One the main deciding factors when I pick a new destination to travel to is the exquisite entrees I’ll introduce to my palate. I crave new food experiences; the flavors, the colors the aromas. Oh My Lanta, my mouth waters just thinking about the endless edible possibilities. Be it gelato in Italy, decadent chocolate from Switzerland or barbecue south of the Sahara, I thoroughly enjoy trying new things.
However, one of my readers challenged me to consider investigating some of the exotic delicacies of the world. I’ve aways been a huge fan of Bizarre Foods America hosted by Andrew Zimmerman and have always been amazed at the things that man would put in his mouth. Nevertheless, I knew I was not as brave as him. I mean, the weirdest things I’ve eaten were bone marrow in Long Island, NY, fried ants and corn in Brazil and wild boar in South Africa. Thinking I had nothing to lose, I dove right into examining this topic.
Let me start off by saying it takes a strong stomach to research a topic like this so I give all props to anyone brave enough to consume them!
WARNING: Graphic Content!
(Not suitable for people with a weak stomach)
** This list starts at the first moving GIF (it says "Its Alive") **
1. Sannakji (Octopus) The ultimate food dare for risk-takers wandering through Korea, usually seasoned with sesame oil and seeds. When consuming you need to take special care to avoid choking on the #1 hazard as the tentacles are still wiggling around. I’ll pass.
2. Ikizukuri (Frog)
Native to Asian countries such as China, Japan and Vietnam, disemboweled Frog is a delicacy. Organically grown frogs are cold plated and sliced open down the middle. The upper half is centered, decoratively garnished with slices of lemon and some soy sauce. The raw pieces of legs and torso have been recorded to jump and twitch in front of you. Dinner is served.
3. Phnom Penh Fries (Tarantula)
If you ever take a trip to Cambodia’s capital, crispy tarantulas served with lime and pepper sauce are a staple on many menus. However, a London Vlogger named Louis Cole took it one step further last May when he filmed himself eating a living tarantula! I hope he doesn’t kiss his mother with that mouth.
4. Odori Ebi (Shrimp)
Flash fried baby shrimp is traditionally served in Japanese restaurants. Deshelled with the legs and tail still moving, the living prawns endure quick prep and then is submerged in Sake to keep them drunk. However, the dish is not always served alive. In China, a similar delicacy is prepared called “Drunken Shrimp”, always in a bowl of Baijiu (a drink with about 40 to 60 percent alcohol content). The main differences between the two are the price tag, size and the fact that one is still flopping around on your plate. Uh, no thanks!
5. Casu Marzu (Maggot Cheese)
We all know that making cheese is a pretty gross process but not as gross as this one cheese in particular. Founded in Italy, larvae is introduced to the cheese to promote fermentation. Eating the maggots is absolutely optional, of course. Buon Appetito!
6. Unagi (Eel)
Eels are long, snakelike and slimy essentially they’re hard to love. Unless, of course, they’re grilled and basted with a sweet sauce add a little vinegar and sake (which made them jump around) add over rice then swallowed them whole. According to Chef Raymond Blanc, they jiggled around in his tummy that one time he tried it in Japan. Yuck!
7. Ikizukuri (Fish)
Also a type of sashimi, ikizukuri means “prepared alive”, the chef will gut it and serve it immediately. What’s different about this entree is that the chef only slices off a few pieces in such a way that the person eating it can see the fish’s heart beating and mouth moving while they eat it.
8. Duong Dua (Larvae) Probably one of the most bizarre Vietnamese street foods ever, the Live Larvae Coconut Worm. It is a relatively large beetle living in the forest of South East Asia, however, this worm is considered a delicacy for its sweet coconut taste and is usually served with chili sauce. Yum!
I’m almost positive these dishes are a way to guilt-trip people into becoming vegetarians.
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