Do You Buy Food From Street Vendors?

February 13, 2008

The other day, most of you said you would eat this bacon-wrapped hot dog. And then today, I read an article about how those kind of hot dogs are illegal in LA. The article also touched on licensed and unlicensed food carts, and it got me wondering, do any of you actually buy food from street vendors? How many of you seek out the carts?

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77 Comments

Tasty Dogs 5 years 12 weeks

I agree that some street vendors are not worth stopping at, but not all. I having been doing this for a few years now and I do not regret leaving my 6 figure income for this type of enjoyment. I have been very successful with my hotdog cart due to the fact I do not look sloppy and my operation is very clean and sanitary. I have long line every day. I carry over 15 different hotdogs and sausages and have over 20+ toppings and make half of the toppings myself. I would love for any person who would not stop at a street vendor to come to me, that is if you plan on coming to Fla. Have a great doggy day. Tasty Dog, "Just dog gone good"

iRose 5 years 12 weeks

I normally don't b/c i always pack my own lunch.

sallyann1978 5 years 12 weeks

I'm doing a research project on street food. For all of you that don't eat from them, ever, why not? check out my blog www.streeteatsny.blogspot.com

sallyann1978 5 years 12 weeks

I'm doing a research project on street food. For all of you that don't eat from them, ever, why not?check out my blogwww.streeteatsny.blogspot.com

tameeka 5 years 12 weeks

I live in NYC and it's impossible to try to not eat at a street vendor. We have many tasty options, roasted nuts, crepes, coffee, meats, etc. When we have street fairs, who can resist those awesome zeppoli or ice cold lemonades. Mmmm.

JustSomeChick 5 years 13 weeks

I said only when I am drunk, but my dad and I also frequent one for lunches during the summer.

LittleMascara 5 years 13 weeks

I grew up in NYC. I've eaten just about anything that can come from a cart... at 3am.

Baby Girl 5 years 13 weeks

very rarely. but sometimes a chicken skewer is a hard thing to walk past.

wackdoodle 5 years 14 weeks

99.9% of the time NO. Lack of sanitary conditions (no running hot water to wash their hands, not changing gloves after touching their faces or other things, food not kept at proper temps) keeps me away because I am prone to stomach viruses and intestinal infections (was before GBS- still am).The only street vendors who might get a buck from me are people selling those wonderful Mexican Fruit Popsicles along Mission Street during the summer when its hot. It's not uncommon for us drivers to hail them down at a stoplight and buy a fruit popsicle to try to cool down. and the limon/lime is so tart and yummy as is the Strawberry that they hit the spot. But they are prepackage and made in a factory. You can also find them in most corner stores, so those don't make me worry that I'm going to become ill from improper management.

wackdoodle 5 years 14 weeks

99.9% of the time NO. Lack of sanitary conditions (no running hot water to wash their hands, not changing gloves after touching their faces or other things, food not kept at proper temps) keeps me away because I am prone to stomach viruses and intestinal infections (was before GBS- still am). The only street vendors who might get a buck from me are people selling those wonderful Mexican Fruit Popsicles along Mission Street during the summer when its hot. It's not uncommon for us drivers to hail them down at a stoplight and buy a fruit popsicle to try to cool down. and the limon/lime is so tart and yummy as is the Strawberry that they hit the spot. But they are prepackage and made in a factory. You can also find them in most corner stores, so those don't make me worry that I'm going to become ill from improper management.

amber_castaldo 5 years 14 weeks

All the time!

amber_castaldo 5 years 14 weeks

All the time!

Molambert 5 years 14 weeks

No...i live in NYC and that's totaly disgusting especially when there's no bathroom facilities 4 blocks and its like where are they using the bathroom...and where are they washing their hands?--think about it...

Miss Delicious 5 years 14 weeks

when I'm in NY I do all the time.

aoitenshi 5 years 14 weeks

We love street food here in the Philippines. I usually get popcorn, fish balls, and barbecued pork or intestines. ;)

ilanac13 5 years 14 weeks

when i was younger i used to - but these days i don't really. everyone in my office goes to the 'SOUP GUY' who has a cart on the next block over - and it's fine - and there's ALWAYS a line by this Kebab cart a block down too. i think that it just depends on what you want and who's making it. there are so many regulations here in NYC that it really can't hurt you to do it.

sfbutterfly24 5 years 14 weeks

I love street vendors. Last time I went to El Salvador I had to sneak around my Uncle to be able to enjoy some because he hates them but my great-aunt and my other uncle came to the rescue.

emalove 5 years 14 weeks

Honestly, I never have in my life. I get totally repulsed by those sausage and pepper stands. I know I would vomit if I ate one.

AmberHoney 5 years 14 weeks

Yum - I love taco trucks, ate lots of bratwurst in Germany and many foods in Mexico and I'm here to tell you about it. Can't be beat and usually very tasty. Has anyone watched Kitchen Nightmares? Those restaurants are much filthier than a street vendor.

Bee333 5 years 14 weeks

At an event or place like the zoo, OK, with discretion. Anywhere else would be case-by-case depending how adventurous I feel.

GrapeBubbleGum 5 years 14 weeks

Street food can be so tasty! Some of the best food that I had while in China came from a cart on the street.

GrapeBubbleGum 5 years 14 weeks

Street food can be so tasty!Some of the best food that I had while in China came from a cart on the street.

tkoblondee 5 years 14 weeks

It's fun and you can get some very authentic food!

designergirl 5 years 14 weeks

You can get the Mexican food from the street vendors here. You just have to brush up on your Spanish before ordering!

wholepig 5 years 14 weeks

I live in New York so street food is abundant. I love the chicken/lamb with rice from the Halal carts but generally steer clear for lighter, healthier options. However, I love eating from street carts/kitchens when traveling, especially in Asia. I think you get a better feel for what the local fare is. Ate from them almost everyday in China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Cambodia and did not get sick. I just watched which carts were especially popular with the locals (to see which carts offered more authentic fare) and had large crowds around them (to gauge turnover and freshness of food). I'll eat anything once, but I also know that its not for everyone.

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