Street Food around the World: An Encyclopedia of Food and Culture: An Encyclopedia of Food and Culture

by Bruce Kraig, Bruce Kraig (Editor), Colleen Taylor Sen Ph.D. (Editor), Colleen Taylor Sen Ph.D.

Overview

Street foods run deep throughout human history and show the movements of peoples and their foods across the globe. For example, mandoo, manti, momo, and bāozi: all of these types of dumplings originated in Central Asia and spread across the Old World beginning in the 12th century. This encyclopedia surveys common street foods in about 100 countries and regions of the world, clearly depicting how "fast foods of the common people" fit into a country or a region's environments, cultural history, and economy. The entries provide engaging information about specific foods as well as coverage of vendor and food stall culture and issues. An appendix of recipes allows for hands-on learning and provides opportunities for readers to taste international street foods at home.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781598849554
Publisher:	ABC-CLIO, Incorporated
Publication date:	09/09/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	504
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Bruce Kraig, PhD, is emeritus professor of history at Roosevelt University.

Colleen Taylor Sen, PhD, is a food historian and writer specializing in the cuisine of the Indian subcontinent.

Editorial Reviews

12/01/2013
Quick and easy, street food has rolled into the spotlight of popular culture and the media. While there are numerous recipe books, television shows, and works on specific topics, this volume is the first to provide a broad view of street food worldwide. It begins with a brief introduction to the fare that includes the World Health Organization's five keys to safer food and regulations. The heart of the work is its more than 70 country and region entries. Organized alphabetically, the entries, at minimum, include a brief synopsis of street food in the region. Of particular note is the inclusion of places that are less well known for such food, such as Suriname. The title discusses how, as part of the Caribbean Basin, Suriname has a fascinating history demonstrated through the variety of cultures that influenced the area's street cuisine. For instance, Indian workers brought roti (a kind of bread) to the country in the 1800s, and it is still one of the country's most popular street foods. And who could have guessed that the hot dog was the most popular street comestible in Iceland? Also included is a section of recipes, a short selected bibliography (each entry has further readings), and a thorough index. Aiding in navigation is a list of entries, a list of recipes, and another list of recipes by country. VERDICT A solid overview of street food worldwide for travelers and researchers.—Lisa Ennis, Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham

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