Delhi Belly: What It Is, How to Avoid It, and What to Do If You Get It

When people talk about Delhi Belly, a term used for traveler’s diarrhea commonly experienced in India. Also known as traveler’s diarrhea, it’s not a disease—it’s your body reacting to unfamiliar bacteria in food or water. It’s not exclusive to Delhi, and it’s not always from street food. Many travelers get it because they’re suddenly exposed to microbes their gut has never seen before. The name stuck because Delhi is one of the first major cities tourists visit, but you can get it anywhere in India—from a busy market in Varanasi to a roadside stall in Rajasthan.

Most cases are mild and last less than 48 hours. You won’t die from it. But it can ruin your trip if you’re not prepared. The real issue isn’t the food itself—it’s the water quality, the source of most contamination in India. Tap water, ice cubes, raw salads, and unpeeled fruit are the usual suspects. Even bottled water isn’t always safe if the seal is broken or the bottle’s been refilled. Stick to sealed bottles from trusted brands, and check the cap before you open it.

Indian street food, a vibrant part of the country’s culinary culture isn’t the enemy. In fact, some of the safest meals you’ll eat come from busy stalls where food turns over fast. Look for vendors with long lines of locals—that’s your real safety signal. Hot, freshly cooked food like tandoori chicken, dal, and parathas are low-risk. Avoid anything sitting out in the open, especially if it’s been sitting for hours.

What about probiotics? Yogurt? Berberine? People swear by them, but science says they help only a little, if at all. The best prevention is simple: boil it, peel it, cook it, or forget it. Carry hand sanitizer. Wash your hands before eating, even if you’re just grabbing a snack. Don’t assume a restaurant is clean because it looks nice. A clean table doesn’t mean the cook washed their hands.

If you do get sick, don’t panic. Drink plenty of fluids—electrolyte solutions work better than plain water. Oral rehydration salts are cheap and sold everywhere. Avoid anti-diarrheal pills like loperamide unless you’re stuck somewhere with no bathroom access. They trap the bad stuff inside. Let your body flush it out. If you’re vomiting, can’t keep fluids down, or have a fever over 101°F, see a doctor. Most cities have clinics that cater to travelers.

Delhi Belly isn’t a warning to avoid India—it’s a reminder to travel smart. Thousands of people eat street food in India every day without getting sick. You can too. It’s not about avoiding everything. It’s about knowing what’s safe, where to look, and how to react. The posts below give you real, tested advice from travelers who’ve been there—what worked, what didn’t, and how to enjoy India’s food without the fear.