Give some people a choice between a polished restaurant and a busy food cart, and they will happily choose the plastic stool, paper plate and meal cooked a few feet in front of them. Price may be part of the attraction, but psychology suggests the preference can be more complicated. Research on street food, local cuisine and dining environments points toward food neophilia, perceived authenticity, consumption value, sensory stimulation and social experience as possible influences on where people prefer to eat. Someone who loves food carts may not simply be searching for the cheapest meal. They may be seeking an experience that feels immediate, informal, culturally connected and less filtered than conventional restaurant dining.
