Prepare Yourself for the Most Shocking and Unusual Foods Around the World
Food can be one of the most fascinating ways to explore different cultures, but some culinary traditions push the boundaries of what you might consider edible. In certain parts of the world, creatures that would send most people running are actually considered delicacies. If you’re ready for a culinary adventure of the strangest kind, these 10 creatures will shock you and maybe even make you rethink what’s truly acceptable to eat.
1. The Slimy, Squirming Treat That’s Considered a Delicacy in South Korea
In South Korea, the famed live octopus, or sannakji, is often served while it’s still wriggling on the plate. Despite its disturbing appearance, many people regard this dish as a symbol of freshness and vitality. The octopus is typically cut into small pieces and served with a sesame oil dip. For the brave, it’s an unforgettable culinary experience that demands boldness—if not a bit of daring.
2. The Creepy, Crawling Crustacean That’s Savored in Asia
In Cambodia, the tarantula is served as a crunchy, fried delicacy. These giant arachnids are deep-fried and served with salt, garlic, or sugar to mask their potent, often acquired taste. The practice of eating tarantulas dates back to a time when famine and extreme poverty drove people to eat whatever they could find. Today, it’s a cultural phenomenon, with many people tasting this crunchy terror for the first time.
3. The Mysterious and Controversial Animal That’s the Pride of Sweden
If you’re brave enough to try surströmming, you’ll be in for a shock. This fermented herring is considered a delicacy in Sweden, and its odor is notoriously intense and foul. The can must be opened outdoors due to its strong smell, and the fish inside has been left to ferment for months. Despite its powerful stench, it remains a favorite for those who enjoy bold, fermented flavors and want to embrace the Swedish way of life.
4. The Wriggling, Jiggling Creature That Defies Expectations
In Japan, ikizukuri is a shocking and unusual delicacy that involves live seafood, typically octopus or fish, served while still wriggling on the plate. This dish is prepared by swiftly slicing the creature, and it’s often served with soy sauce or placed in sushi rolls. The presentation of this wriggling, freshly prepared seafood challenges even the bravest diners, who seek the ultimate fresh taste experience. The live aspect of the dish makes it a culinary adventure that pushes the boundaries of what most would consider edible.
5. The Ancient, But Surprisingly Popular Delicacy From Iceland
Hákarl—fermented shark meat—is considered one of the most challenging delicacies in the world. This traditional Icelandic dish involves burying shark meat for months before hanging it to dry. The resulting meat is pungent, sour, and chewy, yet it remains a part of Iceland’s historical and cultural identity. Icelanders insist it’s an acquired taste, but many visitors find it impossible to stomach due to its extreme flavor.
6. The Shockingly Sweet Delight Made from Unlikely Insects
In Mexico, chapulines—fried grasshoppers—are a beloved snack. While they might sound off-putting to some, these crunchy insects are packed with flavor and often seasoned with garlic, lime, and chili. Served with a sprinkle of salt, they are enjoyed in tacos, as a garnish, or eaten alone. In the region of Oaxaca, they’re a prized delicacy, representing a deep connection with the earth’s natural foods.
7. The Revolting But Revered Animal That’s a Luxury in France
Escargot, or French snails, are considered a prestigious dish in France. Served with garlic, parsley, and butter, these creatures are highly regarded for their unique texture and the rich flavors they absorb during preparation. While the idea of eating snails might seem unappealing to some, in France, they represent gourmet dining, and consuming them is considered an indulgence during special occasions.
8. The Unlikely and Unsettling Dish Served in Northern China
Tanghulu is a popular dish in Northern China, where candied hawthorns are skewered on a stick and dipped in sugar syrup. While the dish itself may sound innocent, what sets it apart is the use of live insects that are sometimes skewered alongside the fruit, adding a touch of the wild to the sweet treat. For some, it’s a fun way to enjoy an adventurous snack; for others, it’s an unsettling encounter with nature’s less savory creatures.
9. The Forbidden Fruit of the Deep: A Surprising Delicacy in Japan
In Japan, fugu, or pufferfish, is a delicacy known for its risk. If improperly prepared, this fish can be deadly due to its potent toxins. Fugu chefs undergo rigorous training to prepare the fish safely, and it’s often served as sashimi or in hot pot dishes. For those seeking a thrill with their meal, eating fugu is seen as a symbol of bravery and gastronomic sophistication, though only a select few are truly willing to risk it.
10. The Deadly Delicacy You Have to Survive to Taste
In many parts of Southeast Asia, centipedes are deep-fried and served as an exotic treat. The large, venomous creatures are often eaten whole, with their potent venom having been neutralized during the cooking process. Though the thought of eating a giant insect might be enough to make most people recoil, in these regions, the crunchy, salty dish is enjoyed as a snack or paired with alcohol. It’s a delicacy that requires a strong stomach and a taste for the truly extreme.