How to eat street food without ruining your trip

In his new book, "Street Food: Exploring the World's Most Authentic Tastes," Tom Kime, a chef who has worked in top restaurants in London, Sydney and Malta, reveals how to make 89 favorite dishes that he has tasted during his many trips around the globe. While the book focuses on recipes, Kime learned quite a bit more while conducting research on the streets of Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and beyond. We asked him for tips on finding the most delicious food and avoiding an upset stomach, or worse.

Follow crowds

"A line of people is always a good indicator that the food is tasty and fresh -- it never sits idle for long. If a vendor on a busy street has no customers, there's probably a reason."

Ask the locals

"The best recommendations I got were from taxi drivers, policemen, shop owners and office workers. Locals are discerning: They only eat what they like and what doesn't make them sick."

Watch it cook

"Always request that your food be cooked fresh for you. A hot grill will usually eliminate any microscopic bugs that are present. And a plate of steaming noodles is safer than food left out for hours at a hotel buffet."

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