Food Worries

[indieanna86]

What sort of foods should you avoid whilst in Mexico? I know that its hard to completely avoid getting funny tummies but it'll be my first long haul holiday and don't want it spoiled.

Thanks in advance :)

[Clanad]

Don't drink the water and, personally, I avoid fresh salads unless served at a larger, reputable restaurant, sinc ethe salad makings are all rinsed in the same water one shouldn't dirnk. Additionally, tacos and other fare sold from small carts on the street can look very tempting... but don't you dare. There are no food laws and inspections that we here in the U.S. and Europe are used to... you are on your own.

Do try, however, Mexican hot chocolate... Un taza chocolate' caliente, por favor will get you a cup (in most places) of real Mexican chocolate that's totally different from the standard, watered down versions... rich, steamy and creamy (although the cup is usually smaller that we have)...
Best of luck! Buen viaje!...

[JK2]

I haven't been to Mexico but have had many long haul holidays and would agree with everything Clanard says. Hot buffet meals are also to be avoided when they have been sitting around for a while - ie if buffet dinner period runs from 7pm to 9pm go at the beginning. . Try to eat freshly cooked hot food. In some countries it is advisable only to eat fruit that you have to peel first before eating. Ice too can sometime be made from the same water you are avoiding drinking. Only have ice in your drinks in reputable places. Always make sure that bottled drinks bought by the roadside have sealed tops - they may have been refilled.

[annie0000]

Strangely, the food you have most risk of getting food poisoning with is the rice. It is usually precooked and it is difficult to keep it warm enough to keep the bugs at bay without drying it out completely, therefore, it tends to sit for a while while warm and is a bug breeding ground. If selecting food from buffet - avoid the rice and go for as much local food as you can - they know what they are doing with that and not so much with the western food. Use bread or tortillas to go with your chili etc. unless you see the rice is steaming hot. I found the food of a good standard - and all te better for being washed down with some bacardi! They do some loely matured bacardi's that have been aged in sherry caskets and are almost like a malt whiskey - Mmmmmmmm

[indieanna86]

Thanks guys! I have to say, the hot chocolate does sound gorgeous, I'll definitely be trying that! As we're not staying in a complex it'll be easy for us to steer clear of the buffets, thank goodness.

Cheers again for the advice!