Any time of day, people all over the world are crunching into a snack-sized fried treat. They might have picked up a borek from a street seller in Izmir; have been dunking their churros into thick, rich chocolate; or got caught squeezing the custard out of their cannoli. Either way, it's a given that they are having a very jolly time.
So, roll out the pastry, heat the oil and get ready to indulge your happy neurons. Because if there's one thing fried pastry guarantees across the globe, it's putting a pastry-flaked smile on your dial.
Beef, chicken, veggie or fish - however you like you're curry puffs, make loads! Source: SBS Food
Turon is a classic Filipino street food snack. Source: Adam Liaw
Fresh, spongy doughnuts, a toasted peanut and sunflower seed filling, and salted caramel glaze - what's not to love? Source: Donal's Asian Baking Adventure
Little wonder that this dessert is popular all over south Asia - including in India, Nepal, the Maldives, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Source: Adam Liaw
Samosas are ubiquitous in India. You'll find them on offer in the streets, at parties, pre-dinner, breakfast and even with an afternoon cup of tea. Source: Anjum’s Australian Spice Stories
There's just something about a fried ball of dough... Source: Chris Chen
Naturally dolmas are best when served with a pot of strong Turkish tea. Source: Bree Hutchins
Borek are often baked instead of fried - but that would defeat the whole purpose of this list... Source: Adam Liaw
Loukoumades are basically balls of fried yum. Source: Adam Liaw
Cseresznyes gomboc is a simple recipe that results in wonderfully complex flavour and texture. Source: Alan Benson
Apple fritters are a really popular regional winter dessert in the southern Alps. Source: Benito Martin
Bombolini are quite fiddly to make, but totally worth it, don't you think? Source: Petrina Tinslay
Flavoured with citrus rind and grappa, and sprinkled with icing sugar, crostoli are the lightest ribbons of fried pastry and a must for every Italian gathering. Source: Brett Stevens
Cannoli is exactly what fried pastry should be doing for a living. Source: China Squirrel
Sometimes they're baked, more often they're fried, but always they're a taste sensation. Source: Paul Hollywood Pies and Puds
Like a South African churros and just as delicious. Source: Sarah Graham's Food Safari
Adam Liaw's recipe mixes things up with ricotta and carob rolled through the pastry. Source: Adam Liaw
This recipe is for a cinnamon doughnut, but there are plenty more where these came from (see below). Source: Alan Benson
Tortas fritas can be served sweet or salty, and are generally considered an excellent food for a rainy afternoon. Source: Rachel Tolosa Paz
A quick dunk is all you need. Source: Rachel Tolosa Paz
