20 Strange Exotic Foods to Try While Traveling

Traveling exposes you to a mix of different cultures, and one of the most exciting parts of this experience is the food. Trying out new and exotic foods is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture of wherever you visit and expand your palate. From bizarre textures to unique flavors, here are strange exotic foods to try while traveling.

Balut

Balut
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Balut is a popular street food in the Philippines. It is a developing duck embryo boiled and eaten straight from its shell. Although it may seem strange to some, balut is a delicacy in the Philippines and is said to have health benefits, like improving fertility and boosting energy levels.

Fugu

Fugu 1
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Fugu, also known as blowfish, is a famous dish in Japan that can only be prepared by licensed chefs due to its highly poisonous nature. The flesh of the fugu fish contains tetrodotoxin, a deadly toxin that can cause paralysis and death. Despite the risk, fugu is still a sought-after delicacy in Japan for its unique taste and texture.

Hákarl

Hakarl
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Hákarl is an Icelandic dish made from fermented shark meat. The meat is buried underground for several months before being hung to dry for another few months. It is said to have a strong ammonia smell and a pungent taste, making it an acquired taste for many.

Casu Marzu

Casu Marzu
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Casu marzu is a traditional Sardinian cheese that contains live insect larvae. The larvae are intentionally introduced into the cheese to break down the fats and give it a soft texture. It is often described as having a Strong and intense aroma and has even been deemed illegal due to health concerns.

Escamoles

Escamoles
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Escamoles, also known as ant eggs, are a delicacy in Mexico. They are harvested from the roots of agave plants and have a nutty buttery flavor. Despite their unappealing appearance, they are considered high in protein and nutrients.

Shirako

Shirako
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Shirako, also known as fish milt, is a popular dish in Japan and other East Asian countries. It is usually served raw with a creamy texture and a slightly sweet taste. While it may sound strange, shirako is highly prized for its health benefits.

Snake Wine

snake wine
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Snake wine is a traditional beverage in Southeast Asian countries, particularly Vietnam. It infuses whole snakes, usually venomous cobras, into rice wine or grain alcohol. The drink is believed to have medicinal properties and is often served on special occasions.

Bird’s Nest Soup

Bird nest soup
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Bird’s nest soup is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine made from the saliva of swiftlet birds harvested from their nests. The saliva solidifies during air exposure, creating a gelatinous texture prized for its supposed health benefits, including improving skin complexion and boosting the immune system.

Sannakji

Sannakji
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Sannakji is a Korean dish made from live octopus that is chopped into small pieces and served immediately. The tentacles are still squirming on the plate, making for a unique and slightly unsettling dining experience. It is often seasoned with sesame oil and served as an appetizer.

Witchetty Grub

Witchetty Grub
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Witchetty grub is a type of moth larvae delicacy by indigenous Australians. It can be eaten raw or lightly cooked and has been described as having a nutty flavor. Despite its unappealing appearance, witchetty grub is a good source of protein and essential nutrients.

Stinky Tofu

tofu with spicy sauce
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Stinky tofu is a popular street food in China. Its fermentation process gives it a strong odor. It is made from curdled soy milk and can be served fried or steamed. The texture resembles cheese, but the smell may be off-putting to some.

Surströmming

Surstromming
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Surströmming is a fermented herring dish that is commonly eaten in Sweden. It has a strong and pungent odor, earning it the title of one of the world’s smelliest foods. Surströmming is served with flatbread and potatoes.

Durian

Durian
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Durian is a popular Southeast Asian fruit with a spiky exterior and a pungent odor. The smell has been compared to rotting garbage, but the creamy and sweet flesh inside is delicious. It is often banned from public transportation due to its strong smell.

Huitlacoche

Huitlacoche
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Huitlacoche, also known as corn smut, is a fungus that grows on corn. It is a Mexican delicacy with an earthy and slightly sweet flavor. Despite its unappealing appearance, it is highly sought-after and can be in dishes like quesadillas and soups.

Fried Spiders

Fried Tarantulas
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Fried spiders are a popular street food in Cambodia, particularly in Skuon. The tarantulas are deep-fried and often served on skewers as a crunchy snack. They are said to have a taste similar to chicken or prawns.

Cuy

Cuy
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Cuy, also known as guinea pig, is a delicacy in Peru. It is usually served roasted or fried and tastes similar to rabbit meat. Cuy has been a traditional food source for Andean communities for centuries and is now enjoyed by locals and tourists.

Black Pudding

Black pudding
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Black pudding is a sausage with blood, fat, and oatmeal or barley. It is commonly eaten in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other European countries. Despite its dark color and ingredients, it has a rich flavor and can be served as part of a full English breakfast.

Tuna Eyeball

Tuna Eyeballs
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Tuna eyeballs are a popular dish in Japan and other East Asian parts. They are usually grilled or stewed and have a jelly-like texture with a savory taste. This delicacy is known for its high nutritional value, including being rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Frog Legs

fried frog legs
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Frog legs are a delicacy in many parts of the world, particularly in France and China. They can be sautéed, fried, or grilled and taste like chicken wings. While some may find it unusual to eat frog legs, they are a good source of protein and low in fat.

Mopane Worms

Mopane Worms
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Mopane worms, or mopane caterpillars, are a popular snack in Southern Africa. They are usually dried and have a crunchy texture with an earthy flavor. Mopane worms have been a staple food for generations and are now being sold in urban markets.

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Fried Tarantulas
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Food is one of the best things in life, and trying new cuisines can be a great way to experience different cultures. You won’t be too keen on trying these foods when you first see them. But don’t judge a book by its cover – these unique dishes may look disgusting, but are actually delicious!

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Haggis
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instant noodles
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Mopane Worms
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From the exotic to the downright bizarre, there is an abundance of unusual dishes from around the world that can make your stomach turn. Consider this roundup a heads-up to steer clear of these 20 disgusting foods, but if you’re feeling adventurous, give them a try!

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This article was produced on Health Makes You.

Yvonne Alieme

Yvonne Alieme is a passionate writer dedicated to reviving society's reading culture. She strives to inspire and educate others through her work, and her commitment to promoting literacy and knowledge-sharing makes her a valuable contributor to the community.

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