{"id":1937,"date":"2022-08-21T09:57:55","date_gmt":"2022-08-21T09:57:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.hostelworld.com\/?p=1937"},"modified":"2023-08-04T11:10:24","modified_gmt":"2023-08-04T11:10:24","slug":"the-50-weirdest-foods-from-around-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/the-50-weirdest-foods-from-around-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"The 50 Weirdest Foods From Around the World"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s time to take a trip around the world and delve into all the weird foods our species like to chow down. Unfortunately, the world isn\u2019t only full of those tasty breakfasts we spoilt you with a while back \u2013 if only. Consider this a public service and an education to save you from shock when you come across these, the 50 weirdest foods from around the world.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

1. Chicken\u2019s Feet<\/em> \u2013 East Asia, Caribbean, South America and South Africa<\/h2>\n

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Photo:\u00a0Yi Chen<\/em><\/p>\n

Considering how many places it\u2019s eaten, perhaps it\u2019s unfair to deem this weird. Still, it\u2019s made mostly of skin making it a little gelatinous in texture. They\u2019re pretty tasty when flavoured properly, but the bones get on your nerves after a while.<\/p>\n

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2. Haggis<\/em> \u2013 Scotland<\/a><\/h2>\n

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Photo:\u00a0David Blaikie<\/em><\/p>\n

A sheep\u2019s heart, liver and lungs minced and mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet and seasoned with salt and spices cooked inside the animal\u2019s stomach. If that doesn\u2019t sound appealing, I just don\u2019t know what will.<\/p>\n

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3. Tripe<\/em> \u2013 All Over the World<\/h2>\n

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Photo:\u00a0Ernesto Andrade<\/em><\/p>\n

The stomach lining of various animals with a sponge-like honeycomb texture. Looks like some weird kind of sea plant life and has a peculiar and not entirely appetising rubbery texture. Served up with various sauces to add flavour or simply with an accompaniment like onions.<\/p>\n

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4. Khash<\/em> \u2013 Middle East, East Europe and Turkey<\/h2>\n

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Photo:\u00a0Kamyar Adl<\/em><\/p>\n

A pretty gruesome little dish made up of stewed cows feet and head. It was once a winter comfort food but is now considered a delicacy. I\u2019m sure it\u2019s fine, so long as you don\u2019t mind that grinning skull staring at you through its cold dead eyes.<\/p>\n

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5. Tuna Eyeballs<\/em> \u2013 Japan<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Weirdest<\/p>\n

Although it sounds nasty, apparently it\u2019s rather tame, tasting pretty similar to squid or octopus. None of the gunk you\u2019d normally associate with slicing up eyeballs then?<\/p>\n

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6. Black Pudding (Blood Sausage)<\/em> \u2013 Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe<\/h2>\n

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Photo:\u00a0Alpha<\/em><\/p>\n

Pretty widely available, really. Still, there are a large number of people who find the idea revolting. And silly people they are as the finished product is tasty. Congealed blood cooked up with various natural flavourings, thickening agents like suet and breadcrumbs and stuffed into a sausage skin \u2013 lush!<\/p>\n

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7. Spam<\/em> \u2013 United States<\/h2>\n

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Photo:\u00a0Mike Mozart<\/em><\/p>\n

The famous mystery meat. It\u2019s said that Spam is made from chopped pork shoulder meat, ham and potato starch, but who knows what ends up in there.<\/p>\n

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8. H\u00e1karl<\/em> \u2013 Iceland<\/a><\/h2>\n

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Photo:\u00a0Richard Toller<\/em><\/p>\n

The rotting carcass of a Greenland or basking (Somniosidae) shark. It\u2019s buried underground in a shallow pit and pressed with stones so the poisonous internal fluids that allow it to live in such cold waters can be drained out making the meat safe to eat. After this it\u2019s hung out to dry before being cut into strips and served. With a smell that\u2019s described as ammonia-rich and a strong \u2018fishy-flavour\u2019, it was described by Anthony Bourdain as “the single worst, most disgusting and terrible tasting thing” he\u2019d tried.<\/p>\n

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9. Surstromming<\/em> \u2013 Sweden<\/a><\/h2>\n

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Baltic Sea herring fermented with just enough salt used to prevent it from rotting. Mainly found tinned in brine these days, when opened it releases such a pungent aroma that it usually needs to be eaten outside. Sounds delightful.<\/p>\n

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10. Century Egg \/ 100 Year Old Egg \/ 1000 Year Old Egg<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 China<\/a><\/h2>\n

