How to enjoy street food in India safely
Who hasn’t heard of Delhi Belly? It’s often used in the generic sense when travellers fall ill even if they are in another country. You are probably wondering is it safe to eat street food in India. I always eat street food and touch wood, I have not been adversely affected in about 25 years or more.
Before you dive into the delicious flavours and aromas of Indian street cuisine, it’s important to know a few tips to keep your tummy happy and healthy. Street food can be a delightful adventure, but it’s also essential to take precautions to avoid getting sick, especially if you’re not used to the local environment.
In this guide, I will provide some simple and easy-to-follow tips that will help you enjoy the vibrant street food culture in India without worrying about stomach troubles. Hopefully, this will put your mind at rest if you are wondering if Indian street food is safe.
I don’t know about you but in some places that I have been to it’s preferable to eat street food rather than eat in a dodgy restaurant with an unhygienic kitchen that you can’t see. On the street, you can watch your food being prepared and see the whole process. It doesn’t get much fresher than that.
Gastrotravelogue uses affiliate links. When you click on an affiliate link and purchase a product or service I will receive a small commission. Please note that this does not cost you anything extra.
What is Indian Street Food?
Indian street food refers to a variety of delicious snacks and dishes prepared and sold by vendors on the streets and in markets across India. These foods are often quick to make, flavourful, and affordable, making them popular among locals and tourists. Street food in India is known for its rich flavours, vibrant spices, and diverse regional variations, offering a culinary experience that reflects the country’s cultural diversity and culinary heritage.
My Top Tips for you to Enjoy Street Food in India
1. Look at the length of the queues
Look at where the locals are eating. Dishes that are cooked on the spot rather than those that have been sitting out for a while. Freshly cooked food is less likely to harbour harmful bacteria.
.Have a glance at the demographics of the people in the line. If there are families you can be relatively sure that the food is safe, after all, what parent is going to feed their child bad food?
2. Hygenic Conditions
Look at where the vendor cleans his utensils and if the food is covered. Look at the oil and see if it’s clean. Check that no food scraps are lying around. If flies are buzzing around then move on,
3. Avoid Ice
When it comes to Indian street foods the ice in a drink is often overlooked. You’re hot and thirsty and all you want is an ice-cold drink, but don’t be tempted,
Many ice cubes and related products like shaved ice are homemade. There is no way of knowing if the water has been filtered or not, so avoid them just to be on the safe side. If the ice cubes have a hole in the centre then they have probably come from an industrial machine. If so, you’re good to go, but it is still a risk.
Even in restaurants, there is no guarantee that the ice has been made using bottled water. No matter how hot you are one little ice-cube can ruin your holiday.
4. Avoid dairy products
Many street vendors, especially throughout Asia and India, use condensed milk. This is not a problem as it has been treated at high temperatures to kill off harmful bacteria. Fresh dairy products, if they are not kept cool, can cause you problems, so steer clear of them.
5. Salads, fresh fruit and vegetables
Salads containing lettuce, cucumber and tomato should be avoided. The ingredients have probably been washed with tap water. Vegetables that have been pickled in any form are safe Is it safe to eat fruit in India? The general rule is don’t eat fruit with skin on it, like an apple, and think that it is safe without washing it with bottled water. If you eat a banana check that the peel is intact and not damaged before you eat it.
6. Fried Foods
Don’t be horrified if a vendor tosses a partially cooked item back into a wok of hot oil. Food heated to high temperatures kills bacteria, so fried food is an excellent choice if you are in any doubt. The basic rule is to eat hot, cooked food and you should be safe.
7. Regional Food
One of the best tips about eating Indian Street food I was given was by a fellow passenger on an Indian train. The train was filled with delicious aromas, but I was hesitant to order anything. He saw my dilemma and gave me some great advice. “If in doubt eat vegetarian food and when you are at the sea eat seafood. Don’t order seafood inland.” It took me about another 30 seconds to order a delicious thali (a selection of small dishes).
This is quite logical when you think about it. It’s a policy that I have now adopted in my travels around the world and it has worked well for me.
8. Rice
If rice is cooked in advance and left around all day it can ferment. This is probably not technically a correct word, but bacteria start to grow quite quickly. This often happens if large quantities are made and it is not eaten quickly. Always make sure that the rice is fresh before you order it.
