Terrified of getting sick. Should I avoid all street food?

You shouldn't miss out on the food—it's the best part of the country! But you need to follow the "Heat Rule."

Street Food Safety: Eat at busy places where you can see the food being cooked fresh in front of you. Kottu Roti is actually very safe because the metal griddle gets incredibly hot, killing bacteria. Avoid "short eats" (pastries/rolls) that look like they have been sitting in a glass cabinet for 5 hours.

Water & Ice: NEVER drink tap water. Only drink bottled water with a sealed cap. In 2024/25, most reputable tourist bars and restaurants use industrial ice which is safe, but if you are in a tiny rural village shop, skip the ice.

Hotel Buffets: Ironically, hotel buffets can sometimes be riskier than fresh street food if the curry has been sitting warm (bacterial growth zone) for 3 hours. Eat when the buffet first opens!