Eat Street Food Safely in Asia

Prioritize stalls with high turnover, visible high-heat cooking, and local patronage. Avoid raw garnishes like unpeeled fruit or ice cubes, and always wipe your utensils with a clean tissue before eating.

1. Follow the crowd. Eat where the locals eat. A high turnover of customers means the food hasn't been sitting out for hours, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.
2. Verify the heat. Only order food that is cooked to order in front of you over an open flame or in boiling liquid. If the food is sitting in a tray pre-cooked, skip it.
3. Sanitize your setup. Carry a small pack of tissues or wet wipes. Most stalls provide communal chopsticks; wipe them down or use your own portable set to be safe.
4. Avoid 'water' dangers. Skip raw vegetables and peelable fruit unless you peel it yourself. Avoid drinks with ice unless the ice is uniform in shape (factory-made) rather than hand-crushed (often from non-potable water blocks).

Is it ever okay to eat cold street food?

Generally, no. Bacteria thrive at room temperature. Stick to piping hot dishes.

What if I get a stomach bug?

Stop eating solid food, hydrate with bottled water and electrolyte salts, and take loperamide if you need to travel. If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours or you have a fever, seek medical attention.