India is a country bursting with color, culture, and delicious food. From the streets of Delhi to the beaches of Goa, India’s flavors are unique and memorable. However, if you’re visiting India for the first time, it can be hard to know what local dishes to try and which ones to avoid. To ensure your trip is as enjoyable and safe as possible, here are 15 meals you shouldn’t eat when visiting India! – or at least proceed with caution.
Street Food
Street food is a staple of Indian cities but can be surprisingly dangerous. Due to the lack of regulation and poor hygiene practices, you can’t tell if the cooking methods are hygienic. It’s best to avoid eating from these vendors and opt for restaurants instead. Restaurants are held to higher standards, so your food is more likely to be safe.
Tap Water
Tap water in India is not safe for consumption. It may contain bacteria, parasites, and other contaminants that can make you sick. Ensure you only drink bottled or boiled water while in India.
Butter Chicken
Butter chicken may seem harmless, but it can quickly elevate your risk of food poisoning due to the large amounts of cream and butter used in this dish that are prone to spoilage without proper refrigeration. Choose dishes cooked with fresh ingredients such as dal to reduce the health risk.
Raw Vegetables and Fruits
Raw fruits and vegetables are a common part of the Indian diet and can be a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, fruits and vegetables grown in areas with poor water quality or without proper sanitization may contain bacteria or parasites. If the fruit has no thick skin that can be peeled off, your best bet is to stick with cooked vegetables.
Fish and Seafood
India’s warm and humid climate can make keeping fish and seafood fresh tricky. The lack of refrigeration in some areas can result in food poisoning if the fish has not been properly stored or cooked at the correct temperature. It’s best to avoid raw fish, such as sushi, and dishes with a high risk of spoilage, like shrimp curry; opt for well-cooked fish dishes in standard restaurants.
Bran and Coconut Curries
Bran and coconut curries are everyday dishes in India but can be difficult for the foreign digestive system to process. These dishes often contain large amounts of oil, spices, and herbs, which can result in an upset stomach or food poisoning. Also, the milk spoils quickly, so if the dish has been sitting out for an extended period, it might contain bacteria that can make you ill. Choose simple vegetarian dishes such as dal instead.
Medu Vada
Medu vada is a popular South Indian snack with deep-fried dough balls made with lentils and rice flour. Though delicious, the high oil content and the lack of proper sanitation can cause digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion. Opt for boiled snacks like idlis or steamed dumplings instead.
Chaat
Chaat is a snack food consisting of fried bread and vegetables, lentils, and various spices. This dish can be very spicy and difficult to digest for those unfamiliar with the flavors. It can also contain raw, unhygienic ingredients that could lead to food poisoning. Stick with mild dishes if you’re new to Indian cuisine.
Gulab Jamun
Gulab jamun is a traditional sweet dish of deep-fried milk balls soaked in syrup. This dessert is delicious but it contains high levels of unhealthy fats and carbs which increase blood sugar and cholesterol and causes diabetes when eating in excess. To reduce risk, practice portion control and limit your intake of sugary snacks. Also, home-made gulab jamun is much healthier than store-bought versions, as you can control the amount of sugar used in the recipe.
Samosas
Samosas are a popular Indian snack made of deep-fried dough stuffed with potatoes, onions, and other vegetables. They are often cooked in oil that has not been adequately filtered or stored, resulting in bacteria and toxins forming in the oil.
Also, the fillings in samosas may be unhygienic if the vendors use substandard ingredients or fail to store them properly. Stick with healthier snacks like boiled nuts and seeds or prepared fruit to reduce your risk of health complications.
Jalebi
Jalebis are sweets that can be a great treat while exploring India. However, they can also contain high amounts of ghee (clarified butter), which can quickly turn rancid without proper refrigeration. Ensure you only eat sweets from reputable stores or restaurants to reduce your risk of food poisoning.
Saag Paneer
Saag Paneer is a popular dish of spinach and cheese cooked with spices and herbs. It is flavorful and healthy, but the dairy used to make the cheese can spoil quickly without proper refrigeration, making it more susceptible to bacteria that can lead to food poisoning. Only eat saag paneers from restaurants with proper food handling procedures to reduce risk.
Garlic Naan
Garlic naan is Indian bread with garlic, butter, and other spices. It often contains high amounts of unhealthy fats that can lead to digestive issues like heartburn and indigestion. Also, the butter used in the garlic naan could be contaminated if not stored properly at cold temperatures; this increases the risk of food poisoning. Go for healthier options such as wheat chapattis or plain naan to reduce your risk of health complications.
Bhut jolokia (Ghost Pepper)
Bhut jolokia is a type of chili pepper native to North India. Eating too many can cause stomach aches and diarrhea as it contains high levels of capsaicin, which can irritate the stomach. If you’re not used to spicy food, avoid eating bhut jolokia or choose milder chili peppers such as serrano or jalapeño.
Paan Masala
Paan masala is a type of betel nut-based mouth freshener in India. It often contains cardamom, menthol, and other spices, which can cause digestive issues such as nausea and vomiting if ingested in large amounts. Also, paan masala can contain tobacco or nicotine, which can lead to addiction. Avoiding this product is the best way to reduce your risk of developing health complications.
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