Globalization vs. Local. The Role of Street Food in the Urban Food System

The street food sector offers ready-to-eat food and beverages that are prepared and/or sold by itinerant or stationary vendors, especially on streets and in other public places. Due to its low cost and convenience, street food is consumed by millions of low- and middle-income consumers, especially in developing countries. But it also contributes to authentic gastronomic experiences for tourists, offering a link between food, place, and tourism. Fast food on the other hand is generally associated with high-income countries where globalization is affirmed. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of street food and what it represents to the image of a region. Information from the study shows that vendors lacked training in food preparation.