A GUIDE TO SAFE STREET FOOD
How to Avoid Food Poisoning During Travel
Travelers, foodies, street food connoisseurs — listen up. We’re all for trying local cuisine and street food, but there are a few things we’ve learned the hard way. Let's talk about what’s safe to eat and what might come back to bite you.
From personal experience, one of our team members unknowingly took a bite of undercooked chicken. It turns out, chasing it with alcohol did little to sterilize the contamination. The result? Let’s just say it wasn’t the kind of culture shock anyone was hoping for.
That’s why we’re serving up this guide to safe street eats, common culprits, and best practices if things go south. Because at the end of the day, you want less sh*ts and more giggles.
HOW TO IDENTIFY SKETCHY STREET FOOD
There are a few tells when it comes to food gone bad. For example, if food has been sitting out for a long period of time, smells funky, or is in unhygienic conditions. However, it's not always straightforward. We go deeper into tips for finding safe street food and how to prevent the dreaded traveler's diarrhea.
Should you eat street food?
Trying street food is a great way to experience a culture and connect with locals. If you know what to look for and what to avoid, you can minimize the risk of food poisoning, also known as traveler’s diarrhea. Ultimately, do your research and trust your gut.
SAFE STREET FOOD CHECKLIST
✓ There’s a line of people waiting for food - Busy stalls mean high turnover and fresher food
✓ Locals are eating there
✓ Food prep + cooking is visible
✓ Food is fresh off the heat
✓ Vendors aren’t handling money and food together
✓ Raw and cooked food are kept separately
✓ The food smells fresh
✓ Surfaces and cooking utensils look clean and sanitary
STREET FOOD 101
- Stick to food that’s cooked, served hot and fresh
- Avoid unpeeled fruit
- Drink bottled or filtered water (skip the ice)
- Wash or sanitize hands before eating
- Choose busy stalls with high food turnover
- Be cautious with seafood unless you know it’s fresh and well-cooked
- Avoid uncooked, raw vegetables unless you trust the place
- Make sure packaging is sealed, such as water bottle lids, food packaging, etc.
COMMON CULPRITS OF FOOD POISONING
Travel illnesses often come in the form of salmonella, E. coli, gastrointestinal infection, or parasites. While this all sounds scary, our aim is not to deter you from being adventurous on your travels. We're merely sharing knowledge to help you make informed decisions. Dodge food poisoning during your next trip and thank us later.
The following are common culprits to avoid on your travels:
- Raw vegetables washed in contaminated water
- Uncooked or raw meat
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- Unsanitary cooking conditions or poor hygiene
Common misconception: Many people believe that meat is less safe than vegetables. In reality, when meat is fully cooked through and eaten fresh, you’re less likely to get sick. Uncooked vegetables can become contaminated if they're washed with unfiltered water. Additionally, there’s risk of produce coming into contact with bacteria from raw meat, unclean surfaces, etc.
TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS
It never hurts to pack for the unknown. If you get hit with food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea, here’s what you should have on you:
- Electrolytes or rehydrations salts
- Activated charcoal capsules
- Probiotics
- Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
- Anti-diarrheal meds
- Waterproof Travel Canister - 100ML
- Waterproof Travel Canister - 40ML
- Waterproof Pill Canister
- Water filter such as Life Straw (can be used for water, liquids, and iced drinks)
HOT TIP: Travel with your own snacks so you don’t find yourself in a desperate situation. When you’re hungry, you’re more likely to make rash decisions about food, which can cost you later. Matador’s Waterproof Travel Canister - 100ML is great for travel snacks like nuts, trail mix, etc.
We recommend the Waterproof Travel Canister - 40ML or Waterproof Pill Canister for vitamins, medication, and pills.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. We are not medical professionals, and this should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health or travel needs.
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