Explore 8 of the most popular dishes featured at the World Street Food Festival 2016.

Forget the truffles and put the Wagyu aside – it's time to focus on something more humble.

Incredible culinary experiences aren't confined to upscale restaurants with pristine tablecloths. Some of the most unforgettable meals are served on the streets, where food is simple yet full of flavor.

From stewed pig offal and white radish cakes to crispy seafood pancakes and juicy chicken satay skewers, these were just a few of the mouthwatering street foods offered at the third World Street Food Congress, celebrating 'the comforting flavors of home.'

After two successful editions in Singapore, the World Street Food Congress 2016 took place in Bonifacio Global City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

During the first-ever World Street Food Congress in 2013, special guest and current Dinogo contributor Anthony Bourdain emphasized: 'The world desperately needs a World Street Food Congress.'

This time, the word had clearly spread – an impressive 73,000 locals from Manila flocked to the event over five days, eager to sample street food from 25 diverse stalls offering global flavors.

All of this took place even with temperatures soaring to a sweltering 40°C (104°F) at one point.

'Great food should be affordable, comforting, and genuine,' said K.F. Seetoh, the dynamic founder of Singapore's Makansutra and the visionary behind the Congress. 'That's where the true magic happens, and where endless opportunities unfold.'

'A single plate of food has the power to influence industries, tourism, culture, identity, social change, education – the possibilities are limitless, all sparked by one simple, yet extraordinary dish.'

In addition to the street food festival, the event featured a two-day discussion on the world’s oldest and most beloved culinary tradition.

Critical topics were explored, including sustainability, food preservation, cultural significance, and the growing global interest – both its opportunities and the challenges it brings.

At the end of the day, it was the incredible variety of dishes that truly stole the spotlight at the Manila Congress.

Most vendors served over 1,000 portions a day, with one stall breaking records by dishing out 1,920 servings. Here are eight of the most popular dishes:

1. Malaysia: Assam Laksa

Assam Laksa is a bold and spicy seafood and tamarind soup – a beloved dish in Malaysia, especially in Penang, one of the world’s top street food capitals.

In Penang, Lim Ee Quen made the life-changing decision to leave her beauty salon behind, dedicating herself to preserving her family’s time-honored recipe.

The secret to this dangerously addictive dish lies in the heirloom sambal recipe – a spice mix that earned her the prestigious Assam Laksa title at the Penang Hawkers competition.

Where to find it: Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa, 1W Jalan Gottlieb, George Town, Penang, Malaysia

2. Indonesia: Sate Maranggi

At the Congress, the Sate Marrangi team from Indonesia grilled an astonishing 125,000 sticks of satay in just five days.

They’re no strangers to high volumes – their once-small stall in Purwakarta, Indonesia, now serves over 1,000 customers a day.

The region's signature satay consists of marinated, cubed beef cooked over charcoal and paired with a deceptively spicy salad of chili, vinegar, and tomato.

A perfect balance of contrasting flavors and textures.

Where to find it: Sate Maranggi Cibungur, Jl. Raya Cibungur, Purwakarta, Indonesia

3. Thailand: Hoy Tord

Hoy Tord, or Thai seafood omelet, is a beloved dish that needs little introduction for Thai food enthusiasts.

The batter is made from a blend of two types of flour, lime, and water, then fried gently with eggs and topped with fresh seafood – oysters, shrimp, or squid – along with cilantro, bean sprouts, scallions, pepper, and a splash of fish sauce.

Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside.

Chili sauce is optional, but highly recommended.

Where to find it: Hoy Tord Chao Loy, 25 Sukhumvit Soi 55, Bangkok, Thailand

4. India: Hyderabadi Biryani

Though the word 'biryani' has Persian origins, India has become the true home of this aromatic rice dish, often served with meat or vegetables, and spiced to perfection.

Among the many regional variations, the Hyderabadi version stands out, featuring a flavorful combination of basmati rice, chicken, yogurt, lemon, masala spices, coriander leaves, and crispy fried onions.

Pochamma, 55, has dedicated over a decade to selling this iconic dish on the streets, with the support of her husband and son.

Her efforts have earned her recognition from India's National Association of Street Vendors.

5. United States: Churros Sundae

The Churros Locos food truck, based in Portland, Oregon, was founded by Mexican-Americans Daniel Huerta and Isabel Sanchez.

The couple balances their corporate day jobs with their passion for serving deep-fried dough sticks topped with ice cream, nuts, and sprinkles.

'Everyone has a personal connection to churros,' Isabel shared. 'We had a man who teared up after trying our churros.'

'He told us that his mother used to take him for churros when he was a child in Mexico. She passed away last year, and due to immigration issues, he was unable to visit her grave,' Isabel recalled.

'It was the first time he'd had them since then.'

6. Vietnam: Banh Xeo

Phan Thi Thu Loan originally trained as an architect before choosing to pursue her passion for preserving Vietnam's rich food heritage.

She employs a century-old technique, recognized by UNESCO, to craft her signature sizzling Banh Xeo seafood pancakes, cooked in clay pots over an open wood fire.

'If I use modern methods or equipment, I can't replicate the same taste,' Phan explained.

To enjoy them fully, wrap the pancakes in fresh herbs and dip them in her dangerously addictive special sauce, a closely guarded secret recipe.

Where to find it: BanhCan 38, 154 Nguyen Dinh Chinh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7. Singapore: Kway Chap

Congress founder K.F. Seetoh highlighted that street food in Singapore generates a billion-dollar industry annually, providing direct employment to 40,000 Singaporeans.

Melvin Chew is one of those employed, running his family's 35-year-old stall that specializes in kway chap – a dish featuring pig offal, pork cuts, and duck braised in soy, served with sheets of noodles.

This traditional dish took a modern twist when Melvin introduced a Japanese bento-style box, which has quickly become a hit with younger generations.

Where to find it: Blk 335, Smith Street #02-156, Chinatown Complex, Singapore

8. China: Zhu Hou Chicken

In Guangdong, a province in southern China, salt-baked chicken is a common dish found on many tables.

Young chef Xu Jing Ye presented his own take on the dish in Manila, using a 120-year-old recipe for Foshan sauce, crafted from soybeans, sugar, sesame seeds, and soy sauce.

Attention to detail is crucial, as Chef Xu personally raises his own chickens in China to ensure they meet his exact standards for taste and texture.

Where to find it: 102 House, Guicheng Shi Ken, Huanghe Fang, Yi Xiang Yi Hao, Foshan, Guangzhou, China