This article is a curated list of ten bizarre foods from around the world that foodies should try at least once in their lifetime. Starting with the traditional Scottish dish, haggis made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, the list ranges from fertilized duck eggs (balut) in the Philippines to fried tarantulas in Cambodia. Learn more about Mexican dish escamoles, Rocky Mountain Oysters, Century Eggs, Jellied Moose Nose, Stargazy Pie, and the traditional Sardinian cheese Casu Marzu. Despite the unappetizing look and name, some of these dishes have surprisingly delicious flavours that are worth trying.
10 Bizarre Foods You Have to Try Once in Your Life
As the world becomes increasingly globalized, we are exposed to a plethora of new foods from around the globe. Some may leave you with a bad aftertaste, while others may pleasantly surprise you. In this article, we explore ten bizarre foods you must try once in your life.
1. Haggis
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs mixed with onions, oatmeal, and spices. Although it may not sound appealing, haggis is a must-try dish in Scotland, traditionally served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).
2. Balut
Balut is a fertilized duck egg that is eaten boiled or steamed, with the embryo still inside. It is considered a delicacy in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. The taste and texture can be compared to a hard-boiled egg, with a slightly gamey flavor.
3. Fried Tarantulas
Fried tarantulas are a Cambodian delicacy, typically deep-fried with garlic, salt, and sugar. The texture is similar to that of a soft-shell crab, while the flavor has been compared to chicken or cod.
4. Escamoles
Escamoles, also known as “ant eggs,” are a traditional Mexican dish made from the eggs of Liometopum ants. They have a slightly nutty taste, similar to cottage cheese or scrambled eggs. Escamoles are typically served in a taco or omelet.
5. Rocky Mountain Oysters
Rocky Mountain Oysters are neither oysters nor from the ocean. They are actually fried bull, pig, or sheep testicles, a delicacy found in the Western United States. Despite the name, they taste more like pork or beef and have the texture of chicken or pork.
6. Scorpions
Scorpions may be something you would typically kill on sight, but they are a popular snack in China. They are typically deep-fried or skewered with vegetables and are said to have a nutty flavor. However, be cautious as some scorpions can be poisonous.
7. Century Egg
Century eggs, also known as preserved eggs, are a traditional Chinese dish made by preserving duck or chicken eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice straw. The yolk turns to a greenish-black jelly-like substance while the white becomes a translucent jelly-like substance. The flavor is a combination of sulfur and ammonia, with a slightly sweet aftertaste.
8. Jellied Moose Nose
Jellied Moose Nose is a traditional Canadian dish made from the nose of a moose. The nose is typically boiled and the meat is removed from the bone, then set in a gelatin made from the boiling liquid. The flavor is described as a cross between beef and pork, with the texture of jelly.
9. Stargazy Pie
Stargazy Pie is a traditional Cornish dish that consists of baked pilchards (small fish) poking through a pastry crust, with their heads and tails sticking out. The dish is said to have originated from a legend where a fisherman saved his village from starvation by catching a boatload of pilchards during a storm.
10. Casu Marzu
Casu Marzu is a traditional Sardinian cheese, made from sheep’s milk that has been infested with cheese fly larvae. The cheese is left out in the open after being cut, allowing the maggots to grow, digest, and consequently ferment the cheese. The result is a soft cheese that is a rich, creamy, and pungent with a flavor reminiscent of gorgonzola. However, be cautious as the live larvae can jump up to 6 inches, making it potentially dangerous to eat.
Conclusion
While the thought of some of these dishes may be unappetizing, it’s always good to try new things. Personal preference and cultural background can play a significant role in how we perceive these foods. So if you’re a foodie, go out on a limb and try some of these strange delicacies from around the world.