8. Jhal NYC

Jhal NYC is not just your typical street food vendor: it’s a social venture built to empower New York’s Bangali community through food. By employing stay at home mothers and new immigrants, the team behind Jhal hopes to create a sense of community for its staff members, who are able to build language skills and prepare for future careers they are seeking to transition into.

The venture has come a long way since its inception: this year, it was nominated for a Vendy Award — its Fuchka, a dish made with crunchy semolina-based shells stuffed with a yellow peas mixture, is certainly a reason why.