These Are Some Of The Most Controversial Foods On The Planet. I’m Curious How Many Of Them You Would Eat.
1. Balut
This is a fertilized duck egg that has been incubated for a few weeks. It’s then boiled and eaten straight from the shell. Popular in the Philippines, it might be a bit much for some people.
2. Casu Marzu
Known as “maggot cheese,” this Sardinian delicacy is made from sheep’s milk cheese that has live insect larvae inside it. The larvae help ferment the cheese, giving it a unique flavor and texture. Just make sure they don’t jump into your eyes!
3. Surströmming
This Swedish dish is fermented herring that has a very strong smell. It’s so pungent that it’s usually opened and eaten outdoors. If you can get past the smell, some say the taste is quite unique.
4. Hákarl
Hákarl is Greenland shark that’s been cured and fermented. It’s known for its strong ammonia smell and is considered an acquired taste. Icelanders love it, but it might not be for everyone.
5. Durian
Often called the “king of fruits,” durian has a very strong odor that some people compare to rotten onions or raw sewage. Despite the smell, many people love its creamy texture and sweet taste.
6. Escamoles
These are ant larvae harvested from the roots of agave plants in Mexico. They have a buttery, nutty flavor and are often called “insect caviar.” They might sound strange, but they’re a delicacy in Mexican cuisine.
7. Kiviak
A traditional Greenlandic dish, kiviak is made by fermenting little auks (a type of bird) inside a seal skin for several months. Once fermented, the birds are eaten whole. It’s a dish with a strong flavor and a lot of history.
8. Fugu
This Japanese pufferfish is famous for being potentially deadly if not prepared correctly. Chefs must undergo rigorous training to serve it safely. The thrill of eating something dangerous makes it a popular choice for the adventurous.
9. Century Egg
Also known as a hundred-year egg, this Chinese delicacy is made by preserving duck, chicken, or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, and quicklime. The eggs turn dark green or black and have a creamy texture with a strong, unique flavor.
10. Shiokara
This Japanese dish is made from fermented seafood, usually squid, mixed with its own viscera. Its strong, salty flavor is definitely an acquired taste, but it’s loved by many in Japan.
So, how many of these controversial foods would you dare to try? Whether you’re an adventurous eater or prefer to stick to safer options, there’s no denying the fascinating variety of culinary traditions around the world.
