Global Street Food

Thanks to our editorial intern Laila, we've been pretty solidly educated on the glories of the various kinds of Middle Eastern street food she grew up with. First she brought Turkey's wet burger to our attention. Then we learned about koshary, the most delicious way to feed the most people with the least effort, via Egypt's Rachael Ray. Now with knowledge of kumpir — a specialty in Ortaköy, Istanbul — I'll attempt to reinvent the baked potato. Or at least use up a lot of leftovers all at once.

I found a shape of dumpling I've never eaten, and I'm ecstatic. I went to a Nepalese restaurant last night and ordered yomari, dumplings typically filled with molasses and eaten on holidays. These were closer to momo with a spiced ground lamb filling, but with a heart or root vegetable shape rather than soup dumpling shape. Am I obsessing over dumplings? 

Tortas are quick and easy sandwiches made with bolillos. You can make them cold or grill the bread before stuffing. This grilled mushroom torta oozes creaminess, and the addition of long green chiles and tequila gives it just the right dimension of smokiness.