According to traveler accounts, what elevates street food beyond mere sustenance?
Answer
The immediacy of the transaction and connection with the cook.
Traveler perspectives frequently emphasize that the true value and memorable quality of street food extend far beyond the intrinsic taste or nutritional value of the meal itself. What elevates these dishes from being mere sustenance to becoming indelible cultural memories is the experiential aspect of the transaction. This includes the sheer immediacy of receiving the food, the personal connection established, often non-verbally, with the person preparing the meal, and the ability to observe the quick customization or selection process. This active engagement contrasts sharply with the distanced interaction often experienced in conventional restaurant dining.

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