Culinary Ethnographer and Food Safety Specialist. Certified Food Scientist with 14 years of experience analyzing global food systems, street food culture, and gastronomy safety standards.
Mei Lin Chen brings a unique dual expertise to travel writing: the cultural appreciation of a food anthropologist and the rigorous hygiene knowledge of a food scientist. She has spent years auditing restaurant supplies and documenting street food heritage across Asia and Latin America. Mei Lin teaches travelers how to navigate vibrant culinary scenes without falling victim to tourist traps or foodborne illnesses. Her content covers the nuances of dining etiquette, how to spot fresh ingredients in open markets, and the specific hygiene markers to look for in street stalls versus fine dining. She empowers travelers to be adventurous eaters by equipping them with the technical knowledge to assess risk and quality in any kitchen around the world.