Food is a universal language, but some dishes from around the world can be surprising, bizarre, or downright shocking. Here are 12 facts about the world’s most unusual foods and where you can find them.
1. Casu Marzu – Italy
- Fact: Casu Marzu, known as “maggot cheese,” is a traditional Sardinian cheese made from sheep’s milk. What makes it unusual is the fact that it’s fermented with live insect larvae. The larvae help break down the cheese fats, making it soft and creamy. However, the cheese is illegal in many countries due to health concerns.
- Where to Find It: Sardinia, Italy.
2. Fried Tarantulas – Cambodia
- Fact: Fried tarantulas are a popular street food in Cambodia, especially in the town of Skuon. These crunchy, eight-legged snacks became popular during the Khmer Rouge era when food was scarce, and locals turned to unconventional sources of protein.
- Where to Find It: Skuon, Cambodia.
3. Hákarl – Iceland
- Fact: Hákarl is a traditional Icelandic dish made from the fermented meat of the Greenland shark. The meat is buried underground for several months to ferment and then hung to dry. It has a strong ammonia smell and is often described as an acquired taste.
- Where to Find It: Reykjavik, Iceland.
4. Balut – Philippines
- Fact: Balut is a fertilized duck egg that is boiled and eaten in the shell. The egg contains a partially developed embryo, making it one of the most unusual delicacies in the world. It’s often served with a pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar.
- Where to Find It: Philippines.
5. Surströmming – Sweden
- Fact: Surströmming is fermented herring from Sweden known for its overpowering smell. The fish is canned and left to ferment for months, creating a pungent odor that’s said to be one of the most intense in the world. It’s usually eaten outdoors due to the smell.
- Where to Find It: Northern Sweden.
6. Fugu – Japan
- Fact: Fugu, or pufferfish, is a Japanese delicacy known for being potentially deadly if not prepared correctly. The fish contains a potent toxin called tetrodotoxin, which can be fatal. Only licensed chefs are allowed to prepare fugu, and it’s usually served as sashimi.
- Where to Find It: Tokyo, Japan.
7. Escamoles – Mexico
- Fact: Escamoles are edible ant larvae considered a delicacy in Mexico. Often referred to as “insect caviar,” they are typically sautéed in butter and served with tortillas. The taste is nutty and buttery, making it a gourmet treat.
- Where to Find It: Mexico City, Mexico.
8. Sannakji – South Korea
- Fact: Sannakji is a dish of live octopus in South Korea. The octopus is cut into small pieces and served immediately, often while still wriggling. The dish is notorious for being a choking hazard, so it’s essential to chew thoroughly before swallowing.
- Where to Find It: Seoul, South Korea.
9. Huitlacoche – Mexico
- Fact: Huitlacoche, also known as “corn smut,” is a fungus that grows on ears of corn. Instead of being discarded, it’s considered a delicacy in Mexico, where it’s used in dishes like quesadillas and tamales. It has a smoky, earthy flavor.
- Where to Find It: Central Mexico.
10. Kiviak – Greenland
- Fact: Kiviak is a traditional Inuit dish made by fermenting seabirds inside a seal skin. Hundreds of small birds are stuffed into a seal, which is then sewn shut and buried for several months to ferment. The resulting dish is eaten during special occasions like weddings.
- Where to Find It: Greenland.
11. Century Egg – China
- Fact: Century eggs, also known as hundred-year eggs, are Chinese preserved eggs that are coated in a mixture of clay, ash, and salt, then left to cure for weeks or months. The egg white turns into a dark jelly, and the yolk becomes creamy with a strong flavor.
- Where to Find It: China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
12. Stargazy Pie – England
- Fact: Stargazy pie is a Cornish dish made with whole sardines (with heads) baked into a pie crust, with the fish heads poking out through the top. The dish is traditionally served during the Tom Bawcock’s Eve festival in the village of Mousehole.
- Where to Find It: Cornwall, England.
Conclusion
The world is full of diverse and intriguing culinary traditions, many of which might seem unusual or even shocking to the uninitiated. These 12 foods showcase the vast range of what people around the globe consider to be delicacies. Whether you’re a fearless foodie or simply curious about global cuisine, exploring these dishes offers a unique glimpse into different cultures and their histories.
