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The last few weeks have been a blur. I went to Indonesia for Eid and planned to shoot a few of my favorite cities but I caught a viral head cold and was in bed for 4 days, and yet am still recovering.

It really has me thinking about my health.

But on the bright side I'm back in Vietnam and my goal is to catch up on some wellness/self care, which for a traveler means going to the dentist.

I had a great experience in Saigon, with amazing English-speaking dentists for less than I'd pay in Canada.

Later this month I'm going to visit a dermatologist and get a complete physical, blood work and DEXA/bone mass check up. If you're interested in hearing about all of this just hit reply and I can dedicate an email to the experience.

But this week we're talking about one of the most common questions I'm asked - how am I not getting sick eating all this street food?
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How I Eat Street Food Around the World Without Getting Sick

After 15 years of traveling the world and tasting everything from sizzling pad Thai in Bangkok to spicy chaat in Old Delhi, I've only gotten food poisoning once.

Ironically, it happened while living in Toronto!

Many travelers miss out on the best food experiences because they worry about getting sick.

But here's my secret: what most travelers call "food poisoning" is often just your body adjusting to new foods, heat and travel stress.

I wasn't always this confident eating street food.

I've built up strong gut flora over time, and I've learned some crucial tips along the way.

My biggest tip is to wash your hands.

I've learned cultures that eat with their hands always wash up beforehand.

But I realized I didn't wash my hands before burgers, hot dogs, french fries, pizza etc.

And by the time you sit down to eat you've probably touched a bunch of germy things.

So wash your hands.
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1. Choose Busy Food Stalls with High Turnover

This is not the time to feel sorry for vendors without clients. Avoid nearly empty stalls with lots of premade food sitting out.

Busy stalls sell fresh food constantly, which means less time for bacteria to develop.

Look for:

• Lines of local people (they know which vendors are good)
• Food that moves quickly from cooking to customers
• Vendors who are busiest during morning and evening rush hours

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2. Watch Food Preparation Practices

With street food you can actually see how clean the kitchen is since everything is made right in front of you.

Honestly in many places I am shocked at how clean work stations are, you can't say that about restaurant kitchens!

Pay attention to how vendors handle your food:

• Clean workstations
• Separate areas for raw and cooked foods
• Proper ingredient storage (especially meat and seafood)
• Someone handling money separately from food

Good vendors wipe down their areas frequently and maintain clean utensils.

Bonus points for vendors who have a helper to handle money separately.

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3. Start with Thoroughly Cooked Foods

If you're new to international eating, start with foods cooked at high temperatures:

• Soups that stay at a rolling boil
• Freshly grilled items like satay skewers
• Stir-fried dishes like pad thai
• Anything deep-fried and served hot

Save raw dishes for later in your trip after your stomach has adjusted.

If you really want your greens in some cases, like Vietnam, you can actually ask vendors if they'll blanch the greens for you.

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4. Build Up Your Gut Flora

Strong gut health is your best defense:

• At home start trying foods you don't normally eat. Maybe it's kimchi or dragonfruit. It's like gently exercising your stomach to new guests.
• Take probiotic supplements before and during your trip
• Drink yogurt drinks like Yakult (available at 7-Elevens worldwide)
• Take fiber supplements to maintain regular digestion

I always carry Pepto-Bismol tablets for when my stomach feels uncertain.

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5. Pace Yourself with New Foods

Don't try everything at once! Your digestive system needs time to adjust:

• Introduce new foods gradually
• Start with milder dishes before trying very spicy options
• Mix new foods with familiar ones like rice
• Take a break from adventurous eating if your stomach feels unsettled

Remember: Most digestive issues come from trying too many new things at once rather than food safety problems.

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6. Stay Hydrated and Limit Alcohol

In beach destinations I am convinced much of the stomach issues are really due to people drinking too much alcohol and not enough water.

Heat and dehydration affect digestion:

• Drink more water than you think you need
• Try electrolyte drinks or fresh coconut water to replace minerals. I also use 1/2 packets of LMNT in water on hot days..
• Limit alcohol, especially when trying new foods

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7. Be Smart About Fresh Produce

For fruits and vegetables:

• Choose fruits you can peel yourself if you have a sensitive stomach
• Look for vendors who keep cut fruit refrigerated
• Enjoy vegetables in stir-fries (high heat makes them safe)
• Be careful with leafy green salads until your stomach adjusts

Always wash your hands before eating finger foods and clean your phone regularly!

Seriously, your phone is disgusting, wipe it down daily.

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8. Don't Fear the Ice

Good news: Water and ice quality and cost has improved dramatically in most countries that even locals don't drink tap water.

• Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere
• Ice in established areas usually comes from regulated factories
• Look for ice with holes in it (a sign of factory production)
• Hot tea and coffee are always safe options.

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9. Know Peak Meal Times for Freshest Options

Timing matters for freshness:

• Morning markets (6-9AM) offer the freshest breakfast options
• Lunch vendors are busiest from 11AM-1PM
• Evening food markets are at peak freshness between 6-8PM
• Visit famous food streets when they first open for the evening
• If you're going to eat oysters and shellfish, go early and make sure it's on ice.

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10. Listen to Your Body

Most important of all:

• Pay attention to how you feel after trying new foods
• Distinguish between minor discomfort and actual food poisoning
• For mild stomach issues, try activated charcoal or Imodium
• Stay hydrated and rest if you experience digestive issues
• Seek medical help if symptoms are severe or last more than 24 hours

The more you travel and eat diverse foods, the stronger your digestive system becomes.

Start slow, trust your instincts, and soon you'll be enjoying street food confidently anywhere in the world.

Keep life delicious,

Ayngelina

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