The Art of Eating Street Food in India Without Getting Sick

Everyone warns you about the food. Do not eat the street food, they say. You will get Delhi belly. But honestly, skipping street food in India means missing out on half the culture. The trick is not to avoid it, but to be smart about it. I learned this lesson in Amritsar, standing outside the Golden Temple. The temple serves a free meal to thousands of people every day, and it is some of the most incredible dal I have ever had. After that, I felt brave enough to try the chaat from a vendor who had a long line of locals waiting. That is the secret right there. Only eat from places that are busy with Indian families. Look for vendors who are cooking everything fresh in front of you, and make sure it is served piping hot. Avoid anything that has been sitting out, and say no to tap water or ice unless you are absolutely sure it is filtered. I carried a bottle of activated charcoal tablets just in case, but honestly, by following the busy vendor rule, I never had a single problem. Some of my best memories are of sharing a plate of hot samosas with new friends on a rainy Mumbai evening.