Tips for enjoying the street foods of India safely

Like they say “Eat like a local, live like a local”, it is like an unsaid mantra of the world-wide foodies and core-travelers that if you are willing to deeply explore the culture of any country – trying the local food is a very important part of it !

India’s street-food is world-famous! The tourists and travelers from all over the globe come to explore India and they get intrigued by not only India’s rich cultural heritage, monuments, forts, history… but also Indian cuisine. Delhi’s chaat, Mumbai’s Paav Bhaaji, Kolkata’s puchkas, Litti Chokha from Bihar, Litti Chokha from Bihar, Thukpa from Arunachal Pradesh, Momos from Sikkim, Chole – Bhature from Punjab … the list is endless. Impressed by the wide varieties of Indian cuisine, the travelers love to relish the local food items in order to know about that place and its people.

However, due to very spicy food and various other reasons, we usually hear the stories that people fall sick. Hence, in order to avoid those mishaps and before beginning your quest to relish the yummilicious food, we have complied a list of points that you must keep in your mind while trying the street food in India.

• First of all, I want to mention that there is no harm in eating street foods in India, unless and until the hygiene is not compromised. But you must know that Indians love to spice up their foods and therefore for those who prefer or usually eat less spicy food, this food may make you sick if you ignore the precautions.
• If you see a street food vendor whose place is crowded, you can eat from that place. This is because the food is getting sold quickly and the probability of being sitting out is also less. Moreover, the vendor must be making fresh food in order to fulfill the high demand.

  

• Eat where locals eat: As the locals are well aware of the quality of the food, you must ask and notice yourself too about where you should go to eat. Every place has its own unique specialty and you can experiment with your taste buds where you get the most recommendations.
• You can try fried food as the heat kills the bacterias. It won’t be as healthy as eating food cooked in olive oil but it would be better than the ones that has been sitting out for really long time. Also, make sure that you avoid the chutney – apart from being too spicy, there is a chance that it might be prepared from tap water.
• Wash your hands frequently before and after the meals. You can always keep a sanitizer handy – just in case.
• Avoid cold beverages/ snacks that are made from water or ice because there is a chance that those are made using the tap water. Instead, you can try the fresh juices made from the seasonal fruits. That would be more refreshing that the packaged or openly sold beverages.

  

• Make sure that the person serving food and the person who is cooking it are in a hygienic environment. If you think that the utensils are dirty or they are serving from their hands (without gloves/ unwashed hands) – avoid that place.
• Avoid eating non – vegetarian snacks/ food from local street vendors as the raw material may be sitting out or be of bad quality. The food can be really unhealthy and may make you sick.
• However, in case you get sick, or to avoid being the same, here are some of the medicines that you must keep all the diseases at bay:
  Probiotics – boost the good bacteria in your stomach, improve digestion and increase natural immunity. They are a must before traveling to India, especially during your travels and afterwards when you get home. They’re also generally good for all round digestive health.

  

  Charcoal tablets – on the other hand these tablets are incredibly effective for stopping diarrhea and preventing dysentery. It quickly absorbs the toxins or pathogens that are causing the problem and keeps you strong.
  However, always take advice from your doctor so that s/he can advise you about the dosages keeping in mind your allergies and body temperament in mind.

All in all, Indian cuisine is full of appetizing dishes, delicious snacks, fragrant curries, tandoori-grilled meats, sprinkled with relishing condiments and spices and mesmerizing aroma. Just like Indian culture, Indian food is also very diverse. Afterall it is famous worldwide for a reason! You just need to keep a few things in mind, then you are set to give your taste – buds a savory – spree!

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