Street food provides unique cultural experiences during travels, but it carries risks of gastrointestinal illnesses, with the WHO reporting that one in ten people falls sick yearly from contaminated food and 420,000 die from it. Food safety and travel experts recommend three key steps for safe enjoyment: follow locals or join tours, watch for hygiene red flags, and be cautious with water.
Street food is a cornerstone of cultural identity in many global cities, from Singapore to Taiwan, where markets have become tourist attractions. However, it is not always a positive experience, as it can lead to poisonings. Colleen Taylor Sen, author and Indian gastronomy specialist, recounted her ordeal: “I violated rule number one of street food: it has to be hot and freshly made,” after suffering poisoning in India, according to The Washington Post.
To mitigate these risks, experts propose three main recommendations. First, choose guided food tours by locals or follow residents. Fernando Rodríguez, manager of Intrepid Travel in Lima, leads visitors to Alameda Chabuca Granda, a regulated space offering anticuchos, picarones, and arroz con leche. “The fact that it is a space regulated by the municipality also provides a level of peace of mind,” explains Rodríguez. Stalls crowded by locals usually ensure fresh food.
Second, spot hygiene 'red flags.' “Two warning signs are if the person touches money and food, or rinses dishes repeatedly in contaminated water,” warns Rodríguez. Alvin Lee, director of the Institute for Food Safety and Health at the Illinois Institute of Technology, adds: “I've been to places where people eat next to a very dirty and contaminated canal. Do I really want to risk it?”. Cooking methods like grilling, deep frying, or boiling are safer for reaching high temperatures, while exposed sauces or old preparations can harbor bacteria.
Third, caution with water and raw vegetables. Avoid juices with tap water or unknown ice; prefer fruits with peels removed on the spot. “If I order a sandwich on the street, I'll avoid lettuce, tomato, or other raw vegetables that may have been washed with contaminated water,” notes Lee. This rule relaxes in countries with strict regulations like Canada or the European Union. In Peru, Rodríguez avoids street ceviche due to uncertainties about raw fish.
Always choosing authorized stalls is the foundation for a safe experience during vacations.
