Part of travelling to new and exotic places is all about trying all the weird and wonderful dishes from around the world.
Although some of our food here in the UK may seem a little strange to some – Haggis – there are some delicacies around the world which are very unusual that you really have to be a bit brave to try.
1. Deep Fried Tarantulas – Thailand and Cambodia
These may look really horrible to us, especially those of us with arachnophobia, but we have been told that deep fried tarantula is in fact very tasty. They apparently make for a great salty crunchy snack and are widely available in south east Asia. If this doesn’t appeal to you, view my Thailand travel tips for more foodie recommendations.
2. Pig Snout on a Stick – China
In some places in China pig snouts are eaten on sticks just like lollipops. They are a particular favourite with children. Other strange parts of pigs are also eaten in other countries. Walk into a bar in Portugal and you may be served crispy pig’s ears and trotters. Other snacks on a stick in China include scorpions and even starfish!
3. Balut – Philippines
Ok so you really do have to put on a brave face to try this one. Balut is a Filipino delicacy and is essentially a boiled fertilised duck embryo. Crack the egg open and you will find an almost fully formed baby duckling inside. They are ideally boiled and eaten when the embryo is 17 days old.
4. Dried Grass Hoppers – Uganda
Grass hopper season comes around once a year in Uganda and at this time grass hoppers can be seen jumping about all over the place and the time for these crunchy nibbles has arrived. Children and adults alike stand around lampposts ready to catch them and then leave them out to dry on blankets in the sun. Small cones of grass hoppers can be bought from roadside vendors and eaten like popcorn.
5. Duck’s Tongues – China
Most people don’t even realise that ducks have a tongue let alone that they are a tasty delight found in China. The tongues are fried and produce a crispy outside with fatty meaty middle. They are usually marinated in rice wine, soy sauce and white pepper.
6. Wasp Rice Cracker – Japan
Here in the UK we try to swat wasps away from our food but in Japan they actually put them into their food. Fancy trying a Jibachi senbei (digger wasp rice cracker)? Head to the city of Omachi for this stinging treat. Other biscuit type foods in Japan include jellyfish cookies!
So, when you’re next backpacking through Asia or Africa don’t forget to try some of these weird types of street food and you never know, you could end up actually liking them. If none of these dishes appeal, I recently wrote another guide to the best foods to try in south east Asia, check it out!
