How to avoid a bout of belly ache

Feb 24, 2012 5:22:51 PM

Sarina Singh
Lonely Planet Author

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Tucking into street food is one of the joys of travelling in India – here are some tips to help avoid tummy troubles.

1. Give yourself a few days to adjust to the local cuisine, especially if you’re not used to spicy food.

Image by utpal.

2. You know the rule about following a crowd – if the locals are avoiding a particular vendor, you should too. Also take notice of the profile of the customers – any place popular with families will probably be your safest bet.

Image by sa_ku_ra

3. Check how and where the vendor is cleaning the utensils, and how and where the food is covered. If the vendor is cooking in oil, have a peek to check it’s clean. If the pots or surfaces are dirty, there are food scraps about or too many buzzing flies, don’t be shy to make a hasty retreat.

Image by loic-schule

4. Don’t be put off when you order some deep-fried snack and the cook throws it back into the wok. It’s common practice to partly cook the snacks first and then finish them off once they’ve been ordered. In fact, frying them hot again will kill any germs.

Image by irumge

5. Unless a place is reputable (and busy), it’s best to avoid eating meat from the street.

Image by plusgood

6. The hygiene standard at juice stalls is wildly variable, so exercise caution. Have the vendor press the juice in front of you and steer clear of anything stored in a jug or served in a glass (unless you’re absolutely convinced of the washing standards).

Image by Unlisted Sightings

7. Don’t be tempted by glistening pre-sliced melon and other fruit, which may keep its luscious veneer with the regular dousing of (often dubious) water.

Image by Malabar Magazine

This article was updated in Jan 2012.

If you want to get more of a taste for India’s fabulous cuisine, grab a copy of Lonely Planet’s World’s Best Street Food.

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Comments

6 October 2010 5:14PM wizardvig1 Report this comment
Addendum: always, ALWAYS avoid the ice used by those chaps. You don't want ter know where it's been...or how it's really made. Trust me.
6 October 2010 7:49PM funkydelicguy Report this comment
eeeww! i will never go to new delhi.
i can't appreciate indian foods. i don't know why i
19 December 2010 9:20AM susancb222 Report this comment
I always eat street food in india. The only time ive got sick was when i ate at a midrange hotel. The street food is the most delicious & cheapest, but always eat at a busy place & avoid meat when possible.
20 January 2012 8:27AM lowalker147 Report this comment
I ate street food all the time in north India and never got sick. The key, especially for first timers like me, is not to be extremely adventurous with your food. Go where its busy and don't eat meat unless you're positive with the cooking conditions
25 January 2012 9:14PM imnigam Report this comment
@lowalker147 Dear we are used to eating street food, but foreigners are not used to.
15 February 2012 3:38AM pinofris Report this comment
It is more than 30 years that I travel to India and never got sick for food. I ate from foodstalls almost everywhere, only obverving few basic rules: - only bottled drinks (including water)or boiled - absolutely no ice (including top restaurants) - juice squeezed in front of you and in your glass - vegetables only when cooked - meat properly cooked - food deepfried in front of you - fruits that you can slice by yourself
15 February 2012 4:16AM jdubyu Report this comment
In 5 trips to India I got sick twice. 1st time was an upmarket hotel in Kerala - don't assume the ice is safe in top places. 2nd time was on a trek out of the Kulu valley, probably from poorly boiled stream water - I got giardiasis and got to Delhi only to find I had been scammed out of my flight home. Mostly the food is safe in India - good thing as it's one of the best things about going there. You don't need to even think about meat, there is so much awesome veggie food that even seasoned carnivores won't miss it.Just-fried pakoras with tamarind chutney, washed down with a glass of chai - unbeatable!
6 March 2012 2:25AM vasenka Report this comment
I've been in India for one month without any problems...I think its safer than Cairo...
If you want to avoid problems eat at nicer resturants...with menus in the 300 Rp and up range for a full serving...places with table cloths on the tables are a good start...also a few locals is nice to see...I avoided street food except for oranges and bananas which are cheap and always available and safe...because you peel them... Drink only bottled water...and don't buy tea or coffee off the streets...
Generally you won't get sick if you eat at nicer places...
Also...my theory about Delly Belly is that it could be caused by the anti Malarial drugs people start taking on arrival...these drugs are powerful anti bacterials...and they may compromise your intestinal ability to handle food normally...just my theory...take it for that only...
The Traffic risk is worse than the food risk... There may be more food risk in the south...I was only in the north...and its not Monsoon season here now...
6 March 2012 12:33PM ujjalchoudhury Report this comment
I am an Indian who has spent most of his life here but traveled widely across India. It's partly individual constitution and partly bad luck to come down with stomach problems which can happen even if you eat at reasonably mid- market places. The city/town where you are eating is also important. Mumbai is perhaps better than most other cities. Stomach problems are often caused by water-make sure you drink bottled water and avoid drinks made with water. Hot drinks are relatively safer since the water is boiled. It is best to avoid pure street food unless it's a must-do as part of an adventure routine! Mid-market cafeterias are any day better. South India has well known cafes like the MTR chain where you can load up on local delicacies without compromising on hygiene or paying the price of a 5 Star joint. Yogurt pills may be a good idea. There is a brand available in India as well.
9 March 2012 2:12AM jeanconway Report this comment
hey,
I was in India for 1 month..I am a very fussy eater but had no problem here.i loved the food and always ate in little restaurants.Rather of getting sick from the food, i think most people get sick because they get dehydrated, not drinking enough water.. hence pains in the tummy..feeling tired..I never drink water at home but while here I have at least 3 liters a day as you sweat it all out!!
My advice..drink lots of water!! but avoid fresh juice!!
14 March 2012 4:57PM Janudishes Report this comment
Some great tips in this article. As a native and avid traveler, I agree with always keeping hydrated. On one of my trips I fell sick from dehydration and food poisoning. Not pretty. For the rest of the trip, I always drank bottled water and ate at home or at reputable places. It's important to be aware of the conditions your food was prepared in to avoid getting sick. Loved eating at places like Nirulas, Haldirams, Eatmor, and Chutneys.Great food!