Nothing but the world's best, in every category

Jalan Alor night market, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

RM25–30 (~$6) gets a full meal with satay, char kway teow, and fresh coconut. Go after 7pm when all stalls are operating. The grilled stingray at the first row of stalls is unmissable.

Thip Samai pad thai, Bangkok, Thailand

Widely regarded as the best pad thai in the world — 120 baht (~$3.50) for the premium version wrapped in egg. Located on Maha Chai Road near Wat Saket. Queue starts at 5pm — arrive early or after 9pm.

Tian Tian Hainanese chicken rice, Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore

SGD$5 for a plate of chicken rice that has a permanent queue and a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Maxwell Food Centre, Stall 10. Go at 11am before the lunchtime rush. Anthony Bourdain called it one of the best things he ever ate.

Tacos al pastor at El Huequito, Mexico City, Mexico

El Huequito on Calle Bolívar has been serving tacos al pastor since 1959 — 3 tacos for ~MX$60 ($3). The vertical trompo spit is directly visible from the street. Open until 3am, busiest after midnight.