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Photo:\u00a0surtr<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, OK, it\u2019s neither a century nor a millennium old, but this egg is pretty rotten. After being preserved in a mixture of clay, ash and quicklime for a few months, the yolk turns a dark green or even black and slimy while the white has turns to a dark brown translucent jelly. Apparently it smells of strongly of sulphur and ammonia, but tastes like a hardboiled egg\u2026 until you breathe out that is.<\/p>\n

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11. Stinkheads<\/em> \u2013 Alaska, United States<\/h2>\n

The fermented head of a king salmon, buried underground in for a few weeks and eaten as a pungent, putty-like mush. Fancy it?<\/p>\n

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12. Shiokara<\/em> \u2013 Japan<\/h2>\n

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Photo:\u00a0takaokun<\/em><\/p>\n

Now this really does sound bad. A dish made of pieces of meat taken from a selection of sea creatures, served in a brown, viscous paste of their own salted and fermented viscera. Oh, I forgot to say, it\u2019s all served raw. You enjoy, I\u2019m going to grab a bucket.<\/p>\n

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13. Jing Leed (Grasshoppers)<\/em> \u2013 Thailand<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Weirdest<\/p>\n

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So, yes, this is a big old grasshopper seasoned with salt, pepper power and chilli and fried in a big wok. Tastes a little like hollow popcorn skin\u2026 except a little juice squirts out when you bite into it\u2026 nice.<\/p>\n

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14. Wasp Crackers<\/em> \u2013 Japan<\/h2>\n

\"Weirdest<\/p>\n

Yep, you guessed it, it\u2019s a biscuit filled with wasps. Think chocolate chip cookies, only the insects replace the choccy chips. Apparently the digger wasp, which the biscuit contains, has a pretty mean sting. I wish your tongue good luck.<\/p>\n

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15. Fried Spider<\/em> \u2013 Cambodia<\/a><\/h2>\n

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Photo:\u00a0saritravels<\/em><\/p>\n

Fried spider is a regional delicacy popular in the Cambodian town of Skuon, prepared by marinating it in MSG, sugar and salt and then frying it in garlic. Apparently it has more meat on it than a grasshopper, but also has brown sludge in the abdomen, which consists of mainly innards, eggs and excrement. Yum.<\/p>\n

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16. Witchetty Grub<\/em> \u2013 Australia<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Weirdest<\/p>\n

Part of the Australian \u2018bushmeat\u2019 family, this was another staple of Indigenous Australians in the desert. These can either be eaten raw, when it tastes like almonds, or lightly cooked, where its skin crisps like roast chicken and its insides take on the look and consistency of scrambled egg.<\/p>\n

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17. Escamol<\/em> \u2013 Mexico<\/h2>\n

\"Weirdest<\/p>\n

Also known as \u2018insect caviar\u2019, this dish is made of the edible larvae and pupae of ants, harvested from the tequila or mescal plant. Considered something of a delicacy, it is said to have the consistency of cottage cheese and a buttery, nutty taste.<\/p>\n

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18. Beondegi<\/em> \u2013 South Korea<\/a><\/h2>\n

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Photo:\u00a0istolethetv<\/em><\/p>\n

Mmm, lovely, lovely silkworm. Simply boiled or steamed and lightly seasoned, this is popular snack all over Korea and usually sold from street vendors. Apparently they taste like wood, if you\u2019ve ever tried wood\u2026?<\/p>\n

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19. Escargots \u00e0 la Bourguignonne<\/em> \u2013 France<\/a><\/h2>\n

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Photo:\u00a0eatingeast<\/em><\/p>\n

Snails cooked in a sauce of white wine, garlic, butter and parsley served in their shells. Said to have a similar consistency to mussels or clams, though I found them to be pretty rubbery. Perhaps best to try in a decent, reasonably priced restaurant rather than the satay version down a back street in Hong Kong.<\/p>\n

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20. Sago Delight<\/em> \u2013 Southeast Asia<\/h2>\n

\"Weirdest<\/p>\n

Edible sago grubs are said to be creamy tasting when raw or meaty and like bacon when cooked. Generally seasoned and flavoured in the same way as the other Southeast Asian creepy crawly favourite, Jing Leed and served alongside. My friend gaged when she ate one and said it was pregnant \u2013 a braver being than me.<\/p>\n

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21. Stink Bugs<\/em> \u2013 Africa<\/h2>\n

\"Weirdest<\/p>\n

Used to flavour stews or eaten on their own, stinkbugs are said to have a crunch to them and taste a little like apple. Prepared by boiling, the bugs release defensive pheromones in a last ditch attempt to survive, and while it hurts the eyes it\u2019s no more successful than the onion\u2019s weak survival attempt.<\/p>\n

