegan Empanadas are a delicious example of vegan street food recipes that combine bold flavours with flaky, portable perfection.

Packed with juicy plantains, black beans, and warming spices, these portable delights are ideal for sharing at parties or as a snack.

Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6 empanadas

Ingredients For The Filling

• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Plantain: 1 ripe, diced
• Black beans: ½ cup, cooked
• Onion: ½ small, finely chopped
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced
• Ground cumin: ½ teaspoon
• Cayenne pepper: ¼ teaspoon (optional)
• Sea salt to taste

Ingredients For The Dough

• All-purpose flour: 1½ cups
• Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
• Coconut oil or vegan butter: ¼ cup
• Cold water: ⅓ cup

Method

1. In a skillet over hot olive oil, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add plantains, black beans, cumin, cayenne, and sea salt. Cook for 5–7 minutes. Mash slightly and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix flour and sea salt. Cut in coconut oil, then add water to form a dough. Knead gently.
4. Roll the dough into circles after dividing it into six pieces, then stuff each with two tablespoons of filling.
5. Fold and seal edges. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Nutrition Facts (per empanada)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 9g
• Fibre: 3g

Health Benefits

Black beans provide plant protein and fibre, supporting heart health and digestion. Plantains add potassium and slow-releasing carbs, helping balance blood sugar. These empanadas are baked, not fried, making them a lighter, nutrient-rich comfort food choice.

9. Chickpea ‘Tuna’ Onigiri

Chickpea ‘Tuna' Onigiri is a creative addition to vegan street food recipes, delivering Japanese-inspired flavour in a portable, plant-based package. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, salty, and umami-packed goodness—convenient and satisfying anytime.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes (for rice) | Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 onigiri

Ingredients

• Short-grain rice: 1½ cups, cooked (warm)
• Canned chickpeas: ½ cup, mashed
• Vegan mayo: 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce: 1 teaspoon
• Nori: ½ sheet, chopped (plus more for wrapping)
• Rice vinegar: ½ teaspoon
• Sea salt to taste
• Water and sea salt for shaping

Method

1. In a bowl, mash chickpeas and mix with vegan mayo, soy sauce, chopped nori, and a pinch of sea salt.
2. Wet hands with salted water to prevent sticking.
3. Take a scoop of rice, flatten slightly, and add 1 tablespoon of filling in the center.
4. Cover with additional rice and form into a ball or triangle.
5. If desired, wrap in a strip of nori.
6. Repeat with the remaining rice and filling. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts (per onigiri)

• Calories: 130
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fat: 3.5g
• Fibre: 2g

Health Benefits

Chickpeas provide protein, fibre, and iron, promoting fullness and energy. Nori adds iodine and minerals for thyroid support. This light, flavourful snack is lower in fat and free from cholesterol—ideal for plant-based eating on the go.

Conclusion

Vegan street food recipes bring bold flavours, global inspiration, and plant-based goodness to your plate—no meat or dairy required.

From crispy snacks to hearty wraps, these dishes prove that compassionate eating can be exciting, satisfying, and deliciously diverse.

Whether you’re craving something spicy, savoury, or sweet, vegan street food offers creative options for every palate. It’s an easy, eco-friendly way to enjoy global cuisines while supporting your health and the planet—one flavourful bite at a time.

I trust you enjoyed this article about the Best Vegan Street Food Recipes. Stay tuned for more blog posts soon. Take care!

JeannetteZ

 

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