strange but delicious foods

Strange But Delicious Foods Around the World You Must Try

Have you ever tasted something so bizarre that you couldn’t decide whether to love it or hate it? Across the globe, cultures have developed unique dishes that might seem strange at first but are surprisingly delicious. From fermented delicacies to unusual animal parts, these foods challenge culinary norms while offering unforgettable flavors.

If you’re an adventurous eater, this list of strange but delicious foods will excite your taste buds and expand your gastronomic horizons.

________________________________________

1. Balut (Philippines)

What is it? An impregnated duck egg with a relatively developed embryo, boiled and consumed straight from the shell.

Why is it delicious? Despite its strange appearance, balut is rich, tasty, and full of umami flavor. Locals enjoy it with a pinch of salt or vinegar for an extra kick.

Fun Fact: Balut is a popular street food in the Philippines and is believed to be an aphrodisiac.

________________________________________

2. Hákarl (Iceland)

What is it? It is the fermented meat of Greenland sharks that has been buried underground for months.

Why is it? The fermented meat of Greenland sharks? The strong ammonia smell might be off-putting, but the taste is surprisingly mild and cheese-like. It’s often served with Icelandic schnapps to balance the flavor.

Fun fact: Cause of sharks’ high urea content, it is toxic to eat fresh; fermentation makes it safe to eat.

________________________________________

3. Casu Marzu (Italy)

What is it? This is a Sardinian cheese infested with live magotts.

Why is it delicious? The maggots break down the cheese fats, creating an incredibly soft, spicy, and tangy flavor. Brave eaters spread it on bread for a bold taste experience.

Fun Fact: Casu Marzu is illegal in the EU due to health concerns, but it’s still made and consumed secretly in Sardinia.

________________________________________

4. Escamoles (Mexico)

What is it? Ant larvae, collected from agave roots, are often called "insect caviar."

Why is it delicious? These buttery, nutty larvae are sautéed with garlic and butter, making them a delicacy in Mexican cuisine. Their texture is similar to cottage cheese, but the flavor is richer.

Fun Fact: Escamoles have been eaten since Aztec times and are considered a luxury ingredient.

________________________________________

5. Century Egg (China)

What is it? A conserved chicken, duck, or quail egg boiled with ash, lime, and clay for several weeks or months.

Why is it delicious? The yolk turns creamy with a strong, complex flavor, while the egg white becomes jelly-like with a subtle ammonia taste. It’s often served with congee or pickled ginger.

Fun Fact: Despite the name, century eggs are only preserved for a few months, not a hundred years.

________________________________________

6. Surströmming (Sweden)

What is it? Fermented Baltic herring with an overpowering rotten smell.

Why is it delicious? If you can get past the odor, surströmming has a sharp, salty, and tangy taste that Swedes love. It is conventionally eaten with potatoes, bread, and onions.

Fun Fact: This dish is so pungent that airlines have banned passengers from opening cans mid-flight!

________________________________________

7. Fried Tarantula (Cambodia)

What is it? Crunchy, deep-fried seasoned spider cooked with salt and garlic.

Why is it delicious? The legs are crunchy like potato chips, while the abdomen is soft and gooey. Locals say it tastes like a mix of crab and chicken.

Fun Fact: Cambodians started eating tarantulas during food shortages under the Khmer Rouge regime.

________________________________________

8. Rocky Mountain Oysters (USA)

What is it? Deep-fried bull testicles, often served as a bar snack in the American West.

Why is it delicious? When cooked right, they have a tender, slightly chewy texture similar to calamari, with a mild, meaty flavor. They’re usually breaded and served with dipping sauce.

Fun Fact: Despite the name, these "oysters" have no relation to seafood—they’re purely a cowboy delicacy.

________________________________________

9. Stinky Tofu (Taiwan & China)

What is it? Strongly fermented tofu with a strange, pungent odor...

Why is it delicious? The crispy exterior and soft interior offer a savory, umami-packed taste that pairs well with spicy sauces. It’s a beloved street food across Asia.

Fun Fact: The smell comes from a fermentation process involving brine, milk, and sometimes meat!

________________________________________

10. Jellied Moose Nose (Canada)

What is it? A traditional dish made from boiled moose nose, set in gelatin.

Why is it delicious? The texture is similar to head cheese, with a mild, meaty taste. It is often cut into slices and served cold with mustard or vinegar.

Fun Fact: Indigenous communities and early settlers in Canada created this dish to avoid wasting any part of the animal.

________________________________________

Final Thoughts: Dare to Try These Strange Delicacies?

While some of these strange but delicious foods may seem intimidating, they offer a fascinating glimpse into different cultures and culinary traditions. Adventurous eaters know that the weirdest-looking dishes often hide the most incredible flavors.

Would you try any of these? Let us know in the comments which bizarre food you’d be brave enough to taste!