Here at six-two, we’ll try anything once. That said, some foods are harder to stomach than others… From stinking fruit to rotten shark, fried rattlesnake to fish eye balls – we’ve found the strangest, most fascinating foods from all over the world. It’s officially time to broaden your palate, taste if you dare!
1. Crispy tarantulas – Cambodia
So, in Cambodia these hairy eight-legged friends serve as a crunchy snack. They’re satisfyingly savoury and pack a protein punch. Pre-gym snack anyone?
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2. Hákarl – Iceland
Described as “the single worst and terrible tasting thing” by late chef Anthony Bourdain, Hákarl is fermented Greenland shark that has been buried underground for two months, then hung to dry for around five months. It tastes strongly of ammonia. Cool.
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3. Jellied eels – England
Popular in the East End of London, this dish is made of chopped eels boiled in a spiced stock. The stock then cools and sets into a jelly. Naturally, Londoners serve it with pie and mash.
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4. Snake wine – Vietnam
A stroll through the night markets in Vietnam and you’ll eventually spot a pair of cobra eyes looking back at you. Traditionally made as a medicinal drink, this snake-infused rice wine is said to taste a little fishy.
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5. Kava (or grog) – Fiji
Made by pounding the root of an indigenous pepper plant (used by Pacific Island cultures for its relaxation effect), this tangy drink is mixed with fresh water and served up among friends. It looks a bit like muddy rainwater, tastes quite bitter and numbs the lips as you drink.
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6. Century egg – China
This delicacy is exactly how it looks – an egg preserved in salt then aged for months until it goes rotten. Pungent yet satisfying…
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7. Jellied moose nose – Alaska and Canada
Indigenous hunters in Northwest Canada used to feast on whole moose and they’d make it last for weeks. Now, the hairy, bulbous snout is still considered a delicacy.
First, the nose is skinned then sliced and simmered with onions and garlic. Meat from other parts such as the ears and lips is added to the mix. The whole thing is served like a big jellied loaf of bread and eaten in slices.
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8. Fried locusts – Chad
Believe it or not, millions of people around the world eat insects as part of their diet and many argue that they’re a more sustainable food source. In countries such as Chad, they’re a nutritious street food snack.
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9. Tuna eye balls – Japan
“I’ve always wanted my food to stare back at me.” Said no one ever.
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10. Rat soup – Ghana
The cane rat is a delicacy in rural central and west Africa. And you know what else makes a delicious soup? The digested grass found in the rat’s stomach, obviously.
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11. Durian – Southeast Asia
Ah, durian – you weird, weird fruit. Native to Southeast Asia, this stinky, spiky fruit is banned on public transport for its permeating, rank pong. On the flip side, it’s packed with iron and vitamin C and tastes of custard mixed with almonds.
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12. Escargots – France
The French eat 500 million snails each year. Served in their shells, they’re usually cooked in garlic butter or wine. Chewy!
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13. Southern fried rattlesnake – USA
This delightful recipe involves slicing the snake into chunks, soaking in vinegar and deep-frying. Lovely.
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14. Haggis – Scotland
The perfect dish for date night – minced heart, liver and lungs, bulked out with oatmeal and packed into an animal’s stomach as a cooking bag. If you’re into black pudding, you’ll love this.
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15. Worm tacos – Mexico
Like your guac with a side of juicy, fat worms? You’re in luck! Check out the worm tequila in Mexico, too.
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