Up until last year, street vendors in Vancouver, British Columbia, 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 food 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.