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22. Mopane Worms<\/em> \u2013 Southern Africa<\/h2>\n

\"Weirdest<\/h2>\n

A big fat, juicy worm that\u2019s said to be full of meat. Although traditionally dried or smoked to preserve, they are usually re-hydrated and cooked with tomato or chilli sauce to flavour. According to an American couple who tried the dish on the Food Network, it tastes like honey barbequed chicken. One to give a go, I\u2019d say.<\/p>\n

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23. Tequila Worm<\/em> \u2013 Mexico<\/h2>\n

\"Weirdest<\/p>\n

Not actually found in tequila but rather it\u2019s cheaper cousin, mescal, it\u2019s said that the legendary hallucinogenic properties of the worm are pretty much non-existent. All a marketing gimmick, you fools.<\/p>\n

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24. Marmite (or Vegemite)<\/em> – UK, New Zealand & Australia<\/h2>\n

\"Weirdest<\/p>\n

Made from yeast extract, a by-product of brewing beer, Marmite (or Vegemite as it\u2019s known as in Australia) is essentially the slurry from the bottom of the barrel that most breweries just throw away. It\u2019s a sticky brown paste with a concentrated, salty flavour that\u2019s usually spread on toast or eaten with cheese. People are either \u2018love it or hate it\u2019\u2026 I hate it.<\/p>\n

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25. Pickled Egg<\/em> – UK<\/h2>\n

\"Weirdest<\/p>\n

Pretty much summed up in the name, this is a hardboiled egg that been left to go cold and stuck in a jar of vinegar. The sour liquid penetrates right to the heart, meaning the powdery yolk in the centre is uncomfortably sour. I\u2019m yet to be sold on these.<\/p>\n

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26. Bird\u2019s Nest Soup<\/em> – Southeast Asia<\/h2>\n

\"Weirdest<\/p>\n

This Asian delicacy is made from the nest of the swiftlet bird, who instead of collecting twigs for its bed, builds it out of its own gummy saliva, which goes hard when exposed to air. Usually the built high up on cliff faces, harvesting them is a dangerous business and many people die each year. Whether its \u2018rubbery taste\u2019 is worth this human sacrifice, I\u2019ve yet to find out.<\/p>\n

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27. Fugu<\/em> \u2013 Japan<\/h2>\n

\"Weirdest<\/p>\n

Made famous by The Simpsons, this little delicacy has the potential to be deadly if prepared incorrectly. As such, only chefs that have been drilled to perfection are allowed to handle the serving of the pufferfish. Still, it\u2019s said to make one mean little sashimi dish.<\/p>\n

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28. Steak Tartare<\/em> \u2013 France<\/h2>\n

\"Weirdest<\/p>\n

Is this weird? I mean, French waiters will still ask foreigners over and over again if they know what they are getting themselves into, but surely this is pretty well known now. It\u2019s made up of good quality raw ground beef, served with onions, capers, raw egg and seasoned with Worcester sauce and other condiments, usually with rye bread or fries on the side. Considering I like my steak served blue this was always the next logical step – and man, is it good.<\/p>\n

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29. Cherry Blossom Meat<\/em> \u2013 Japan<\/h2>\n

\"weirdest<\/p>\n

Interesting one to bring up after that whole European horsemeat scandal. While I have the same aversion most people do to horsemeat, I also kind of recognise the insincerity. I mean, once horses were our companions and transport. Now they are the playthings of rich people. Perhaps something of a nostalgic attachment? Anyway, cherry blossom meat is raw horse, served either on its own or as part of sushi. It\u2019s said to be low in calories and low in fat, but it\u2019s not something I can see myself trying, despite savouring the raw flesh of cows.<\/p>\n

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30. Frog Legs<\/em> – France, Southeast Asia and other<\/h2>\n

\"weirdest<\/p>\n

What\u2019s there to say? Basically the back end and back legs of a frog, grilled, baked, fried or stewed. With the texture of chicken with a very faint taste of fish, it\u2019s one of my favourite kind of meats. Try it with chilli as part of Cantonese cuisine or roasted and served with a garlic and cream sauce \u2013 beautiful!<\/p>\n

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31. Kangaroo<\/em> – Australia<\/h2>\n

