Food is an essential part of every culture, and each country has its own unique and delicious dishes. While most people are familiar with popular cuisines like Italian pasta or Japanese sushi, there are many unusual and exotic foods from around the world that are worth trying. If you consider yourself a foodie or simply enjoy trying new things, here are some unusual foods from different countries that you should definitely add to your bucket list.
1. Balut (Philippines)
Balut is a popular street food in the Philippines that may seem strange to some people. It is a fertilized duck egg that is boiled and eaten directly from the shell. The embryo inside is partially developed, with the bones, beak, and feathers still visible. Despite its appearance, balut is considered a delicacy in the Philippines and is said to be rich in protein and nutrients.
2. Century Egg (China)
Century egg, also known as thousand-year-old egg, is a traditional Chinese delicacy that is made by preserving duck, chicken, or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice husks for several weeks or months. The result is a black-colored egg with a creamy and pungent flavor. Century egg is often served as a side dish or added to congee, a Chinese rice porridge.
3. Haggis (Scotland)
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish that is made from sheep’s offal (heart, liver, and lungs) mixed with oatmeal, onions, and spices, all encased in a sheep’s stomach. Although the ingredients may sound unappealing to some, haggis is a beloved dish in Scotland and is often served with neeps and tatties (mashed turnips and potatoes) on Burns Night, a celebration of the poet Robert Burns.
4. Rocky Mountain Oysters (United States)
Rocky Mountain oysters are a dish popular in parts of the United States, particularly in the West. Despite their name, they are not seafood but rather deep-fried bull, pig, or sheep testicles. Rocky Mountain oysters are often served as a bar snack or appetizer and are said to have a taste and texture similar to chicken or pork.
5. Witchetty Grubs (Australia)
Witchetty grubs are a traditional Aboriginal Australian food that are eaten raw or lightly cooked. These large, white larvae come from the witchetty grub moth and are rich in protein and essential nutrients. Although the thought of eating insects may be off-putting to some, witchetty grubs are considered a delicacy in Australian Indigenous culture and are said to have a nutty flavor.
6. Escamol (Mexico)
Escamol is a type of edible ant larvae that is harvested from the roots of agave plants in Mexico. The larvae are collected and cooked with onions, chili peppers, and spices to create a flavorful and crunchy dish. Escamol is often served in tacos or added to scrambled eggs, and is known for its unique taste and texture.
7. Hakarl (Iceland)
Hakarl is a traditional Icelandic dish that consists of fermented shark meat. The shark meat is buried underground and left to ferment for several months, resulting in a strong, sharp flavor and an ammonia-like smell. Despite its pungent odor, hakarl is a popular delicacy in Iceland and is often accompanied by a shot of Brennivín, a traditional Icelandic schnapps.
8. Fugu (Japan)
Fugu, also known as pufferfish, is a highly poisonous fish that is considered a delicacy in Japan. Only trained and licensed chefs are allowed to prepare fugu due to the risk of poisoning from the fish’s toxic organs. When prepared correctly, fugu has a delicate and subtle flavor that is enjoyed in dishes like sashimi and hot pot.
9. Casu Marzu (Italy)
Casu marzu is a traditional Sardinian cheese that is made from sheep’s milk and infested with live insect larvae. The larvae, known as cheese skippers, break down the cheese’s fats and create a creamy, pungent flavor. Casu marzu is considered a rare and acquired taste, and is often served with Sardinian bread and a glass of red wine.
10. Hakarl (Iceland)
Hakarl is a traditional Icelandic dish that consists of fermented shark meat. The shark meat is buried underground and left to ferment for several months, resulting in a strong, sharp flavor and an ammonia-like smell. Despite its pungent odor, hakarl is a popular delicacy in Iceland and is often accompanied by a shot of Brennivín, a traditional Icelandic schnapps.
Trying unusual foods from different countries can be a fun and adventurous way to expand your culinary horizons and learn more about different cultures. While some of these dishes may seem strange or intimidating at first, they can also be surprisingly delicious and rewarding to try. So why not step outside of your comfort zone and experiment with some new and exotic flavors? You never know – you may discover a new favorite dish that you never would have tried otherwise.
