11 Foreign Foods That Look Gross But Are Surprisingly Delicious
Food is one of the best things in life, and trying new cuisines can be a great way to experience different cultures. You won’t be too keen on trying these foods when you first see them. But don’t judge a book by its cover – these unique dishes may look disgusting, but are actually delicious!
Century Egg – China
This might be one of the most famous dishes on this list, and with good reason! Century eggs are quail or duck eggs preserved in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, and lime for several weeks to months. The result is an egg with a creamy yellow yolk surrounded by a dark green or grey jelly-like white. The taste, however, is surprisingly delicious, with an intense and unique flavor!
Fried Tarantulas – Cambodia
For most people, this is probably the most disgusting food on this list — fried tarantulas. These spider snacks are a beloved delicacy, invented in a small Cambodian town called Skuon. After being deep-fried in garlic and MSG, the tarantulas become crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside with a surprisingly tasty flavor!
Fermented Shark – Iceland
The traditional Icelandic dish of fermented shark may not sound or smell delicious, but it’s tasty. The shark meat is cut into small cubes and cured with a special solution of salt, water, and sometimes spices. It’s then left to ferment for several weeks before serving as a tasty treat.
Durian – Southeast Asia
This spiky fruit has quite a reputation due to its strong smell, which many people find repulsive. But don’t let the smell fool you! Some people believe that durian has a sweet and creamy, delicious texture.
Jellied Moose Nose – Canada
This Canadian dish is similar to European headcheese and made of chopped bits of moose nose boiled and jelled in broth. The moose nose is a popular part of the animal’s head and is usually boiled for hours until the meat falls off the bone. The taste is surprisingly good, with a strong gamey flavor. Chef Andrew Zimmern likened the taste to corn beef.
Fermented Herring – Sweden
Swedish fermented herring is a delicacy that many Scandinavian countries enjoy. It’s made of herring fish left to ferment for several weeks before being served with onions and potatoes. The pungent smell may be off-putting, but the taste is sweet, salty, and sour all at the same time!
Balut – Philippines
This delicacy is made of fertilized duck eggs that are boiled and served with a sprinkle of salt. The most shocking part? Inside the egg, you will find a half-formed fetus! Despite its gross appearance, the taste is surprisingly delicious and popular among Filipinos. The taste of Balut is similar to chicken soup.
Boiled Sheep Head – Iceland
Boiled sheep head is an acquired taste, and its preparation requires some bravery. The sheep’s head is boiled for several hours until tender and then served with vegetables or potatoes. The taste is sweet and has a hint of shellfish flavor.
Limburger Cheese – Limburg
Limburger cheese is one of the smelliest cheeses in the world. The taste is sharp and creamy, with a strong scent that can fill an entire room. If you can get past the smell, this cheese has a unique flavor worth tasting!
Sannakji – South Korea
This dish is a live baby octopus chopped into small pieces and served with sesame oil. The octopus is still alive when served, which may be off-putting to some, but the taste is delicious! The tentacles are crunchy yet chewy, making it an enjoyable culinary experience. Be careful with this meal, though; it’s a dangerous food and can choke you.
Stinky Tofu – China
Stinky tofu is a popular street food in China. It’s made of fermented tofu left to marinate for a while, giving it its strong, pungent smell. Despite the unpleasant odor, this dish is tasty and can be served in many ways! From deep-fried or boiled to stewed and braised, the taste is always unique and delicious.
More From Health Makes You
Eating is essential to your survival, but many food items can cause serious harm and put you at risk of death if ingested in large quantities or not prepared properly. Some of them are common foods you consume every day.
30 Dangerous Foods You Didn’t Know Could Kill You
16 Foods Boomers Love That Millennials Won’t Touch
The generation gap between Baby Boomers and Millennials can be seen in many aspects of life, from how they dress and listen to music to how they shop and eat. Here’s a look at some dishes Boomers love, but Millennials won’t touch.
16 Foods Boomers Love That Millennials Won’t Touch
The Top 25 Most Popular Foods in America You Must Try Once in Your Life
America is a melting pot of cultures, and its cuisine reflects that. From coast to coast, you can find all sorts of unique dishes that are delicious and nutritious. Here’s a list of the top 25 most popular foods in America that you must try at least once in your life!
The Top 25 Most Popular Foods in America You Must Try Once in Your Life
15 Foods Americans Eat That Foreigners Find Disgusting
Americans have various culinary preferences, and some foods popular in the United States may seem strange or even disgusting to foreigners. Here are some foods Americans eat that foreigners find most disgusting.
15 Foods Americans Eat That Foreigners Find Disgusting
10 Foods That Look Amazing But Actually Taste Terrible
Some foods just look better than they taste. From rainbow bagels to grapefruit, here are some of the most visually appealing but unfortunately bad-tasting food items out there.
10 Foods That Look Amazing But Actually Taste Terrible
