Every culture has its own unique foods, and what may seem normal in one place might appear strange to others. Here are some of the most unusual foods eaten around the world:
Coral Worms – Samoa
Palolo worms are tiny creatures that live in coral reefs deep off the coast of Samoa. They emerge from the coral every few years when atmospheric conditions align and locals collect them from the water's surface. These worms are eaten plain, sautéed or spread on bread. The flavor resembles liver fermented in salt water, though their bright blue color is strikingly unique.
Tarantulas – Cambodia
While most people fear tarantulas, Cambodians consider them a delicacy. The spiders are dug out of the ground, defanged, washed, and scorched to remove their hair. They’re then deep-fried and wok-sautéed with sugar, salt, chili, and garlic. People who’ve tasted them say they’re delicious, resembling the flavor of fresh crab.
Giraffe Weevils – Madagascar
In Madagascar, giraffe weevils are sautéed with butter and salt to create tender bites that taste remarkably like shrimp. This bizarre dish is found only in this part of the world.
Whole Smoked Armadillo – Central Florida
Beyond Florida’s theme parks and beaches, locals in the heart of the state embrace a “living off the land” lifestyle. One such dish is whole smoked armadillo. The armadillo is smoked, cooked in its shell and stuffed with seasonings and vegetables, creating a distinct and flavorful barbecue.
Balut – Philippines
Balut is a fertilized duck egg, typically two to three weeks into development, that’s boiled alive and eaten straight from the shell. Seasoned with salt, chili and vinegar, balut includes the embryo, feathers and bones. Traditionally, people sip the savory broth before consuming the rest of the egg.
Huitlacoche – Mexico
Huitlacoche, also known as corn smut or Mexican truffle, is a culinary delicacy made from a fungus that infects corn. The disease causes puffy, gray clouds to form around the kernels, producing a woody, earthy flavor. Though its appearance may be off-putting, huitlacoche is highly regarded in Mexican cuisine.
Mopane Worms – South Africa
Mopane worms, the caterpillars of the Emperor Moth, are a popular protein-rich snack in Southern Africa. Harvested, dried, and often fried, they are crunchy with a nutty flavor. Despite their appearance, they are considered a delicacy and are valued for their nutritional benefits.
Bird’s Nest Soup – China
Bird’s nest soup is a delicacy in China made from the nests of swiftlets. These nests, constructed using the birds’ saliva, are harvested from caves. The nests are double-boiled until soft and jelly-like, and the soup is often sweetened with rock sugar. It’s believed to offer numerous health benefits.
Tamilok Woodworm – Philippines
Tamilok wood worms are found in decaying mangrove logs. Locals crack open the wood to extract the slimy creatures, which are then consumed raw, similar to oysters. While tamilok has a fishy, slimy texture, it’s considered a delicacy despite its pungent smell.
Fruit Bat Soup – Palau
Once a dietary staple in Palau, fruit bat soup is now regarded as a delicacy and a rich source of protein. The bats, which feed on fruit, impart a distinctive flavor to the dish.
Frog Legs – France
Frog legs, or Cuisses de Grenouilles, are a well-known French delicacy. The legs are prepared in various ways, including grilling, sautéing, stir-frying, baking or frying. The result is a tender, mild-tasting dish often compared to chicken.
Beondegi – South Korea
Beondegi, or silkworm pupae, are a popular South Korean street food. Typically boiled or steamed, they are served in paper cups with toothpicks. Beondegi has a strong, smoky flavor and a unique texture, as the larvae sometimes burst when bitten.
Ant Egg Soup – Thailand and Laos
This traditional delicacy from Northeastern Thailand and Laos combines ant eggs and pupae with snakehead fish, garlic, galangal, lemongrass, tamarind, lime juice, basil, tomatoes and fish stock. Despite its unusual ingredients, the soup is flavorful and enjoyed for its tangy, rich taste.