Do we really want to travel in hermetically sealed popemobiles through the rural provinces of France, Mexico, and the Far East, eating only in Hard Rock Cafes and McDonald's? Or do we want to eat without fear, tearing into the local stew, the humble taqueria's mystery meat, the sincerely offered gift of a lightly grilled fish head? I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything once. ― Anthony Bourdain
Big thanks to street food, it's now possible for me to travel. From the $2 pad thai to $3 menú completo, I guess my immune system has adapted to my budget. I don't just leave a country without trying it all. To travel is to eat, food is part of the culture. I'm just greedy for something dirty, I'm adventurous on all levels. I must confess though, I had tried the fat worms in Puerto Maldonado but not the crunchy black tarantulas in Siem Reap, I guess I have my bias too. Tarantulas are pets and I don't eat my pets. Although, I don't have a problem with a soup with some mystery meat - what I don't know won't hurt me? Just like what my grandma says - eat it when it's hot. If you don't want to eat, sleep. As long as I don't grow my own breed of tapeworms, I'm up for another round.
Don't expect me not to roll my eyes when you ask me for Mcdonalds, do you travel to another country to look for the same old food? Instead of your fancy Fish and Chips, why not try Cuy or that roasted guinea pig of Cusco. Don't demand half and half in the mountains, what about the famous Iced Coffee of Ho Chi Minh instead? Or that sweet Acai of Rio de Janeiro? Don't expect me not to be rude sometimes, ahh yes I already know you're a vegan, I can see that on your T-shirt. Good for you. I don't really have a problem with vegetarians as long as they don't go around preaching their righteousness and that they are better than the rest (trigger warning). Just please, when you stay with locals, don't expect them to cater to your special dietary requirements, go to some restaurant where you can pay to be demanding. Better yet, stay in a hotel. With a lot of money, you will be served. Just a friendly reminder, you are not special. I guess what I'm saying is - go fuckin' adapt man! Try something cheap, dirty and delicious for a change. Get out of your comfort zone and grow. I promise you won't die. Promise.
I've long believed that good food, good eating, is all about risk. Whether we're talking about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime 'associates,' food, for me, has always been an adventure.
― Anthony Bourdain
Trying new food is a critical part of traveling and giving the exotic street food a chance can be fun too. Fine, I won't expect you to make the crunchy creepy crawlies in Bangkok your regular diet. I know some travelers are playing it safe, some food might not be good for their fragile stomach. Awww, your health. Forgive the mockery, I myself don't fancy that fried spidy. But I will try anything the locals eat because locals are people, and they have been eating that food for centuries. Mind you, they live. The food is simple and cheap. It helped them survive this harsh world all their lives, part of the history that deserves some respect. Please, don't go around yelling gross! or spitting the food like a child in front of the street food vendor. Just because you are traveling in the 'land of smiles' does not mean everyone does not talk behind your back in their own language of how entitled and special you are (trigger warning). Any exotic land in this world can be the land of fake smiles, and people in it are only being absolutely tolerant of your childish food tantrums. Sadly, some young travelers these days are showing blatant disrespect. They cannot just wait until they can go back to their hostel to talk with their fellow travelers about those new flavors, can they? Just like a country's art, music, sculpture, and paintings, food is equally important part of the culture. If you don't like it, then politely move on to search for something better for your stomach. The world of street food will not stop for you.
I understand that developing an adventurous palate will not happen overnight, you must really travel for experience. Food is what brings people together, it helps break the barriers and stereotypes. When I stay with locals, I accept whatever is being offered on the table. I show them that I can eat what everyone eats. I will be grateful for the food being sincerely offered to me. I will not be someone who is just using and abusing other people. Believe me, some travelers need to go back to ethics 101. Sensitivity and empathy are not being taught in their countries I suppose. For me, it is just common courtesy not to reject the humble gifts. Besides, beggars can't be choosers. The same if the locals invite me to go outside to try some street food, I will be happy to join. The people are very enthusiastic about showing me their food culture so there's no room for being such a snob.
'Do as the Romans do' is how you become a better traveler in time. If you can walk in someone else's shoes or at least eat their food is a big deal for everyone. It's a sign that you really show some respect and appreciation for other culture. What is normal for others to eat might not be normal for you. If you are born in the Amazon you will be just like the headhunters, now be grateful for that pure dumb luck that counting the number of heads is not normal for you. Everything is part of the travel experience and most things come with risk, even food. But that's how you learn and grow, you dare to experience something new for once. Go see what other people are cooking or eating in other parts of the world. See what kind of food you would remember as you go back home. You would also remember the people who shared with you their food and welcomed you into their lives.
The thing I like about street foods is that the food and people are connected. You are probably used to not seeing the people who prepare or cook your food. You pay for the food, you pay for the smile. Street foods are the real deal. People coming out from work and those who prepare that stinky, deep fried guts are all on the same level. They are all tired of the life's realities, tired of working then tomorrow is the same. Now here's how it goes for the street food vendor - here's your food, go help yourself. Now don't fuckin' ask me to smile. Don't fancy it? Then don't buy, next! Straight up front, no bullshit type of people when it comes to street food.
If I'm an advocate for anything, it's to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else's shoes or at least eat their food, it's a plus for everybody. Open your mind, get up off the couch, move.
― Anthony Bourdain
I have noticed how individualist the nations or the people are when it comes to food. Some people like to mind their own food or their own business, nevermind the others. I have a whole pizza for myself, why should I share? Some people also have the nerve to eat alone and not invite everyone around them, of course, this still depends on the situation. I noticed that the families who eat together are no doubt happier regardless of social status. They are usually not the ones who have some psychopathic genetic problems or who are most likely to commit suicide due to depression. The availability of food on the table at the end of the day, no matter what it is - dried fish with fresh tomatoes, leafy vegetables from the backyard or sweet potatoes will make everyone happy, and the children who are accustomed to this way will learn to become nice and empathetic adults. They are used to sharing food simply because it makes them happier not to be such greedy bastards.
There is no social hierarchy when it comes to street food. I believe it is the great equalizer. Whether you are in rags or in suits, you will eat at the same stand. No special treatment around here, you wait for your food just like everyone else. It can be a chaotic marketplace and if you're being such a snob - move to the next and behave yourself. I just hope you don't get hepa though. No reservation, waiting lists, and all that frills. Eat your meal just like everyone else, while the loud motorbikes are passing by and while you stand beside the gutter. The street food vendor is yelling at another - Do you have some fuckin' change for this bill?! Enjoy the sights and sounds. Enjoy the whole scene. Welcome to real life. Now go eat your food.