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For those that like to travel around the world, do you eat street foods? Particularly in places like Asia or Latin America where vendors cook meals right there in street stalls (not restaurants).
I might once in a while but am a bit phobic about the hygienic levels of these stalls. The cost is cheaper and the taste can be great, but not something I usually do.
I think street food is the best, because usually it is prepared by families with family recipes and no pretention. I unfortunately have not been to Asia but have heard that street food in countries like Singapore, India and Vietnam are amazing. Can't wait to try them.
Caveat: Locals always build up an immunity to the strains of bacteria or viruses in these foods. It's acquired and easily lost without constant exposure to these foods.
Then it would be the exact same scenario in a restaurant anyways. I just don't see the difference. I've eaten street food everywhere, and it only ever got me sick once in Mexico City. And it was worth it.
My guess is that, in places like Thailand, street food is probably more sanitary than anything you'd get in the typical restaurant. The street food vendors typically buy fresh ingredients every morning, and they cook it while you stand there and watch.
I've never been sick from street food, but in Thailand I've been sick three or four or five times from food eaten in restaurants.
For those that like to travel around the world, do you eat street foods? Particularly in places like Asia or Latin America where vendors cook meals right there in street stalls (not restaurants).
Well, if you want to fall sick easily then you go for the street food in most of those places.
Otherwise, stick with the higher quality restaurants.
Mexican street food really is so goood, it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Especially tacos. Unfortunately you can't find tacos that good here in the US.
Lol I just ate but, I'm craving tacos soooooo bad...
I've had loads of street food here in China, of varying quality and flavor. Some really excellent noodles and rice, before... and some other stuff that was pretty bleh.
It's easy to figure out whose food is safe and whose isn't... just look at where all the locals are eating. Since most of the vendors come to the same area every day, they probably have a good read on who is using gutter oil, and who isn't.
Well, if you want to fall sick easily then you go for the street food in most of those places.
Otherwise, stick with the higher quality restaurants.
My guess is that you don't travel much? You have it exactly backwards.
To be sure, the top quality restaurants will probably have fresh food. Maybe. But if I had to gamble, I'd take street food any day, particularly if the vendor is busy. That means the food probably hasn't been sitting around too long. I have yet to be sick from street food, anywhere.
I say "yes" to street food in Asia and Latin-America,, but just use common sense discretion. Just because it is street food does not automatically make it unsafe. I've had street food and have not gotten sick from it, thus far. Conversely, just because the food is prepared by an established restaurant does not make it automatically safe. Look at the recent example of the restaurant chain Chiptole here in the US. I like Chiptole, but am not shocked it could happen at a chain restaurant.
As mentioned, streetfood vendors rarely store food for any considerable amount of time. Therefore there is a lower chance of food being spoiled. I have seen the walk-in freezer of many brick-and-mortar restaurants filled with old, moldy food, or foods that have been sitting in bain maries or chafing dishes for days.
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