But what about bizarre foods?
Buckle up your taste buds because we’re about to embark on a culinary journey like no other. From the deep jungles of the Amazon to the frigid tundras of Scandinavia, we will explore the weird, wild, and wonderful dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Fun facts:
- Nearly 20% of the world’s population eats insects as a regular part of their diet.
- Over 75% of the world’s food comes from just 12 plant and five animal species.
- Over 1,000 species of insects are consumed by humans, and some of the most commonly eaten insects include crickets, mealworms, and ants.
- In many African countries, termites are a common source of protein and are often eaten fried or roasted.
- In some parts of the world, snake blood is believed to have medicinal properties and is consumed as a tonic.
- In Japan, fugu, or pufferfish, is a delicacy that is highly toxic if not prepared correctly and can only be prepared by licensed chefs.
- In some African countries, bushmeat, or the meat of wild animals such as monkeys, gorillas, and antelopes, is a common food source.
Did you know? An average person consumes over 35 tons of food during their lifetime. That’s a staggering amount of food, and it’s no wonder that people are always on the lookout for new and exciting culinary experiences.
In this blog, we’ll be exploring some of the most bizarre foods from around the world that will make your stomach churn and your mouth water at the same time.
15 bizarre foods from around the world that will blow away your mind!
Looking to expand your culinary horizons and try something out of the ordinary?
Look no further than these 13 bizarre foods from around the world that are sure to challenge your taste buds and blow away your mind. From creepy crawlies to funky fermented dishes, get ready to embark on a wild and adventurous gastronomic journey.
Century Eggs
Our first stop is China, where you can find a dish called “century eggs.” Don’t let the name fool you; these eggs have been soaked in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice straw for weeks, if not months. The result is an egg with a gelatinous texture and a pungent aroma that is an acquired taste.
Bird’s Next Soup
Another dish from China is “bird’s nest soup,” which is made from the saliva of swiftlets. The saliva is harvested from the bird’s nests, which are often found in caves and are said to have medicinal properties.
Cuy
Next up, we head to Peru, where the locals love to indulge in a dish called “cuy.” What’s cuy, you ask? It’s none other than roasted guinea pig! These little critters are often served whole, with their head, feet, and all, and are considered a delicacy in the Andean region.
Fugu
In Japan, they have a dish called “fugu,” which is made from poisonous pufferfish. Chefs must undergo rigorous training to learn how to properly prepare the fish, as one mistake could be deadly.
Balut
In some parts of Southeast Asia, they eat “balut,” which is a fertilized duck egg that has been boiled and eaten in the shell. The egg contains a partially formed duckling, complete with feathers, a beak, and bones.
Sannakji
Our next stop is in South Korea, where you can find a dish called “sannakji.” This dish consists of live baby octopuses that are cut up into small pieces and served raw. The catch? The octopuses are still moving on your plate, so you have to be careful not to choke on the tentacles!
Chapulines
In Mexico, they have a dish called “chapulines,” which is made from fried grasshoppers. The dish is popular in Oaxaca and is often served with guacamole and tortillas.
Haggis
Scotland has a dish called “haggis,” which is a dish made from the heart, liver, and lungs of a sheep mixed with oats and spices, then boiled in a sheep’s stomach.
Kinilaw
In the Philippines, they eat “kinilaw,” which is a dish made from raw fish marinated in vinegar, ginger, and chilli peppers. The dish is said to be a cousin of ceviche, a popular dish in Latin America.
Escargots
In France, they eat “escargots,” which are snails cooked in garlic butter. The dish is a delicacy in French cuisine and is often served as an appetizer.
Hakarl
Moving on to Iceland, we have a dish called “hakarl.” It’s made from fermented shark meat that’s been buried in the ground for several months, then hung out to dry for several more. The result is a pungent, ammonia-like smell that’s not for the faint of heart.
Escamoles
The next dish is from Mexico, where you can find a dish called “escamoles.” These are ant eggs harvested from the roots of agave plants and are often referred to as “insect caviar.” The texture is said to be similar to cottage cheese, and the taste is described as nutty and buttery.
Durian
Let’s take a break from animal products and head to Thailand, where you can find a dish called “durian.” This fruit is notorious for its pungent aroma, which has been described as a mix of onions, turpentine, and gym socks. Despite the smell, the creamy flesh inside is said to be sweet and delicious.
Natto
Next is Natto, a dish from Japan. Some love it, some hate it, but there’s no denying that natto is one of Japan’s most unusual and distinctive foods. Made by fermenting soybeans with a special bacteria, this sticky dish has a pungent aroma and a strong, savoury flavour that some describe as “earthy” or “nutty”.
Huitlacoche
Our last stop on this bizarre culinary journey is Huitlacoche, a hidden gem of Mexican cuisine. This fungus, also known as “corn smut”, grows on ears of corn and creates a dark, velvety growth that can be used as an ingredient in many dishes.
Writer’s Thoughts
As we wrap up our culinary journey around the world, it’s clear that there’s a whole world of bizarre foods out there waiting to be explored. From fried tarantulas in Cambodia to fermented shark meat in Iceland, there’s no shortage of adventurous dishes to try for those brave enough to venture outside their culinary comfort zones.
While some of these foods may seem strange or even repulsive to those of us in the Western world, they hold deep cultural significance for many people around the globe. Whether it’s the use of insects as a protein source or the long-standing tradition of eating exotic meats, these foods have been enjoyed for generations and continue to be a vital part of many cultures.
So, the next time you’re feeling adventurous and looking to expand your palate, why not give one of these bizarre foods a try? Who knows, you might discover a new favourite dish that you would never have imagined otherwise.
In the end, the world of food is vast and varied, and there’s always something new and exciting to discover. So, keep an open mind and a hungry stomach, and enjoy the delicious and bizarre flavours of the world. Bon Appetit!
