Bizarre dishes you need to try (if only once!)
Ever seen a tarantula and thought "let's throw this on the grill"? No? Really?
Well, you might change your mind after you've tried it! Then again, maybe you won't. But that's half the fun of sampling local cuisine while you travel the world - trying weird and wonderful dishes in the countries you visit. And if you're looking for some inspiration, we've rounded up what we think are the top ten weirdest dishes from around the world. How many of these would you be brave enough to try?
1. Tuna fish eyeballs in Japan
Tuna is a popular fish in Japan. So popular that even the eyeballs are put to use and sold cheap in the fish markets. These can be cooked, seasoned with a little garlic or soy sauce and lemon for a little tasty snack! The taste is supposed to be similar to octopus. But we're not so sure about the texture....
2. Deep-fried tarantula in Cambodia
Want to get over your fear of spiders? How about eating them for lunch?
Tarantulas were first introduced as food in Cambodia under the communist regime in the 70s, when people were starving and had nothing else to eat. This became more and more popular, and today you will be served deep fried tarantulas all over the country. It is said that they taste a bit like crab.
3. Soup made from ant eggs in Laos
In Laos you can order a soup called Gaeng Kai Mot Daeng. You will then be served soup made from ants, ant eggs and an embryo. It's often quite sour, but full of flavour, and tastes a bit like shrimp. Hungry yet?
4. Moose nose in jelly in Canada
Can we tempt you with a little moose nose? In Canada they discovered that if you cook moose nose with some onions and herbs, remove the hair and then cook it again in within a gelatinized broth you end up with a jellied delicacy. Who knew?
5. Larvae eaten cheese in Italy
Mmm, larvae cheese! In Italy they have a cheese called Casu Marzu, also known as "rotten cheese". It is a version of the Italian cheese Pecorino, made from sheep's milk. And it has to be moldy. Very moldy!
If that wasn't enough, the cheese is left in a dark room for months so that flies can lay eggs and larvae can dig around the cheese and leave their feces behind. That's how the cheese gets its sharp taste!
It's not exactly a cheese that is easy to come by, as the EU has banned it because of the health hazards of eating it.
6. Century eggs in China
How do you like your eggs - hard boiled or soft boiled?
In China, eggs are covered in clay, ash and salt, and sit for several months to get the right taste. After a while, the yolk turns completely green and the smell is... well, interesting.
7. Corn smut in Mexico
Since ancient times, Mexicans have enjoyed a type of fungus that causes corn to grow tumour-like white and black growths. They call it huitlacoche, and it's said to have a sweet, smoky flavour.
This fungus grows in warm countries and is usually considered a crop injury or plant disease. However, in Mexico it's considered a delicacy and used in quesadillas, torilla-based dishes and soups. Aside from the extra flavour, another plus is that it contains some great vitamins!
8. Fermented dried shark in Iceland
Okay, the first thing you need is a Greenland shark. Wrap it up, put it in a pit and cover it with sand and rocks. Leave it for 2-3 months, before slicing it up and allowing it to dry for several more months. In Iceland they call this delicacy "hakarl".
Why go to all this trouble? Well, the shark meat is toxic and can give you the same effect as drinking alcohol unless the poison is removed first. This process means the meat can be consumed safely (even if it does trigger your gag reflexes the first time you try it...).
9. Tentacles in South Korea
Sannakji is made by cutting a squid into several parts and serving it raw. The method is widely debated, but it is still a fairly common dish in South Korea.
The squid is served while it is still somewhat alive, and if you do not chew properly, the cups on the tentacles may get stuck in your throat and suffocate you to death. This is the cause of death of about six Koreans a year.
10. Roasted guinea pig in Peru
It may sound strange to eat guinea pigs (especially if you've ever had one as a pet!), but in Peru this has been common for over 5,000 years! They call it cuy, and serve it either roasted or fried. The taste is similar to chicken or duck meat and is actually one of the healthiest meat dishes you can eat.