9. Freshly Squeezed Juice
There are stands all over India and Asia serving wonderful concoctions of exotic juice. Just make sure that the vendor presses the fruit in front of you. Stay away from fruit that has not been peeled. Don’t buy anything that has been in a jug or is served in a glass. Once again you have no idea where or how they have been washed.
10. Water
Always buy bottled water. Check that the seal is intact before you accept it. Some unscrupulous vendors will refill bottles with tap water.
11. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of safe fluids to stay hydrated, especially in hot and humid conditions. If you come from a colder climate drink more than you would at home to avoid dehydration.
12. Markets
I rarely have breakfast in a hotel. The first thing I do is head to the local market to find something delicious. Not only are they a showcase for wonderful fresh seasonal produce but there are almost always stalls set up to feed the hungry shoppers. You can be sure that they wouldn’t be there every day if their food was in any way suspect.
13. Ask for less Spice
If you are not accustomed to spicy food ask for less spice when the vendor prepares the food.
14. Avoid Overeating
You might be more than ready to dive into some of the famous street food in India, but it is a good idea to slow down. Rather start with a small portion and see how you react to it.
15. Eat at reputable locations
If you are uncertain where to find great Indian Street food ask a local or at your hotel. They will be able to point you in the right direction.
16. Avoid buffet-style setups
Choose freshly prepared dishes rather than those that have been sitting out in the open for an extended period to reduce the risk of contamination.
17. Eat at peak times
Eat street food during peak hours when the turnover of food is higher. That way you can be sure that the Indian street food is fresh and hot.
18. My essential packing list for India
I always carry a few basics with me just in case…… Note: this is not medical advice
- Probiotics are always a good idea. If you are prone to a dodgy stomach take them 7-10 days before you leave.
- Diarrhoea medication
- I like alcohol-free hand sanitisers
- Anti-bacterial wipes- you can even wipe cutlery with these at a push
- Something to ease cramping, like Buscopan
- Ibuprofen
- An electrolyte solution like Rehydrate
19. The best cities for Indian Street Food
- Delhi: Known for its diverse range of street food, from spicy chaat to succulent kebabs and rich Mughlai dishes.
- Mumbai: Famous for its lip-smacking vada pav, pav bhaji, and an array of seafood delights along the coastline.
- Kolkata: Home to delectable Bengali sweets like rasgulla and sandesh, as well as savoury snacks like kathi rolls and puchkas (pani puri).
- Jaipur: Offers a unique blend of Rajasthani flavours, including crispy kachoris, and sweet lassi.
- Amritsar: Renowned as an iconic street food destination. The bustling lanes around the Golden Temple offer mouthwatering treats like crispy Amritsari fish and creamy lassi.
- Chennai: Offers a delightful array of South Indian street food, including crispy dosas, fluffy idlis, and spicy vadas( savoury fried snacks)
These cities boast bustling street markets, iconic food streets, and vibrant food stalls, making them must-visit destinations for any food lover looking to explore the world of Indian street food.
20. Indian Street Food Tours
- Delhi: Old Delhi: Street Food Tour – Travel from location to location by rickshaw – 4 hours
- Mumbai: Street Food Tour– Try 16 Different dishes – 4 hours
- Kolkata: Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings
- Jaipur: Heritage Walk & Street Food Tasting in Jaipur – 3 hours
- Amritsar: Food Walk Tour of Amritsar– 2 hours
- Chennai: Chennai Street Food Crawl – 2 hours
If you are going to enjoy street food in India and bite into something that doesn’t seem right don’t assume it is supposed to taste that way. Don’t eat it! No matter what you do some foods may not agree with your stomach
If you don’t normally eat spicy food and decide to eat a chilli-laden treat it will affect you. I often think that it’s the dramatic change in diet that causes problems when you travel rather than the local food that often gets the blame.
So, when you’re in India, don’t hesitate to explore the bustling streets and markets to savour the mouthwatering delights of Indian street food. It’s an adventure for your taste buds that you won’t want to miss!
More to read
- India: Unforgettable Adventures : Explore the Best Things to Do in Jodphur, Rajasthan
- India: Unique Stays: Boutique Hotels in Jodhpur India
- India: Things to do in Agra when you visit the Taj Mahal
- More foodie inspiration
- Other destinations
Need a reminder? Pin It!
