7 Delicious Gas Station Foods and Where to Find Them
From roadside hand pies to cult-favorite burritos, these gas station foods deliver a tasty way to fuel up around the world
We all know that stocking up on snacks is half the fun of a road trip. And while most people make a beeline for bags of pretzels and strips of beef jerky during a fuel stop, there are destinations around the world where gas station food rivals restaurant fare.
In countries such as Italy and New Zealand, these humble pit stops aren’t just for gassing up your guzzler. These rest spots offer beloved regional dishes for intrepid travelers in the know. Plus, they’re quicker and more affordable for those with a packed itinerary or a tight budget. Here’s where to get the world’s best gas station eats—scratch that—best eats, full stop.
Hawaii’s fried delights
Savory flavors in Greece
Simple, fresh ingredients are a hallmark of Greek cuisine. At gas stations along the country’s motorways, such as Shell and BP, you’ll find oven-baked savory pies—from the classic tiropita, filled with a rich mixture of feta cheese and wrapped in flaky phyllo, to variations stuffed with spinach, leeks, or creamy cheese and egg. Pair one with a freddo espresso, an iced drink of double espresso and sugar, shaken until frothy, for the ultimate roadside pick-me-up.
Italy’s roadside classics
You’d be hard-pressed to find a bad meal in Italy—even at its gas stations. As you travel from the Dolomites to Naples, pull into an Autogrill for lunch. Glass cases full of sandwiches line the counters. Its original sandwich, the Camogli—made with ham and Emmental cheese between two slices of fresh focaccia—put Autogrill’s gas stations on Italy’s culinary map nearly 40 years ago. But my go-to is the Reginella, which is filled with Bologna mortadella, stracciatella cheese, and pistachios on freshly made focaccia.
Popping flavors of Bermuda
This subtropical island located off the east coast of the US isn’t exactly a driving destination, but that doesn’t mean you should skip their gas stations. Tourists can only rent electric mini-cars and scooters, so instead of fueling up your vehicle, you’ll want to fill up your energy level on popcorn. Step inside any Bermuda gas station, and you’ll find dozens of popcorn varieties made by local producers (don’t let the Ziploc packaging or handmade labels scare you off). The most popular flavor on the island is arguably yeast—a surprising choice at first. I can attest that the sweet-and-savory blend of yeast and sugar is unexpectedly delicious.
Burrito bliss in the US
America has a slew of world-famous road trips—and equally famous foods. Across the Southwest and Midwest, including New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Missouri, drivers can stop at Allsup’s or Yesway for an iconic gas station food staple: the deep-fried baked bean and beef burrito. Created in 1974, this regional favorite even has its own fan club, with merchandise to prove it. Whatever you do, don’t forget to add the chain's signature hot sauce to your first bite.
Going French in the Faroes
Every day at lunchtime, you’ll see locals lining up at their nearest Magn or Effo gas station across the Faroe Islands—a remote North Atlantic archipelago between Iceland and Norway—for a hot dog. Served “French-style,” these delightfully addictive pork sausages are tucked into a hollowed-out piece of French bread filled with the sauce of your choosing. My favorite combo is a chili hot dog with spicy mustard. And in a destination with some of the world’s most scenic driving, it's no coincidence these hot dogs are designed to be eaten one-handed.
Recharge with a Kiwi classic
Meat pie and sweet pie are two very different things. In New Zealand, gas stations such as BP and Z sell meat pies, also known as hand pies. While there are many flavors and fillings, locals typically go for a hot steak and cheese pie. It’s the perfect cure for a hangover after one too many pints of Speight's—or just a filling bite as you journey through the jaw-dropping scenery from north to south.
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So, next time you're planning a road trip, put these gas stations on your itinerary for the perfect place to fill up.