Street food isn’t just about eating—it’s about drinking, too. For instance, people in Thailand enjoy fresh coconut water, while India offers sugarcane juice as a refreshing and nutritious street drink. Different street drinks have distinct qualities. Some street food products contain secret sugar, while others provide essential nutrients for your body.
This article examines which street drinks you should try and which you should avoid.
The Best Street Drinks for Your Health
- Fresh Coconut Water
Visitors in tropical nations should taste fresh coconut water at every opportunity. Vendors split
fresh coconuts to pour their natural water directly into your cup. As natural water, coconuts provide hydration, natural electrolytes, and no added sugars. The fresh product delivers more benefits than bottled coconut water. - Sugarcane Juice
People in India, Vietnam, and Brazil enjoy sugarcane juice, which results from pressing raw sugarcane through a machine. It inspires freshness and natural vitality while showing high levels
of antioxidants. The downside? The natural sweetness of this drink makes it healthier than soda,
but you should still consume it in limited amounts. - Herbal Teas and Infusions
You can find herbal tea sellers in Moroccan, Chinese, and Turkish marketplaces. People throughout Morocco drink herbal teas because these beverages support digestion and provide several health advantages.
The Ones to Watch Out For
- Pre-Bottled Vitamin Water
You might see vitamin water sold alongside street food, but is vitamin water good for you? Not
always. Some brands add artificial flavors and tons of sugar, making them more like soda than a
healthy drink. If you’re looking for vitamins, fresh fruit juices or natural herbal teas are a better choice. - Sweetened Iced Teas
A cold iced tea sounds great on a hot day, but if it’s coming from a plastic bottle or a vendor who
adds extra syrup, it might be packed with sugar. If you want the benefits of tea, look for fresh-
brewed versions without the extra sweetness. - Artificial Fruit Juices
Not all “fruit juice” is made from real fruit. Some vendors mix fruit-flavored syrups with water, meaning you mostly drink sugar and artificial flavors. If the juice isn’t freshly squeezed before you, it’s best to skip it.
The Surprise Drinks You Should Try
- Fermented Drinks
Several nations, including Mexico, Korea, and Indonesia, produce fermented drinks using rice,
corn, and other grain types. People in Mexico and Korea enjoy probiotic-rich drinks such as
tepache and makgeolli, which offer both alcohol and a refreshing taste. These unconventional
beverages should be tried for their special taste. - Salty or Spicy Drinks
Do you enjoy sipping fermented beverages mixed with chili powder, salt, and ground tamarind?
People find the strong drink flavors surprising at first but quickly become addicted to them. Look
for micheladas in Mexico and spicy mango shakes in Thailand.
Final Thoughts
When you travel, you may discover excellent or terrible street drinks, depending on your choices. You should select natural ingredients when buying street drinks. When you drink at street stands, choose plain coconut water herbal tea or craft brews without sugar additives or artificial ingredients. Drink wisely, and your street food experience will be even better!