5 Reasons to try street food in Asia
Part of the joy of travelling is discovering new things and if like me you enjoy culinary adventures then Asian street food can really provide some fantastic experiences.
The human experience
Eating at street food stalls in Asian countries is a very personal experience. The stall holder will often smile and make friendly gestures while you point out what you want, and will then encourage you to take a seat or watch the cooking process.
Adventurous eating
Trying new things means you will discover new foods you never knew about before. Granted, locusts and grubs may be pushing your boundaries, but it is certainly an adventure.
Is street food safe?
Food poisoning is one of those things that can happen anywhere from Michelin-starred restaurants to take away joints. However if you spend some time watching street vendors you will soon notice that the popular ones are kept busy preparing fresh food, so the chances of getting sick are minimal.
Street food is cheap
For only a dollar or two you can eat your fill of fresh and yummy tailor made pad thai of nasi goreng like a local. Of course you can spend more in a restaurant, but you are probably getting ripped off.
Enjoy the variety
Different regions specialise in different flavours and a variety of dishes. Eating from street stalls is a cheap and easy way to explore the specialties in different regions.
Which street foods have you tried? Did any surprise you?
12 Comments
Spencer
I love the street food in Asia. For me that is half the fun of travelling.
My recent post You Tube Presentation #7 – Favourite Las Vegas Hotels
Liv
Hi Spencer – It definitely is fun trying to work out what some of the dishes are!
My recent post Top 10 Things To Do at Atlantis, Bahamas
Nico
One thing to remember is that the kitchens of the restaurants you eat in our often little better than the streetside stalls. So I completely agree with you, might as well enjoy the great food.
My recent post How a Volcano Almost Ruined my Holiday
Liv
Hi Nico – Yes, we place a lot of trust in restaurants don’t we? It is really quite unfair that street food is viewed with such extreme caution.
My recent post Travel Adventures of an Expat Cat
stevebloom2
I agree with all these points. Although I wouldn’t have just a few years ago. In fact, it’s only been recently that I’ve come to appreciate street food. Just the other day, I got a fish sandwich from a street vendor here in Casablanca and I have to say it tasted fantastic.
I wish I would have tried more street food in Asia when I was there. It would have been interesting to try a fried bug or two. I was worried about food poisoning, but like you said, it can happen in fancy restaurants too. A couple friends of mine got food poisoning here and that was at a fancy restaurant.
The thing I love most about trying street food is that it gets you close to the locals. It can be a great experience.
My recent post Your Physical and Mental Limits Are an Illusion
Liv
Hi Steve – I’m glad Casablanca is keeping you well fed! You are right about the street food experience bringing you closer to locals. It is lovely to share a smile and a moment with a local wherever you are.
My recent post 5 Reasons to rent a property on your next holiday
CreditDonkey
Hi Liv,
I can’t resist street food either! I grew up eating street food and the dilemma for me is not food poisoning but which ones to try first with so many to choose from!
My recent post How to Buy a Gift for a Friend
Katie
Street food in Asia was great. My husband even tried a fried worm. He didn’t exactly like it though.
My recent post The Best Tour Company to Use in Southeast Asia: Trails of Indochina
Liv
Hi Katie – I love your use of the word ‘exactly’ haha! Good on him for trying though.
My recent post 5 Places to visit in Western Australia
Tina
Have you tried Balut (fertilized duck embryo that is boiled and eaten in the shell)? You can find it mostly in streetfood in the Philippines. It looks disgusting but once you tried it, it just taste fine.
Liv
Hi TIna – I’ve heard of Balut but not encountered it yet. Sounds interesting!
My recent post Tuk-tuk Tales
facebook fans
Mouth watering !!