\"weirdest<\/p>\n

Historically the staple meat for indigenous Australians, kangaroo is high in protein and low in fat, making it a pretty healthy choice. It\u2019s gamey in flavour and served in multiple ways, from a simple steak to sausages or burgers. Although some animal groups are against the hunting and harvesting of kangaroos for meat, many ecologists see farming native animals as much better for the fragile Australian rangelands than cattle and say it could massively reduce greenhouse emissions.<\/p>\n

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32. Crocodile<\/em> \u2013 Australia, Southeast Asia and Africa<\/h2>\n

\"weirdest<\/p>\n

Not only harvested for shoes (one for all you Jimmy Nail fans out there), crocodile meat is considered a delicacy in many places around the world, supposedly tasting like a cross between chicken and crab. Although crocodiles are protected in many parts of the world, crocodile meat is usually farmed, so is sustainable if not particularly kind or natural.<\/p>\n

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33. Southern Fried Rattlesnake<\/em> \u2013 United States<\/h2>\n

\"weirdest<\/p>\n

A favourite in the Southwestern United States, it\u2019s said to taste a little like frogs legs. Experts advise boiling the meat off the bones before dipping in egg and covering in seasoned salt mix, flour and breadcrumbs. Deep fat fry and munch away.<\/p>\n

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34. Guinea Pig<\/em> \u2013 South America<\/h2>\n

\"weirdest<\/p>\n

A strange one, because again I see this as kind of wrong. Yet I know over here we use guinea pigs in all sorts of medical tests and experiments, which is far worse. Typically served whole and roasted or in a casserole, guinea pig is said to have a similar flavour to rabbit.<\/p>\n

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35. Turtle Soup<\/em> \u2013 China, Singapore and United States<\/h2>\n

\"weirdest<\/p>\n

Made using the meat, skin and innards of the soft-shell turtle in East Asia or the snapping turtle in the United States, this is considered something of a Chinese delicacy. However, after seeing turtles slaughtered in the Hong Kong wet markets I vowed I\u2019d never eat this dish. That and the fact Shredder always threatened to turn the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles into turtle soup, the bastard.<\/p>\n

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36. Starfish<\/em> \u2013 China<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"weirdest<\/p>\n

Served dry and covered in hard and spiny armour, this isn\u2019t a snack you want to bite into. According to online accounts, you want to break of a leg and peel open the skin to get at the green coloured meat inside. Hopefully it won\u2019t regenerate in your stomach\u2026<\/p>\n

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37. Rocky Mountain Oysters<\/em> \u2013 United Sates<\/h2>\n

\"weirdest<\/p>\n

Despite the name, these aren\u2019t actually oysters at all. No, they are bull testicles deep in a batter of flour, pepper and salt. Done for breeding purposes rather than specifically for culinary reasons, I guess it\u2019s good they use a part of the animal that would otherwise be wasted. That being said, ow\u2026<\/p>\n

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38. Balut<\/em> \u2013 Philippines<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"weirdest<\/p>\n

A developing duck embryo that\u2019s boiled alive in its shell. As well as sounding incredibly harsh, it looks incredibly unappetising. Still, it\u2019s a common street food and is usually served with beers. Can\u2019t say I have the stomach for it.<\/p>\n

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39. Dragon in the Flame of Desire<\/em> \u2013 China<\/h2>\n

The rather elaborate name above can be simplified down to yak\u2019s penis. The Guolizhuang Restaurant in Beijing\u2019s most (in)famous dish, it\u2019s simply a yak\u2019s penis roasted and served in elaborate fashion on a large platter.<\/p>\n

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40. Shirako<\/em> \u2013 Japan<\/h2>\n

\"weirdest<\/p>\n

Another fancy name for an animal\u2019s reproductive organs, Shirako is essentially a cod\u2019s sperm sac. Apparently soft and creamy to taste you can have it served up steamed or deep fried.<\/p>\n

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41. Cobra Heart<\/em> \u2013 Vietnam<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"weirdest<\/p>\n

So, they slit the struggling poor creature open right in front of you and place its still beating heart into a shot glass of its own blood. You sink it while it still pumps away\u2026 enticed?<\/p>\n

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42. Casu Marzu<\/em> \u2013 Italy<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"weirdest<\/p>\n

Also known as \u2018maggot cheese\u2019, this traditional Sardinian dish is sheep\u2019s milk cheese famous for containing live insect larvae. Apparently these wiggling little maggots are supposed to enhance the flavour, but are prone to jump when they panic, so watch your eyes. Some people suffocate them or kill the beasties in the fridge before consuming, but others go for the live version. Sometimes they survive the stomach and burrow into your intestines. Nice.<\/p>\n

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43. Ying-Yang Fish<\/em> \u2013 China<\/a><\/h2>\n