13 Weird Foods From Around the World That Will Challenge Your Taste Buds (and Your Courage)
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I have met people who say they can eat just about anything as long as it is edible. Are you one of those people who claim to have palates that would accommodate just about anything? Maybe we should test just how wild your palate can be with the world’s most weird foods.
When traveling, you must try some local foods to immerse yourself in the culture. After all, food is more than sustenance; it reflects culture and tradition. But would you be down to try some unconventional recipes?
Curious about which foods are the most weird in the world? Or maybe you are daring enough to try some? This article compiles 12 of the world’s most weird foods. Some are so odd that you may have to close your eyes or cover your nose from the pungent stench emanating from the food. Remember, what is weird to you is a delicacy to someone else. Ready? Let’s see how daring you can be.
Balut, Philippines
How do you like your eggs? Sunny side up? Scrambled? Hard-boiled? Or perhaps with a fetus inside the egg? Before you say ew, that is what balut is, and Filipinos love it. Balut is a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside. It is hard-boiled and typically eaten directly from the eggshell. Imagine the sight and texture of the developing bird—surprising to you but definitely delicious to some.
So, the next time you are in the Philippines, you may want to try some baluts to see how far you can push your limits.
And, there is never a shortage of balut in some Philippines towns. You walk around the streets, and you will meet countless vendors yelling, “Balut! Balut!”. Before you buy and eat some, just know what awaits because balut is not your regular street food. While balut is popular in the Philippines, it is also a thing in some Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Cambodia.
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Casu Marzu, Italy
Italy is known for having no shortage of dishes to try out; with this, some can be as weird as they get. Casu Marzu, a Sardinian specialty, is one weird Italian dish for the daring at heart. But just how strange can it get? Casu Marzu, which loosely translates to “rotten cheese,” is made of sheep milk, which is fermented by introducing live larvae (simply maggots) to it.
If you thought the maggots were just used for preparation, you would be in for a shocker. When the cheese is ready, you can still see the larvae squirming around it—very visible and active. The larvae are eaten along with the cheese, though some people choose to remove them before consumption. I would imagine that as you chew, you would feel them pop and release some juices in your mouth, but I would let you find out yourself if you’re daring enough to try.
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Hakarl, Iceland
There are so many bizarre things about Hakarl. First, it is made from shark meat. We understand that shark meat is a popular dish in some parts of the world, but it still remains bizarre for some people, or at least me. The Greenland species is used to prepare Hakarl. The shark is cut into pieces and buried underground for months to allow it to ferment.
When dug up, it would have a strong, ammonia-like odor and unique taste. Thought that was a lengthy process: It is not yet over. After fermentation, the meat is hung to dry for several additional months, giving it a more distinctive taste and odor. Hákarl is usually served in small cubes and often accompanied by a shot of Brennivín, a traditional Icelandic schnapps. Just remember to cover your nose as you enjoy Hakarl.
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Kopi Luwak, Indonesia
Have a cat whose job is lying on the couch and pushing for cuddles? Maybe you should involve them in getting your coffee ready? No, we do not mean them helping you set up the coffee maker, but rather eat the coffee beans and poop them out ready for brewing. Okay, maybe that was a little misleading because kopi luwak is made by civet cats, which are wild, and not regular domestic cats.
To make kopi luwak, civet cats eat, digest, and excrete coffee beans. The beans are then collected from the civet’s feces, cleaned, roasted, and brewed into coffee.
Yes, Kopi Luwak is pretty expensive. This is not your regular coffee—preparing it is a unique process. This coffee is popular in the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Java, and Bali, where the civet cats are found. If you are into coffee culture, try this “luxury item” when visiting Indonesia.
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Rocky Mountain Oysters, USA
No, rocky mountain oysters are not seafood. It is a dish made from the testicles of bulls, pigs, or sheep. The testicles are typically peeled, sliced, and then breaded or battered. They are then deep-fried or pan-fried until crispy. You might have some seasoning added to make it even more delicious.
This delicacy is particularly common in the ranching communities of the western United States. Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming are known for serving it at local fairs, festivals, and restaurants.
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Century Egg, China
If you are used to having your eggs boiled or just scrambled, then you may need to shift things up a little more. On your list of egg dishes to try, add century eggs made from duck, chicken, or quail eggs preserved in a mixture of clay, ash, and quicklime. The preservation process turns the egg into a black, jelly-like substance with a pungent odor. Well, with this pungent odor, we would leave century eggs for the people who know it or those with wild palates.
