Why do people love bizarre foods?
There is something thrilling about trying a bizarre food that deviates from the norm. However, weird food combinations are always a gamble in terms of taste. You may be unknowingly embarking on a delicious culinary journey, or you could just have gross food sitting in your mouth. That is what makes trying weird food such a novel experience.
Among a small subculture of foodies, there is a growing fascination with weird and bizarre foods that is sure to leave you amazed. Check out our list of weird foods from around the world and get some inspiration for some things to try on your next trip.
What are the most bizarre foods in the world?
Balut, Philippines
Balut is a fertilized duck egg with part of the developed embryo on the inside. Before arriving on your plate, this bizarre food is boiled alive and then tossed in salt and chili. The proper eating technique is to create a hole in the top of the shell, devour the liquid, and then take a bite through the bones, feathers, and whatever else lies inside. You’ll find Balut in a variety of places throughout Asia, but it is most popular in the Philippines and Vietnam.
Crispy tarantulas, Cambodia
Overcome your fear of spiders by taking a bite of some crunchy critters. This gross food item is a popular snack throughout Cambodia and originated from the struggles of surviving under the Khmer Rouge regime. They are served deep-fried and are popular with tourists and locals alike, while I’ve never had the chance to try it, I’m told it tastes similar to crab.
White ant eggs soup, Laos
As you browse the busy streets of the Laotian capital, Vientiane, you’ll be sure to stumble upon numerous weird food combos. Among them is white ant eggs soup, which mixes embryos, eggs, and baby ants to offer up a disgusting food concoction. According to friends who have tried this gross food, you need to prepare for the eggs popping in your mouth and releasing a sour taste in your mouth.
Hákarl, Iceland
In my opinion, the most disgusting foods from around the world are always fermented. Hákarl comes from the Greenland shark, which is poisonous to eat when fresh, and regularly served up in Iceland. It is left to spoil and ferment for months and then dried. If you can struggle past the rotting smell, an almost sweet, slightly nutty taste awaits. Good luck.
Sea Cucumber, Alaska
Sea cucumbers aren’t inherently gross food and very popular in Alaska. However, they are often cooked entirely wrong, which gives them an unbearable taste. A short cooking time combined with some soy sauce and seasoning hit the spot. You can expect a smooth texture with a slight crunch. They are not packed full of flavor, but this makes them great to have as part of your weird food combos.
Boshintang, North Korea
What is to dislike about spring onions, dandelions, and red chili paste? Well, it’s the other core ingredient, dog meat, that earns Boshintang a place on our bizarre foods list. Touted to improve health and vigour this gross food has a lengthy history in Korean culture. Although its popularity is beginning to wane with the young generation, so you should try it while it’s still around… If you dare!
Casu Marzu, Italy
The typical manufacturing process of cheese is almost enough to make it a disgusting food in its own right. But Casu Marze takes it one step further. After waiting for Pecorino, which is cheese made from sheep’s milk, to go rotten, larvae of cheese flies are added. They hatch inside and digest the surrounding fat. The good news is if it has been refrigerated, you can eat the cheese without the maggots and enjoy the ripe, gorgonzola taste.
Chicken Testicles, Hong Kong
With an appearance that isn’t too dissimilar from a white bean, chicken testicles may look appealing at first glance. This gross food is first boiled or fried, then typically served with rice or noodles. You can find these on menus throughout Hong Kong and they are relatively tasteless so be sure to have it with some garlic, soy sauce and ginger. I’ll warn you now -the burst of liquid as the sac breaks is a little unsettling, even with some soy sauce.
Silkworm Larvae, South Korea
As far as bizarre foods go, Silkworm Larva is relatively popular. Canned and sold in supermarkets throughout South Korea and found in many of the street food places throughout Seoul, they are popular among older Korean men. Compared to some other gross food on our list, they taste great. I recommend enjoying them with a bottle of soju, the infamous Korean rice wine.
Drunken Shrimp, China
The name conjures up an image of a nice alcohol marinade or broth. Unfortunately, this disgusting food is often served raw, which means the shrimp are still alive. The alcohol is used to inebriate them, slowing them down and making them easier to munch on. Depending on where you are in China, recipes do differ so you could be lucky enough to have shrimp that have been boiled first.
Which bizarre food are you going to try?
Considering I am such an avid traveler, the repertoire of bizarre foods I have tried is surprisingly small. Don’t follow my example, take the plunge and try some weird food combinations; you never know what you might find. Trying gross food combinations may unlock your new favorite dish, give it a try.
