How to Eat in Asia!

Let’s talk about one of my (Kaitlyn here) favorite subjects; food. I enjoy trying new foods and have tried to be pretty adventurous on this trip. Before we left, a big question we were asked was “what will you eat and how do you know if it’s safe?” Here’s a few tips, tricks and opinions from two newbs. 

Lets talk about the CDC. While this organization is a wonderful resource, sticking to their rules would equate to eating only at expensive restaurants. No street food, local fruits, vegetables, etc. As backpackers, we have adapted some of their suggestions. 

1. The CDC recommends not eating any fruits/veggies that do not have a thick peel. We stuck to that rule for about 2 days and then it went out the window.  It made eating extremely boring/more expensive. In general, fruits and vegetables do not need to kept at a certain temperature to stay good, they simply need to be cleaned properly. If something looks questionable (like lettuce), we just tell them to leave it off.  Although I say this…in all honesty, we pretty much eat whatever comes with the meal now, vegetables and all.
2. The CDC states to only drink, brush and rinse with bottled water. We have stuck to that rule, until recently…we’ve seen other backpackers brush/rinse with tap water, so we have began to do the same and have been just fine. We do not drink any of the water though and don’t intend to as our goal is not to get sick. Bottled water is fairly cheap—less than a dollar for 1.5 liters— and we are content to purchase it.  Also, for those, like me, who are wondering how showering works with contaminated water…it is the same as in the US. Before leaving, Nicholas and I read the “correct” way to shower…turn away from the shower head, don’t put your face directly in the stream and don’t get the water in your nose and mouth…I don’t know about you, but those are a lot of rules to follow when showering.  I like to enjoy my showers, so don’t over think it, just shower like normal, but maybe don’t shower with your mouth open. ;) 
3. The CDC encourages travelers to avoid ice in developing countries. We originally stuck to this rule strongly but have since relaxed about it. Fruit shakes in Laos are cheap, amazing and made with ice. So far, so good. Generally, ice made with holes in it (instead of chips) is more likely to be clean. We also felt that, for example, Cambodia’s ice was a little more sketchy than Thailand, Laos or Vietnam.  One thing to remember is if locals are enjoying the same drinks, most likely that ice will be okay for you to enjoy as well…I promise you their goal isn’t to intentionally get anyone sick. However, in the end, going with your gut is often your best bet.
4. Street food is extremely common throughout Asia, and is in fact their way of life and making income. The CDC states to eat it with caution, which we have tried to do.  We’ve also learned a few things about picking the right street food vendor.  Rule 1: look for the crowds, if locals and other travelers are eating there, it is for a reason.  Rule 2: Find vendors that make the food in front of you and serve it hot, ESPECIALLY all varieties of meats.  Rule 3: Avoid stacks of food unless in a high traffic area.  Most likely that food is older and there is no means of rotation. Rule 4: If you go to a local restaurant and you can’t watch them make the food, know it is a slightly higher risk, BUT…almost ALL of them serve good quality food prepared properly.  Follow these 4 simple rules and you’ll be eating street food like a pro and finding your way into some awesome local restaurants.  Almost everything we’ve tried has been delicious and we’ve only gotten sick once!  But in the very beginning when everything was new to our systems. :) Also, shout out to Laos, which has a huge number of sandwich stands that we have frequented, providing great quality, filling food! 

Unfortunately, we did get food poisoning day 3 of our trip. However, this was NOT from street food! We got it in a restaurant from, we think, fish. We didn’t notice at the time, but the fish came out very quickly (10 minutes quick) and had probably been cooked that morning (or day before…who really knows) and left out all day. Lesson learned: fish goes bad much quicker than other meats. Again, if possible, try to watch them prepare the food that needs to be cooked correctly.

Ultimately, there is only so much you can do to avoid food poisoning. We met a guy who got sick from pizza, and a guy who had traveled for 5 months and never been sick. Using common sense and being cautious, but still adventurous, is a skill we are honing as we go. Praying over our food has taken on a whole new meaning, but that’s just one little reminder out of many of how our God looks after us. Luke 12:7 says, “Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” How encouraging that He watches so closely over us. 

I’ll end on this note in addition to the previous paragraph…It is amazing how God designed our bodies.  So perfectly designed in to adapt, heal, sense, etc…wow, our God is amazing and we are experiencing many more of His beauties in our travels, which is by far the greatest thing we are experiencing. Psalm 139: 13 “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb”.

Until next time!

K