10 Most Unusual and Weirdest Foods From Around the World

When it comes to food, everyone has different tastes and preferences. Some people love trying out new and exotic dishes, while others stick to what they know and love. But what about those who are willing to try something completely out of the ordinary? In this article, we present to you the top 10 weirdest foods in the world that you simply must try.

Balut

Balut is a delicacy that originated in the Philippines, but can now be found in many Southeast Asian countries. It is essentially a fertilized duck egg that has been incubated for a few weeks, so that the embryo inside starts to develop. The egg is then boiled and served with a dash of salt and vinegar. The result is a dish that is both savory and slightly crunchy, with a unique taste that is definitely not for everyone.

Hákarl

Hákarl is a traditional Icelandic dish that is made from the flesh of the Greenland shark. The shark meat is buried underground for several months to allow it to ferment, before it is hung out to dry for a few months more. The end result is a dish that has a pungent smell and a strong, ammonia-like taste that is definitely an acquired taste.

Fugu

Fugu, also known as pufferfish, is a Japanese delicacy that is known for its poisonous flesh. In fact, only licensed chefs are allowed to prepare this dish, as any mistake in the preparation could result in death. Despite this, fugu is a very popular dish in Japan, and is said to have a subtle, delicate flavor that is well worth the risk.

Escamoles

Escamoles are the eggs of giant black ants that are found in Mexico. The eggs are harvested from the ant nests and are then cooked in a variety of ways, such as scrambled with butter and herbs or sautéed with garlic and chilies. They have a nutty, buttery flavor and are often compared to cottage cheese.

Casu Marzu

Casu Marzu is a traditional Sardinian cheese that is made from sheep’s milk. The cheese is left out to ferment for several months, during which time it is infested with cheese flies. The maggots that hatch from the flies’ eggs then eat their way through the cheese, leaving it with a soft, creamy texture and a strong, pungent flavor. Despite the fact that this cheese is technically illegal in many countries, it is still considered a delicacy in Sardinia.

Shirako

Shirako is a Japanese dish that is made from the sperm sacs of male cod fish. The sacs are removed from the fish and then cooked in a variety of ways, such as deep-fried or served raw with soy sauce and wasabi. Shirako has a creamy, custard-like texture and a mild, slightly sweet taste.

Jellied Moose Nose

Jellied Moose Nose is a traditional Canadian dish that is made from the nose of a moose. The nose is boiled for several hours, then the skin and cartilage are removed and the meat is diced and mixed with spices and broth. The mixture is then poured into a mold and chilled until it sets, resulting in a dish that has a gelatinous texture and a slightly gamey flavor.

Stargazy Pie

Stargazy Pie is a traditional Cornish dish that is made from pilchards (a type of small fish) that are baked into a pie with their heads poking out of the pastry. The dish is said to have originated in a small fishing village, where the fisherman were unable to get out to sea due to bad weather. Legend has it that one fisherman, Tom Bawcock, caught a large haul of pilchards and baked them into a pie to feed the village. As a tribute to his generosity, the dish is now traditionally eaten on December 23rd every year. The pie has a flaky pastry crust and a filling that is both salty and slightly sweet, with the pilchards’ heads poking out of the top of the pie.

Rocky Mountain Oysters

Rocky Mountain Oysters are a popular dish in parts of the Western United States, particularly in Colorado. However, the name is slightly misleading, as these “oysters” are actually bull testicles that have been breaded and deep-fried. Despite their unusual origins, Rocky Mountain Oysters are said to taste similar to chicken or pork, and are often served as a bar snack or appetizer.

Century Egg

Century Egg, also known as preserved egg or thousand-year-old egg, is a Chinese delicacy that is made by preserving duck, chicken or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime and rice straw for several weeks to several months. The result is an egg that has a gelatinous texture and a strong, pungent flavor. It is often served as a snack or appetizer, and is said to pair well with congee (rice porridge).

In conclusion, these 10 weirdest foods in the world are not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach, but they are definitely worth trying at least once in your life. Whether it’s the fertilized duck egg of Balut, the preserved eggs of Century Egg, or the bull testicles of Rocky Mountain Oysters, these dishes are sure to challenge your taste buds and leave you with a truly unforgettable culinary experience.