f you travel a lot, you probably have a chance to meet various cultures and their cuisines. However, there are certain foods that you should skip when ordering your lunch or dinner in certain countries. I’ve listed few strange and weird food delicacies from all over the
Hákarl AKA ‘Rotten’ Shark (Iceland)
Hákarl is fermented shark meat left hung to dry for 4-5 months. It has a very particular ammonia-rich smell and fishy taste, similar to very strong cheese. Interesting fact is that many Icelanders actually never eat it.
Balut (Phillipines)
When you order egg in Philippines, you’ll get a surprise in it. Balut is a duck egg boiled and eaten with a pinch of salt. The surprise is the duck embryo inside which are usually 16 to 18 days old.
Fugu (Japan)
Before ordering fugu or puffer fish meal in Japanese restaurants, think twice. No, think hundred times. The reason behind is the fact that this delicacy can kill you. Literary. The skin and insides of this fish contain the poisonous toxin todrotoxin, which is 1,250 times stronger than cyanide. That’s why only expert chefs in licensed restaurants in Japan are allowed to prepare it.
Casu Marzu (Sardinia, Italy)
Casu Marzu is a cheese made of sheep’s milk loaded with live fly larva. Since this cheese can become toxic after the maggots die, it has to be eaten while they are still alive. It is illegal in many countries for its obvious health dangers, but gourmands are actively seeking for the slice of this ‘delicacy’.
Shirako Soup (Japan, also known in other parts of Asia)
Shirako soup is essentially the sperm sac of codfish. Apparently it’s good for stamina in bed. But according to those who have tried it, it’s just a hype.
Durian (Southeast Asia)
Although many people claim Durian is actually quite good, its smell is one of the worst things you’d ever encounter in your life. Not to mention what will happen to your breath after consuming this fruit.
Live Octopus (Korea)
I don’t know about you, but I like my food well cooked. I don’t like the idea of live tentacles grabbing my tongue, teeth… or neck. Or to have that wriggling feeling down my throat. Yuck!
















