Around the world in 8 ways

ALLSTON -- There is no food on the street here, but there's street food galore. Inside dozens of colorful storefronts, little snacks and sips and quick bites are offered from around the world.

The intersection of Harvard and Brighton avenues can seem a little off-putting. Both streets are dreary and choked with double-parked delivery trucks, horn-honking traffic, college-kid SUVs, and fixed-gear bike-riding hipsters with studded belts. But this is the heart of the student quarter and a stroll down these avenues can become an adventurous mov able feast. Take an afternoon -- and bring a hearty appetite. Start with a spicy kimchee pancake at Hanmaru. This Korean specialty begins with the traditional fermented cabbage cooked in an eggy batter.

Walk around the corner for a treat from the Taiwan-born owner of Infusions Tea Spa: a little styrofoam box filled with perfect white rice, crisp fried pork belly, and marinated egg . Head to Aneka Rasa to sample a flaky Malaysian roti paratha, a flatbread for scooping up chicken curry, and to Color for a plate of spicy Korean ttokbokki, the popular dish of tube-shaped rice noodles.

Pack in some American fried macaroni and cheese balls -- an invention of the owners -- at Soul Fire Barbecue, and at Madina Market's Kitchen, a few onion pakoras -- large, golden Pakistani fritters. For a sweet nibble, indulge in a bittersweet chocolate "potato , " shipped from Brooklyn's Russian neighborhood, at the Moscow International Food Store.

Wash it all down with a tall glass of claro, a creamy Colombian-style corn and milk drink at Camino Real. You'll have traveled far, and walked only a few steps.