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[kitkatgo]

I admit that in the past I was leary of street food. I can still hear my mother's voice "Contamination!!!". Although that didn't stop me from eating the most delicious street tacos in Tijuana, Mexico many years ago.

The only other things I've tried that I can think of was a bratwurst in Prague (delicious). Grog in Prague (disgusting...threw it out). A trdlnik--also in Prague (I don't think I spelled that right), but DH and I called them Czech churros...yumm!

Now, I wouldn't have much problem trying different street food (although my experiences are quite limited).

What things have you tried and where? What did you like? Didn't like? Saw but didn't try? Etc.

[mmbcross]

Chucos in Guatemala. These are hot dogs sold on the street stuffed with lettuce, tomatoes, refried beans, cheese and guacamole. By the way, they don't look this good when you buy them in the street, but they taste even better!

[inasia2008]

Refried beans are so nasty!

[mmbcross]

Don't say that to a Mexican!

[inasia2008]

LOL! I just don't get it I am afraid! But I am not that adventurous, as you all know by now anyway! I've had escargot and deep fried mussels, both yum! The worst was the mussels I had in Bath (of all places) they made me puke all night, funny they didn't taste that bad at the time, must have been hidden in the garlic and tomato flavour!

[peacefrog]

Actually street food is the safest. If you go where lots of locals go, you are sure that the food is fresh, as everything is eaten up everyday.

You can go to a place that looks clean, but they will serve you old stuff that has not been sold cause there were not enough clients, and which has been sittingin a fridge with no electricity...

Then there are rules of course, you don't eat just anything...

But when you get used to the idea, you actually start eating things you theorically shouldn't have... great discoveries, and a few very bad bellies. Especially amusing when you are stupid enough to do that just before a ten hours bus journey. But I can't help it.

Bacterias have the right to life and reproduction too!

[starlagurl]

Bacterias have the right to life and reproduction too!

Haha, I think they are doing just fine... Last time I heard they weren't even close to extinction...

Street food hmmm... herring with onions and fries with mayonnaise in Amsterdam...delicious

Oh and gelato in Venice, Florence, Rome etc. etc. etc.

[kitkatgo]

Actually street food is the safest. If you go where lots of locals go, you are sure that the food is fresh, as everything is eaten up everyday.

You can go to a place that looks clean, but they will serve you old stuff that has not been sold cause there were not enough clients, and which has been sittingin a fridge with no electricity...

Then there are rules of course, you don't eat just anything...

But when you get used to the idea, you actually start eating things you theorically shouldn't have... great discoveries, and a few very bad bellies. Especially amusing when you are stupid enough to do that just before a ten hours bus journey. But I can't help it.

Bacterias have the right to life and reproduction too!

It sounds like you have a lot of experience. Share some of the foods you've tried and where you tried them.

[mmbcross]

Ceviche at a Peruvian local market. Ceviche is composed of chunks of raw fish, with lime or lemon juice, sliced red onion, minced Peruvian ají limo. The mixture is marinated and served at room temperature, often with cancha (toasted kernels of maize), chunks of corn-on-the-cob, slices of cooked sweet potato and yuyo (seaweed).

[starlagurl]

Cool, what kind of fish is that Martin?

[travelmonster]

John had this in the jungle in Peru - his was made from Catfish from the lake!

[travelmonster]

I love street food - crepes in France, delightful!!!

[starlagurl]

John had this in the jungle in Peru - his was made from Catfish from the lake!

Wow amazing. I would love to try this. Just gotta watch out for parasites I guess?

[travelmonster]

The thing is, the acid from the lemon juice somehow cooks it to some degree!

Didn't appeal to me, but John said it was excellent.

[starlagurl]

Whaaaaaaaaaat I don't know...I'd like to hear the science behind that claim...lemon juice kills parasites???

[travelmonster]

Here's the short version:

A marinade used in ceviche is citrus-based, with lemons and limes being the most commonly used. This being said, other citrus fruits may be used instead. In addition to adding flavor, the citric acid causes the proteins in the seafood to become denatured, which pickles or "cooks" the fish without heat. Traditional style ceviche was left up to 3 hours for marinade. Modern style ceviche usually has a very short marinating period. With the appropriate fish, it will marinate for as long as it takes to mix the ingredients, serve and carry to the table.

Here's the long version:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceviche


Mad, eh!!

[starlagurl]

Very strange...I guess it works the same as vinegar?

[mmbcross]

Cool, what kind of fish is that Martin?

Now you have the recipe, go for it. In Peru you are supposed to use salt water fish, corvina (sea bass) is considered the best. Nevertheless we have found that Tilapia is an excellent substitute. US catfish tends to be a little too mushy to marinate firmly. Although other citrus is mentioned, it is the lime that is traditionally used. Here in Miami limes are selling at 8 to the dollar presently.

The "leche de tigre (tiger's milk), the lemon juice imbibed with the fish juices, is considered a great cure for hangovers.

[starlagurl]

OMG! This is exactly what I said about the conch salad in the Bahamas, I just happened to be hung over and ate it...INSTANTLY I felt better.

Conch salad is made with lemon juice and shellfish.

[kitkatgo]

I love street food - crepes in France, delightful!!!

My God, how did I forget about the crepes? My fav is the chestnut!