How to Enjoy a Safe Experience with Street Food when Traveling

Posted by in Travel and Leisure, Travel Planning on Jun 18th, 2019 | Comments Off on How to Enjoy a Safe Experience with Street Food when Traveling

Many travelers describe street food as the best they have ever tasted. However, some travelers report cases of scary ingredients, suspect food handling, and regular trips to hospitals. But, despite these conflicting views, it’s possible to have a safe experience with street food when traveling. Here are tips that will make your experience better.

Take Time to Adjust

Before you start enjoying street food at your travel destination, allow your body time to adjust to the local food. Only taste street food when your body gets used to the local cuisine. This is particularly important for travelers that are not used to eating spicy food.

Go with the Crowd

There is a reason why a particular vendor is avoided by the local. Therefore, avoid a vendor that doesn’t seem to have many customers. Instead, eat street food from a vendor that is always crowded. Go to a vendor that seems popular with the local families. That’s a safe bet.

Watch Street Vendors

If possible, spend some time with the street food vendors. This will enable you to know what they use to prepare the food. You will also learn about their habits. For instance, you will know if the vendor cleans utensils properly. You will also know if the vendor uses tongs and whether they keep their food covered.

Check the Oil Color

Pay keen attention to the oil color. If the vendor fries foods using cloudy oil, be careful. Also be wary of a vendor that uses oil with debris. That’s because these are indicators that the vendor is reusing the oil to prepare food.

Check Cleanliness

Check whether the surfaces and pots where the food is prepared and served are dirty. If the utensils or cart surface has sticking food scraps, it means the vendor is not clean.

In addition to these tips, avoid street food if it is not cooked thoroughly because it can have parasites that can affect your digestion system negatively. Follow these tips and you will enjoy a safe experience with street food whenever you travel.

 

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