Hindi/Punjabi Programme:
What should you avoid eating and drinking in India?
If you are visiting India for the first time, then take these precautions strictly and follow all
Buying 5-10 litres is recommended. Always bottled water.
Even if the water is R/O, seen in AirBnB’s and private homes, I use bottled water. 5 Star hotels do have good filtration, so oral hygiene is “OK”, but I still prefer bottled.
Take precautions in showers, avoid water in your mouth (in general, even with a 4/5-star hotel). This is an easy way to take in bacteria.
Always have water with you. Purchase from a trusted source, i.e., C-store or grocery, not roadside dhabas. www.hindi-punjabi.com
Avoid ice unless in high-end restaurants or hotels which cater to a travelling audience
Take note of Indian drinks made with tap water, i.e., lassi. Specifically, an order made with bottled water
Always eat cooked food
First time in India, avoid street food. It’s so tempting, not worth the risk or after effects
Dhabas are great! Just be sure the food is hot, freshly made
I mostly avoid meat when in India, personal preference. Fish is OK. I will eat meat in a 4/5-star restaurant or hotel
Raw veggies and salad are best to avoid unless at a high-end restaurant or hotel which caters to travelling audiences, or if you purchase in the bazaar and prepare at AirBnB, where you are washing/cutting under your sanitary direction. This includes raw fruits.
Milk-based products- raita, curd, doodh, and desserts like ras malai, are best only in trusted restaurants/hotels. Many coolers are for show only, not actually working. But one doesn't know until it’s been ingested.
Follow your gut…if upset, give it some time to relax. Switch to packaged crackers or snacks for a day to see if it’s a single meal that upset it or if you caught a parasite.
Bring an antibiotic, just in case
Ask your doctor for their recommendation: used to be Cipro, now Zithromax is the preferred suggestion
Bring or buy once you are there, creams, lotions, and sprays to effectively prevent mosquito bites
Have your shots
Any others recommended by your doctor
