What should I NOT eat the first day to avoid the dreaded traveler stomach

Day-one rules from someone who cooks here: AVOID raw salads, pre-cut fruit, ice in beach shacks, tap water (including for brushing teeth), milk-based desserts (kiri pani, watalappan) from unknown vendors, and dishes that sat in a steam table for hours like buffet lunches. Be cautious with very heavy seafood the first day. SAFE: anything just-cooked and steaming hot. Rice and curry from a busy local kade (small eatery), egg or plain hoppers off the pan, kottu (chopped on a hot griddle in front of you), and freshly grilled fish at a sit-down restaurant are all great. Drink only bottled or filtered water, and reach for hot tea over cold drinks the first 48 hours. Avoid alcohol the first day to stay hydrated. Carry oral rehydration salts (ORS) just in case.