Thought that old bit of cheese that’s been sitting around the fridge for years is bad? I don’t think so; in my travels I have seen and had some very ‘interesting’ food experiences. Filipino Balut comes to mind as does eating bugs in Thailand or drinking snake blood vodka in Vietnam but there are hundreds of these types of ‘delicacies’ (read: disturbing food) from around the world that all fall onto the same plate.
Of the below foods, some I’ve tried and some I haven’t. Allegedly some of them are actually quite good… Although arguably you might need an iron stomach to really be up for the experience. For those who might need some help to keep their innards in working order after consumption, I’d recommend probably taking something to help with the relief from heartburn or if you’re prone to get indigestion maybe something for that too! Although in some of the below cases maybe you should also start praying to Annapatni.. (the Hindu goddess of food) for deliverance too..
Balut
Fertilised duck or chicken egg: One of the weirdest things I have ever eaten for sure. Yep you’re eating bird foetus, yum. It looks like a brain sitting in brown water and tastes a bit like a stronger version of a crunchy egg, yep those hard parts are the future bones you’re eating.. I’d recommend closing your eyes when eating this one and chewing fast, the look and texture of the thing are enough to turn most people the colour of guacamole.
Spiders
Arachnophobia anyone? In many parts of Asia bugs, and more specifically spiders are a common ‘fast food’. Tarantula on a stick, caramelised arachnids, crunchy spiders and rice.. Apparently (I have yet to validate this) the larger ones don’t taste too bad while the smaller ones just go ‘crunch’ get a bit gooey for a while and then they’re gone… Not the best selling point though is it.. ‘Step right up! They taste like crap, but only for a second, get 2 for 1 today!’
Ox or Deer Penis
Rather self-explanatory I guess. Given the sacrifice the poor (now emasculated) animal has offered up to the greater gods of culinary delight you’d better try and enjoy eating these. Apparently they taste a bit like a really chewy steak…
Bat Soup
Bat + water = bat soup, a local favourite on the Micronesian island of Palau. Remove your pre-prepared bat from the freezer (by pre-prepared I mean it’s basically just been caught and stuck in a freezer) slap it in a pot of boiling water, fur, feet, wings and all. The bat cooks slowly and is then torn apart and eaten by hand when it’s ready… yum.. if you like boiled furry flying rats.
Frog Shakes
Allegedly a tonic to help make the body strong that also helps to soothe fatigue; frog shakes are becoming a juice bar specialty in Lima. Mixed in with a bunch of fruit the raw frog is added after being boned, gutted and then blended up into a thick, juicy froggy shake.. then consumed in a large glass of frog tasting, green/brown fruity delight.
Well that’s just a taste of them, there are some other truly ‘exotic’ ones that actually kind of made me feel sick just writing about them which I might leave for another future post.. human placenta or maggot cheese anyone??? Still as gross as some of these are I’m game to try as many different things as possible.. I might just need a few tall glasses of ‘Dutch courage’ beforehand to lubricate my insides first.
