Exotic Eats: Strange Food Delicacies from Around the Globe
Food is one of the most universal aspects of human culture, and every corner of the globe has its own unique culinary traditions. While some dishes may seem strange or even downright bizarre to outsiders, they are often beloved delicacies in their respective cultures.
Let's take a gastronomic journey to explore some of the strangest food delicacies from around the globe.
Image Source: Wikipedia Commons
1. Balut (Philippines):
Balut is a popular street food in the Philippines that consists of a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside. The egg is boiled and eaten directly from the shell, with the broth and yolk considered delicacies. While balut may be off-putting to some, it's a cherished delicacy enjoyed by many in the Philippines.
Image Source: image is from the user Chris 73 and is freely available at //commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hakarl_near_Bjarnah%C3%B6fn_in_Iceland.JPG under the creative commons cc-by-sa 3.0 license.
2. Hákarl (Iceland):
Hákarl is a traditional Icelandic dish made from fermented shark meat. The meat is buried underground for several months to ferment, then hung to dry for several more months before being served. The result is a pungent, ammonia-smelling delicacy that is an acquired taste for most palates.
Image Source: Wikipedia Commons
3. Century Eggs (China):
Century eggs, also known as thousand-year eggs or preserved eggs, are a Chinese delicacy made by preserving duck, chicken, or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice hulls for several weeks to several months. The eggs undergo a chemical reaction that turns the egg whites translucent and the yolks a dark green or black color. Despite their unappealing appearance, century eggs have a creamy texture and savory flavor that is enjoyed by many in Chinese cuisine.
4. Fried Tarantulas (Cambodia):
Fried tarantulas are a popular street food in Cambodia, particularly in the town of Skuon. The spiders are seasoned with salt, sugar, and garlic, then deep-fried until crispy. While the thought of eating a spider may be unsettling to some, fried tarantulas are considered a delicacy and are said to taste similar to crab or chicken.
Image Source: Wikipedia Commons
5. Casu Marzu (Italy):
Casu marzu, also known as "maggot cheese," is a traditional Sardinian cheese that is intentionally infested with cheese fly larvae. The larvae digest the cheese, causing it to become soft and pungent. Despite being banned by the European Union due to health concerns, casu marzu remains a sought-after delicacy among adventurous food enthusiasts.
6. Surströmming (Sweden):
Surströmming is a type of fermented herring that is considered one of the smelliest foods in the world. The fish is fermented in barrels for several months before being canned, resulting in a pungent aroma that can be detected from a distance. Despite its strong smell, surströmming is enjoyed by many in Sweden, often served with potatoes, onions, and flatbread.
These are just a few examples of the strange food delicacies enjoyed by different cultures around the world. While some may seem bizarre or unappetizing to outsiders, they are cherished delicacies that reflect the rich culinary traditions and adventurous spirit of the people who enjoy them. So, the next time you're feeling adventurous, why not try a taste of the exotic and expand your culinary horizons? Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite delicacy that you never knew existed!
