You have to take risks when travelling in other countries otherwise you miss out on the culture. That's not to say throw caution to the wind or you could end up dead. But small restaurants are always interesting, some good and some not so much. Nothing ventured nothing gained as they say. I spent most of the 90's living in places that they only speak Spanish, and not I'm not talking about Spain. Some of the best food and culture I've found in tiny towns and out of the way places.
!DHEDGE
I agree, life is there to be experienced, but some caution should be applied. I've been all over the world and tried a lot of food, I've not had too many bad experiences, probably because some caution and calculated risk was applied.