If you thought the combination of pancakes with bacon and maple syrup was an acquired taste, wait until you hear some of these delicacies and strange foods from around the world.
If you thought the combination of pancakes with bacon and maple syrup was an acquired taste, wait until you hear some of these delicacies and strange foods from around the world.
1. Crispy tarantulas, Cambodia
Have you ever seen a tarantula and thought “lunch”? Under the rule of the Khmer Rouge, much of Cambodia's population was left to starve. At the time, one of the easiest options for survival was to eat tarantulas. Still today, this popular deep-fried snack is enjoyed across the country and is surely one of the world's scariest delicacies.
2. Casu marzu, ItalyDo you grate a dusting of parmesan on your pasta? There are a few Italians who like to do something different with their block of parmigiano-reggiano. Casu marzu - or formaggio marcio - translates to rotten cheese. A wheel of parmesan cheese is left to mature beyond its usual fermentation, allowing maggots and the cheese fly to do their thing, giving the cheese a texture and flavour that's one of a kind.
3. Jellied moose nose, Canada
A jellied moose’s nose isn't something that usually springs to mind when your tummy’s rumbling. But in Canada, nasal gastronomy is a time-honoured tradition, documented in the Northern Cookbook of the Ministry of Indian Affairs. Moose noses are de-haired and boiled up with onions and spices, and covered in a broth that sets into a jelly.
4. Haggis, Scotland
This may be considered a strange food to many cultures but haggis is also a must-try when in Scotland. This legendary Scottish sausage is made from sheep's pluck: heart, liver and lungs. It's all minced up with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt, and cooked with stock to create a spicy concoction that has a nutty texture. Haggis is best served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) and is widely available at traditional Scottish restaurants.
5. Balut, Philippines
In our opinion, the most shocking out of the five weirdest foods of the world is balut, a common street food in the Philippines. Created by boiling a developing duck embryo, Philippines balut is cooked and served while still in its shell. Eggs are left to fertilise for up to 18 days and the result once cooked (see above picture) is definitely not for the weak-stomached.
Join Trafalgar on one of their culinary tours featuring a Be My Guest experience to enjoy real local dishes from different cultures - though they can’t promise anything like these five unusual foods... except maybe Haggis.
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