Going on a a trip to India? Don't let the fear of 'Delhi Belly' stop you from eating all the food you want. Here's four tips on how to prepare your stomach for a mouthwatering representation of India's amazing culture.
Tip #1: Start Small
The rows of street stalls may tempt you, but of course you can’t launch straight into your street-stall ghee goodness fantasy the very second you touch down. Begin your trip by trying restaurant food to get your stomach used to the tongue-tingling curries and bajra rotiis. An additional tip would be to train yourself by consuming spicy Indian foods before you even begin your journey!
Tip #2: Avoid Meat
Be wary of street stalls that serve meat or have dishes with meat products in them. Often, the meat prepared may be undercooked or stored in an improper condition. Make sure that any meat you consume is cooked thoroughly, or go vegetarian and treat yourself to the great variety of daals and chutneys that taste as delicious as poultry dishes.
Tip #3: Use your Hands for more Flavour
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Likewise, when in India, eat like the Indians do! Although eating with one's hands may be frowned upon in other countries, it's certainly one of the best ways to enjoy Indian cuisine, plus it provides an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in India's culture. Contrary to popular belief, using one's hands may actually prove to be a more hygienic alternative to using restaurant utensils, which are often not cleaned thoroughly after use.
Tip #4: Keep Yourself Hydrated
In a climate as hot and humid as India's, hydration is the key to maintaining a healthy immune system and lowering the risk of food poisoning, Carry a water bottle with you at all times as bottled water may not be the safest choice of consumption. For the more adventurous hikers who want to explore the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, bring along water purification tablets to pop into untreated water, as purchasing water there may not be a viable option.
