One of the best things about traveling to new places is trying new food. Stuffing your stomach is always a highlight when it comes to vacation. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a list of some of the most daring must do foods around the world, that you need to try, although, we don’t recommend stuffing yourself full with these unusual foods.
Escargot – France
This may be the most well-known food on our list, but for those who don’t yet know, escargot is the French translation for snail. You can find this delicacy in a variety of European countries, but most commonly in France. They are often prepared with garlic and parsley butter and are served in their shell. In Italy and Greece, they are used in a variety of meals and will sometimes be poured over pasta. Either way, this one is definitely a must, and probably the easiest to eat out of everything else on this list.
Guinea pig – Peru
In between exploring Lima and taking a trip up to Machu Picchu, you can’t forget to try the traditional, Peruvian food, Cuy, or more commonly known as Guinea Pig. And yes, we mean Guinea Pig, the furry animal that is kept as a pet in many other countries. Guinea Pig has been eaten in Peru and Bolivia since pre-colonial times, even during religious ceremonies. The food itself is said to taste a lot like rabbit with the darker meat tasting like chicken, so if you can stomach a furry friend, it might be worth a try!
Haggis – Scotland
The traditional Scottish food, Haggis, is a kind of savory pudding. Sounds good right? Think again. Haggis is made from a combination of sheep heart, lungs and liver, which is then mixed with suet, oatmeal and seasoning. It is then stuffed into a sheep’s stomach, stitched shut and then boiled for three hours before it’s ready to eat. Yum?
Black Pudding (blood sausage) – Scotland and Ireland
Black pudding is blood, usually from a pig, mixed with fat and oatmeal, then packed into a casing. The sausage is then boiled, fried or grilled and then cut into rounds. The dish doesn’t always look the most appetizing and it’s dark, odd coloring may be off-putting for some, but there are many who do enjoy this meat and will happily mix it into stews and salads.
Puffer Fish – Japan
Eating puffer fish may seem like nothing, but it’s quite different from your everyday seafood. Puffer fish are poisonous, so it’s crucial that they are prepared in a very specific way. The fish can be found in a variety of places, but they are most commonly found in Japan. Before trying the delicacy, be sure to do your research and find a restaurant that is licensed to prepare the dish, as there are plenty of places that offer it, but are not licensed to, which could have deadly consequences. Puffer Fish, also known as Fugu, can be prepared in a variety of ways and is said to be the best tasting sushi in the world. You might want to say your prayers before ordering this dish.
Live Octopus – Korea
This one might freak some people out but it just had to make the list. If you plan on taking a trip to South Korea anytime soon and you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can try this local delicacy. The dish consists of multiple small baby octopuses, cut up and served to you still squirming. If it makes you feel any better, it is said to taste the same as an octopus that is more traditionally served. Talk about fresh seafood.
Kopi Luwak – Indonesia
Coffee lovers, this one’s for you. Kopi Luwak is most famously known for being the most expensive coffee in the world, with a cup being as expensive as $100. Sounds good right? Just wait. If you don’t recognize the name Kopi Luwak, then you might recognize it’s other name, cat poop coffee. Yes, you read that correctly, the drink is made from coffee beans that have already been digested by the Civet cat. If you choose to try the drink, it is recommended that you have it with no sugar or cream, so that you’re able to completely taste its unique flavor. Note: do not try making this at home.
Durian Fruit – Thailand
The Durian Fruit is a popular tropical fruit in southeast Asia. It has lots of beneficial nutrients and is even known as “the King of fruits.” Of course, like everything else on this list, it’s got a quirk. Not only is the fruit one of the most nutritious, but it is also the smelliest. Even with the fruit fully intact, without being cut into at all, you can still smell it from yards away. Of course, if you think you can handle it, then we would definitely recommend it. We’ll probably just stick to good smells.
Khash – Middle East and Turkey
Khash can be found in countries such as Turkey, Greece, Iran, Afghanistan, Israel, Albania and more. It is prepared by cooking a sheep’s head and feet, which is then mixed into a broth. The dish is served hot and sometimes will have lemon juice or vinegar added, depending on a person’s preference. This is a good time to not think about how your food was made.
Casu Marzu – Italy
We’re here to finish off this list with a bang (as if all the other ones weren’t). We’re just going to start this one off with, DO NOT EAT THIS. Please. Due to health implications, Casu Marzu has actually been banned by the UN, we just figured we’d just throw it in for everyone to cringe a little. Casu Marzu is essentially old cheese that has time to sit for a long enough time that it becomes infested with maggots. What gives the snack the flavor that popularized it (if you could even say that) is the larvae inside it. Gross, right? For the love of all things holy, skip this one.
Hungry? If so, then hopefully this list has inspired you to go grab your antacids and order from the back of the menu. But if you’re like us, then you’re probably content on not eating anything for the next three days. Bone-apple tea, from Must Do Travels!