1) Balut
Balut is a Filipino dish made of boiled duck embryos that are already in the egg for 18 to 21 days. The boiled duck embryo is a popular street food in the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos. The egg is boiled and served with vinegar, salt, and chili. Balut is a famous aphrodisiac, believed to enhance one’s libido. The little chicken inside is fully developed and feathered, which could be disturbing for some.
2) Hákarl
Hákarl is a popular food in Iceland made of fermented shark meat. The Greenland shark is buried for several weeks, then taken out and hung to dry for a few months in sheds to remove the toxic substances. This process gives the meat a strong smell and pungent taste, particularly for those who are not used to it. It is often served with potatoes, onions, and a shot of Brennivín, a local Icelandic schnapps.
3) Rocky Mountain Oysters
Rocky Mountain Oysters are not what they sound like. Rather than oysters from the sea, these are bull testicles that are sliced, battered, and deep-fried. The dish is popular in the Western United States, particularly in Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming. It is often served as a part of a BBQ or a pub food, and some say it tastes like beef with a rubbery texture.
4) Shirako
Shirako, which means “white children” in Japanese, is essentially fish sperm. This delicacy is popular in Japan and enjoyed raw with a sprinkle of lemon juice or soy sauce. Some people also cook it, but the dish’s texture is that of creamy custard. Shirako is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, but it might not be suited for everyone’s palate.
5) Escamoles
Escamoles are commonly known as ant larvae tacos. They are a popular dish in Mexico and are harvested from the roots of the agave plant. Ant larvae are cooked and served with butter, spices, and sometimes even guacamole. Despite their appearance, they taste nutty and buttery and are considered a delicacy in central Mexico.
6) Jellied Moose Nose
Jellied Moose Nose is not for the faint-hearted. This traditional Canadian dish is made by boiling the nose and surrounding skin of a moose until it’s cooked to a jelly-like consistency, then seasoned with onion, vinegar, and spices. The dish is typically served cold and sliced thin.
7) Surstromming
Surstromming, or Swedish rotten fish, is one of the smelliest foods in the world. The fish is canned while still fermenting and is left to ripen for months before being eaten, which creates a pungent odor. It is usually served on bread with butter and potatoes, and sometimes, beer is drunk to help swallow the strong flavors.
There are many more strange foods worldwide that could shock us or make us wonder how people could eat them. Still, food preferences are sometimes a matter of culture and tradition. Eating is about breaking boundaries and experiencing different flavors. Although we might not like some of these dishes personally, trying new foods can broaden our culinary horizons.