A UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) regional workshop on street food in Asia, held in Djakarta, Indonesia, in 1986, tried to define street food. It described a wide range of ready-to-eat food and beverages sold and sometimes prepared in public places, notably by the roadside. It stated that like fast food, the final preparation of street food occurs when the customer orders the meal.

Street food is culture-specific and there is an endless variety. Because of its importance in food security and nutrition, FAO and other UN organisations have been trying to improve this sector. Codes of hygienic practice have been set up. Action has also been taken to organise the vendors, to train them, facilitate their access to loans and increase their cooperation with local authorities. Consumers are also educated in nutrition.