Travel IQ – How can I safely eat street food?

My personal philosophy is to follow the locals – the busier the stand, the more often the food is made fresh and not sitting out to accrue bacteria.

Often, illness is not caused by the food but instead by the water. Avoid any foods that are made or preserved with tap water. This also includes beverages: fruit juices, smoothies, and, most importantly, ice. Be sure to check for sealed and untampered caps on your bottled water. Additionally, check if dairy items and bottled juices are pasteurized. I recommend only eating fruits and vegetables that have a thick peel, including oranges, squash, peppers, mangoes, and bananas. Be cautious about salad since the lettuce is often washed in tap water!

As a precaution, some travelers pack an OTC digestive relief or grapefruit seed extract, which is a natural defense to unfamiliar bacteria. If you are particularly concerned, you can always ask your physician for an antibiotic before you travel.

Enjoy your gastronomical adventures!