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We're deep in the production of our May food issue, and so food is very much on the brain in Budget Travel offices these days. We're awash in microdistilled gin from Brooklyn, chips from Taiwan, and wine from Walla Walla. (If you have a good idea for coverlines, we're all ears!) In reading about some new restrictions for food carts in Vancouver, I fell into an online food cart coma after discovering this terrific web site: vancouverstreeteats.ca. The name of the site, run by an intrepid duo who identify themselves only as "James and Amy," belies its geographic breadth, which ranges from Texas to Thailand and has news and information on food carts—and the fascinating people who run them.
Up until last year, street vendors in Vancouver were only allowed to sell popcorn, chestnuts, and hot dogs. When that ban was lifted, the floodgates opened to the international community and the number of carts skyrocketed. However, a new city council ruling has approved an initiative to expand the number of "healthy" street options, limiting hot dogs in favor of fare like squash and quinoa.While I'm as cautious as the next traveler about eating off the ground, I will happily eat out of a tin-can contraption on a corner. And god knows, I'm not looking to limit my caloric intake when I do so. In my experience, eating street food has been the surest way to get the flavor of a city. Not to mention that you are guaranteed to meet the chef.
This new city ban brings the potential to squash a burgeoning foodie creativity. And what a shame that might be. I'm all for healthful food, but when it comes to carts, and tasting your way through a city while standing, arteries aren't necessarily this hungry traveler's primary concern. Deliciousness is.
What's the tastiest, and most unusual thing you've ever eaten from a street cart?
See more from Budget Travel
How to Eat Street Food Without Ruining Your Trip
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Wow. It's pretty sad that a city has to put regulations on food and for what? An individual doesn't have the self-control to monitor THEIR OWN health?! Ridiculous!!!
Posted By Eisa on February 25, 2011, 4:21 PM
It's hard to not mix politics and pleasure. Especially when the worlds view of Americans has declined. I find it best to avoid politics. It distracts an otherwise valuable cultural experience. However I can't ignore the hot dog deal for 2 reasons. 1. Brats from the oldest sausage stand in the world in Bavaria or any place for that matter is a memory. It's none of Vancouver's business what I eat. For that reason alone I won't be in Vancouver any time soon.
Posted By Sailnaked on February 26, 2011, 8:25 AM
Personally, I'm delighted to read that the worst decision ever to come out of Canada is "an initiative to expand the number of 'healthy' street options" in Vancouver. Wish the same could be said for other countries!
Posted By Doug Dyment on February 28, 2011, 10:35 AM
I live in NYC and can't imagine such limitations on street food. It's such a great and inexpensive way to taste a little bit of everywhere.
Posted By willwrite4food2 on February 28, 2011, 10:48 AM
What’s the tastiest, and most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten from a street cart?
Jamaican meat patty
Posted By dbcaribislander on February 28, 2011, 11:25 AM
Tofu Pot Pie from Whiffies Pies in Portland.
Posted By saney on February 28, 2011, 4:15 PM
What are the exact health standards, or do they just pull this stuff out of their but.
Posted By Nick Knight on February 28, 2011, 4:20 PM
Even with leave for massive hyperbole, this is hardly Canada's worst decision ever particularly because it wasn't a NATIONAL decision it was a decision by one particular city. Aside from that point, I'm less concerned about the article than the resulting comments. Obesity is epidemic in Canada as well as the US so clearly not everyone is making healthful choices. It is not just travelers that are eating from these carts, there are far more locals doing so. Rules like these ensure that there are healthy choices available which often isn't the case. It's also the taxpayers that are paying for the health consequences that result from obesity so to at least some extent, in Canada, the state does have some say in the issue. I don't have all the details from this one piece to fully understand the issue and what exact health standards are being used (I'm pretty sure they haven't come out of anyone's 'but' since that's not generally how decisions are made in this country) but I'm sure it's with the best of intentions. Vancouverites have the option of speaking up and advising their elected officials that they don't like this decision and even voting them out if it's that important to them.
Oh, and I vote for 'beaver tails' on the street and canal skating trail in Ottawa (talk about an unhealthy choice!).
Posted By Kelly on February 28, 2011, 10:59 PM
A big brother city limiting what someone can eat! How further along the line can a government control what a citizen can do, say, go, and now eat? Especially when the government pays for their citizen's health care. However, it is not the government that pays, it is the taxpayer that is paying for others care. Take back your rights by fighting back with your vote and and your money. America needs to wake up. With current policies the country is progressing to a future that is eerily similar to the programs in Canada, London & France...
Posted By Lawrence on March 1, 2011, 10:45 PM