Street Food and Foodies

Posted by Trevy Thomas Sep 21, 2009

After finishing the book, The Foodie Handbook, which I absolutely loved, I found myself a bit perplexed by the street food chapter. According to the author, real foodies bravely eat street food all around the world. Sometimes they get sick from this bravado, but mostly, they would like to be clued in to the secrets of eating food on the street in a completely safe way, which Ms. Techamuanvivit wisely refuses to advise upon. She does, however, provide tips, such as bringing your own cutlery, never eating fruit that has already been peeled, and sticking with the most popular vendors (who've mostly likely not yet sickened anyone).

While all that sounds like wise advice, the part I find perplexing is how taking these risks is what really makes us foodies. I tend to think of myself as a foodie, and yet I have not eaten much street food. Of course, I haven't traveled extensively, and I suspect that changes the standards quite a bit. The closest I've gotten to street food is a hot dog (an occasional weakness I have, and the only reason I can think of to go to a ballpark), and a hot pretzel (which I've never quite understood). I've passed street vendors in New York, but my trips there are so seldom that I don't want to waste my appetite on the street when there are so many other delicious options waiting for me at a proper table.

So maybe this means I'm no real foodie. There are other clubs I haven't quite fit into, and yet, I've found a place of my own in the world. But I'm not about to let my squeamishness keep me from enjoying all kinds of delicious things and calling myself a foodie in a category all my own. Just don't ask me for any tips on eating street food.