Food is a universal necessity and a canvas for culture and creativity, often showcasing surprising culinary delights. Around the world, there are unique dishes that defy conventional tastes, from fermented delicacies to insect-based snacks. Explore the top ten weirdest foods people actually eat, including Iceland’s fermented shark, Hakarl, and Sweden’s notoriously stinky herring, Surströmming. Other examples include Sardinia’s maggot-infested cheese, Casu Marzu, and Korea’s live octopus dish, Sannakji. Each item highlights the fascinating and sometimes shocking aspects of global cuisine, inviting adventurous eaters to embrace the strange and savor the extraordinary flavors that culture has to offer.
The Top 10 Weirdest Foods People Actually Eat
Food is a universal necessity, yet it also serves as a canvas for culture, creativity, and sometimes, sheer shock value. Across the globe, there are culinary delights that baffle the standard palate. From insects to unusual textures, here are the top ten weirdest foods that people actually eat.
1. Hakarl – Fermented Shark from Iceland
One of the strangest delicacies you’ll ever encounter is Hakarl, the traditional Icelandic dish made from the Greenland shark. The unique preparation involves burying the shark in the ground for several months, allowing fermentation to take place, and drying it afterward. The result is a pungent meat that has a distinct ammonia smell and a chewy texture. For the uninitiated, trying Hakarl is a rite of passage, often recommended to be paired with a shot of Brennivín, a powerful schnapps.
2. Surströmming – Fermented Herring from Sweden
Surströmming is often touted as one of the world’s smelliest foods. This Nordic dish involves herring that has been fermented for at least six months and is typically sold in cans that can bulge due to gases produced during fermentation. Consumed mostly in Sweden, it is commonly served with flatbreads and potatoes. While some enjoy the intensely sour and salty flavor, others find the aroma overwhelming, leading to many amusing reactions from first-timers.
3. Casu Marzu – Maggot Cheese from Sardinia
Casu Marzu is a traditional cheese from Sardinia that is notorious for containing live insect larvae. Made from sheep’s milk, the cheese undergoes a fermentation process that creates a soft texture. During maturation, the Piophila casei fly lays its eggs in the cheese, and the larvae facilitate a high level of enzymatic activity, resulting in a potent flavor. Locals enjoy this cheese by spreading it on bread and consider it a delicacy, though its consumption is banned in the European Union due to health regulations.
4. Sannakji – Live Octopus from Korea
Sannakji is a popular Korean dish served as small pieces of live octopus, cut into bite-sized portions. Once cut, the tentacles continue to squirm and move on the plate, challenging adventurous eaters. Typically seasoned with sesame oil, it is known for its fresh flavor and unique texture. Diners are encouraged to enjoy it quickly, as the pieces can become slippery and difficult to handle, making it a thrilling culinary experience.
5. Balut – Fertilized Duck Egg from the Philippines
A beloved street food in the Philippines, Balut is a fertilized duck egg that is incubated for about 14 to 21 days before being boiled and eaten. Eaters crack open the shell to reveal a partially developed duck embryo, which is seasoned with salt and vinegar for flavor. This nutrient-dense snack is rich in protein and is often enjoyed as a late-night delicacy. The sight of the developing embryo is enough to deter many, but for local enthusiasts, it remains a treasured food.
6. Fried Tarantulas from Cambodia
In Cambodia, Fried Tarantulas are a common street food snack, particularly in Pursat province. Vendors coat the tarantulas in oil and fry them until crispy, yielding a dish that is both crunchy and slightly chewy. These spiders are often served with soy sauce or other seasonings and are praised for their nutty flavor. Despite the initial horror of consuming a tarantula, many find them to be surprisingly delicious and reminiscent of crispy potato chips.
7. Century Eggs – Preserved Duck Eggs from China
Century Eggs, also known as hundred-year or thousand-year eggs, are preserved duck eggs that undergo a unique curing process. They are typically soaked in a mixture of clay, ash, and quicklime, transforming the egg into a dark, gelatinous delicacy. The taste is rich with an earthy flavor, and the texture is reminiscent of soft cheese. Often served sliced with pickled ginger, Century Eggs are an acquired taste that many appreciate for their unique flavor profile.
8. Rocky Mountain Oysters – Bull Testicles from the United States
Despite the name, Rocky Mountain Oysters have nothing to do with seafood. This dish is made from the testicles of bulls, which are often peeled, breaded, and deep-fried. A regional specialty mainly in the American West, they are served up as an appetizer with a side of cocktail sauce. The process of preparing and cooking them often brings a level of humor, but many assert that they taste like a cross between chicken and calamari.
9. Haggis – Sheep’s Stomach from Scotland
Considered a national dish of Scotland, Haggis is made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, and a blend of spices, which is then encased in a sheep’s stomach and boiled. The dish is often served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes). Haggis has a rich history and is celebrated during the Hogmanay (New Year) and Burns Night dinners, while its earthy flavors and hearty nature have made it a cherished delicacy among locals and adventurous eaters.
10. Escamoles – Ant Larvae from Mexico
Often referred to as “insect caviar,” Escamoles are the larvae of ants, typically harvested from the roots of the agave plant in Mexico. These tiny white larvae have a nutty flavor and are often sautéed with butter and spices. Escamoles can be served in tacos or on toast, and they are considered a delicacy with a rich cultural heritage in Mexican cuisine. Their luxurious texture and unique flavor make them a sought-after dish for culinary adventurers.
While these ten foods might seem bizarre to some and utterly delightful to others, they serve as a reminder of the rich tapestry of global culinary practices. Whether you’re a curious foodie or merely looking for a conversation starter, trying one of these odd dishes can be a memorable experience that opens your eyes to the diverse world of food. Each bite carries not only flavor but also stories, traditions, and cultural significance.