What do fried brains, puffin hearts, and drunken shrimp have in common? They are all considered
delicacies somewhere in the world. While most people probably do not consider the contents
of their cookbooks too strange, to a foreigner your lunch could be the equivalent of a nightmare.
So, before we dive into our culinary tour of the some pretty strange food from around
the world, you should ask yourself how much you really want to know about the eating habits
of your fellow humans. I'm Mike with List25 and Here areÂ 25 Strangest Foods From Around
The World.
25. Fried Brain Sandwich
Largely a dish of the past, these used to be popular in the Central United States until
mad cow disease became a concern. Although people still eat them, serving a cow's brain
that is over 30 months old is no longer legal in the United States.
24. Escamole
Ant larvae harvested from the roots of the agave plant, these are considered to be a
delicacy in Mexico. In fact, they are sometimes even referred to as â€œinsect caviar."
They taste like slightly nutty butter.
23. Hakarl
Typically eaten in Iceland, this fermented basking shark is an acquired taste. Chef Anthony
Bourdain described it as the single worst, most disgusting and terrible tasting thing
he had ever eaten. We'll take his word for it.
22. Birdâ€™s Nest Soup
For hundreds of years, the Chinese have used saliva nests in their cooking, primarily in
this soup. While there are many varieties, bird's nest soup as a whole is one of the
most expensive foods on the planet. The red nest variety costs up to $10,000 dollars per
bowl.
21. Drunken Shrimp
A popular dish in parts of China, the shrimp are eaten alive but stunned in a strong liquor
prior to consumption. It's also popular in parts of the United States, but it includes
an intermediary step known as â€œcooking."
20. Surstromming
A northern Swedish dish consisting of fermented Baltic herring, it's usually sold in cans
like the one above. While they are being shipped, the cans sometimes bulge due to the ongoing
fermentation. Recently, a study in Japan found that surstromming releases the most putrid
odor of any food in the world. Naturally, itâ€™s usually eaten outdoors.
19. Sannakji
Like many eastern foods, this is served raw. Very raw. The chef dismembers a small octopus
before your eyes and seasons the pieces with sesame oil. Of course, that's if he can even
hit them. Many times they are still moving on the plate as you reach for your chopsticks.
18. Rocky Mountain Oysters
While they might be from the rocky mountains, they are certainly not oysters. They are actually
bull-calf testicles â€“ peeled, flattened, and deep-fried.
17. Kopi Luwak
One of the worlds most expensive varieties of coffee, it can reach up to 150 USD per
pound. It is made from coffee berry beans that have been defecated by Civets, small
mammals native to Southeast Asia.
16. Stinkbugs
In Indonesia, they love these little stinkers. Supposedly, they taste like bitter sunflower
seeds without the salt. Chew quickly.
15. Lutefisk
In Scandinavia, this delicacy is made from aged stockfish and lye. Yes, lye. The corrosive
alkaline substance is used to soak the fish for several days. After being removed from
the lye, the fish is so corrosive it requires almost a week-long bath of cold water just
to become edible again.
14. Casu Marzu
Coming to us from Sardinia, this dish is sheep milk cheese containing live insect larvae.
Although the larvae are only about 8mm long, they can launch themselves up to 15 cm when
disturbed. Bon apetit!
13. Mopane
Generally found on Mopane trees (hence the name), this caterpillar is an important source
of protein for millions of people in Africa. Typically, they are dried out and eaten as
a crispy snack.
12. Tuna Eyeball
Fairly cheap, these can be found in most Japanese grocery stores for about $1 dollar. It tastes
something like squid and should be boiled prior to consumption. Once again, donâ€™t
forget to season.
11. Dried Lizards
In some Asian cultures, these are used for soup. Sometimes they are infused with alcohol
to extract medicinal properties. The process, however, supposedly takes years.
10. Khash
The Farsi name of this dish literally translates to â€œhead and hoof,â€ and for good
reason, as these are the central ingredients used to prepare it. While the main ingredient
is cow feet, the head and stomach also contribute.
9. Nakji
Very much like Sannakji, this time the octopus is eaten whole. Like some of the other foods
on this list though, it doesnâ€™t come without its dangers. The suckers on the octopus
are known to stick to the tongue and mouth presenting a choking hazard. There are several
deaths reported every year as a result.
8. A-ping
Considered a delicacy in Cambodia, it is said that fried tarantula first became popular
during the food shortages under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. After Pol Pat was ousted
though, the fried tarantulas stuck around and Cambodians today eat them like candy.
7. Haggis
To make this Scottish meal, all you need is a sheep. First, take out the heart, liver,
and lungs. Then boil them in the stomach for about three hours. Donâ€™t forget the
salt.
6. Fugu
Fugu is Japanese for â€œpufferfishâ€ and in case you didnâ€™t know, they are
poisonous. Japanese law strictly controls their preparation in restaurants and only
highly trained chefs are allowed to handle them. They are so dangerous, domestic preparation
has been known to cause accidental death.
5. Yin-Yang Fish
Also known as â€œdead and aliveâ€ fish, it originated in Taiwan but is now illegal
to prepare. It has recently become popular in China after chefs figured out how to keep
the fish alive as it is deep fried. Why would anyone do this? Supposedly to prove how fresh
the fish is.
4. Ikizikuri
As far as brutality is concerned, this dish is hard to beat. It's been banned in several
countries, including Australia and Germany. First, a customer picks out the animal they
would like to eat from a tank. The chef will then fillet it before their eyes without killing
it. Then, it's served on a plate with its sliced flesh on top for decoration and its
heart still beating. Alternatively, you can have the already filleted fish returned to
the aquarium where it will swim around until you are ready for seconds.
3. Yak Penis
Also known as â€œDragon in the Flame of Desire,â€ this dish is famously served
in the Guolizhuang Restaurant of Beijing. Although it may seem strange to Western minds,
many Chinese believe that it is good for your health, kind of like spinach.
2. Balut
Nothing more than a fertilized duck embryo, it is boiled alive and the rest is up to you.
Eaten in South East Asia, the Filipino word balut means â€œwrapped."
1. Puffin Heart
The puffin is a species of Auk that inhabits the northern hemisphere. Its heart is considered
a delicacy in Iceland. I spared you the picture, but next time you see a cute little puffin
on the side of the road just try to imagine yourself snapping its neck and ripping out
its innards. Heartless.
So, have you ever tried any of these? What other Bizarre Foods have you had? Let us know
in the comments below, or tweet your answer to us @List25.
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