Century eggs can be served as a snack or appetizer or incorporated into dishes such as congee (rice porridge) and salads. They are also popular in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
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Witchetty Grub, Australia
Witchetty grubs are large, white, wriggling grubs (larvae of an insect), a delicacy typically eaten by Indigenous Australians. The grubs, basically massive maggots, are collected from the bark and roots of certain plants.
Witchetty grubs can be eaten raw or cooked. When eaten raw, they have a slightly nutty flavor and a soft texture. When cooked, they can be roasted, fried, or boiled. Cooking the grubs changes their texture, making them firmer and more flavorful. I’d think you would have to be more daring to eat them raw.
Today, they are part of traditional bush tucker and are often eaten as survival food or during cultural ceremonies and gatherings. You, however, can find restaurants that still serve them in Australia.
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Tuna Eyeballs, Japan
See how wide-open and googly tuna eyes are when you get them from the market? Whenever I walk into the fish section of the grocery store, I feel like those tuna eyes are looking at me, maybe being a little judgy while at it. Now imagine plucking just the eyes from the tuna, boiling and steaming it, and then enjoying them. Weird to you? Not to the Japanese.
Tuna eyeballs are commonly eaten in Japan and are often available in local markets and seafood restaurants. They can be served whole or sliced and are sometimes enjoyed with rice or vegetables. Yes, you could find tuna eyeballs in the Japanese restaurants in your city.
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Escamoles, Mexico
Escamoles are edible ant larvae, often called “ant caviar.” They are harvested from the nests of certain ant species. The larvae are soft and slightly creamy, just in case you are wondering how it would feel in your mouth.
You could also collect the larvae from the roots of agave plants or other specific plants where ants build their nests. Escamoles are typically sautéed in butter or oil with garlic, onions, and spices.
They are traditionally eaten in the central and southern regions of Mexico during the spring when the larvae are in season.
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Mopane Worms, Southern Africa
Mopane worms are the larvae of the “emperor moth.” They are a traditional food in Southern Africa, known for their high nutritional value. If you are wondering what mopane worms look like, they are just large caterpillars. I would not touch them, let alone eat them.
These worms are usually dried or smoked before cooking.
To eat, they are often rehydrated and then fried, boiled, or stewed. They can also be added to stews, soups, or other dishes. The next time you visit South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, you know a protein dish to try.
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Cuy, Peru
I would want to imagine everyone went through that childhood stage where they wanted an adorable guinea pig. Anyone not in the know would think guinea pigs or Cuy are just cute little pets. Not to break your heart, they are also a delicacy in some parts of Peru.
As if that is not surprising enough, Cuy (a large species of guinea pig) is typically prepared by roasting or frying the whole animal. And by entire, we mean you will be served Cuy with its head and feet still intact.
It is typically served with side dishes like potatoes, corn, or salads.
While it is popular in Peru, it is also consumed in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. While it may come off as weird, it is a staple in Andean culinary traditions.
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Kangaroo Meat, Australia
There are only a few countries that eat their national animal, and Australia is one of them. Now, the national animals of other states are not weird foods; for instance, camel meat in Saudi Arabia is not weird at all. But kangaroos certainly come as a surprise.
Kangaroo meat can be grilled, roasted, or made into sausages or steaks. You could buy them in supermarkets, meat shops, or restaurants nationwide.
So, the next time you are in Australia, you know what source of protein to go for. I guess there is no better way to sample a country’s culinary scene than eating its national animal.
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Sannakji, South Korea
Sannakji is a Korean dish featuring live octopus tentacles cut into small pieces and served immediately, often wriggling on the plate. If an octopus squirming on a plate does not scare you, then you can claim to be the hardcore that you really are.
What if the octopus tentacles get stuck in your throat? If this is your worst fear, just know that it is not far-fetched as the pieces are known to latch in people’s throats. If you decide to sample Sannakji, be a little more careful to avoid this.
You can buy Sannakji from restaurants or street food vendors across South Korea. In restaurants, Sannakji is typically served as an appetizer or side dish. The moving tentacles are often on a plate, sometimes with dipping sauces. It is usually eaten with chopsticks.
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Kangaroo meat is actually an eco-friendly choice, consumes less resources than traditional livestock.
Tuna eyeballs seem weird but they’re a delicacy in Japan.
Can’t believe people eat these things. Like, Tuna Eyeballs? Really?
Rocky Mountain Oysters were surprisingly good! Don’t knock it ’til you try it.
Has anyone actually tried Casu Marzu? The idea of live maggots is quite terrifying. How does it taste?
kopi luwak just sounds like a fancy way to overcharge coffee lovers, change my mind.
Has anyone tried Kopi Luwak? Is it really as unique tasting as people say?