21 Unusual, And Somewhat Gross, Dishes People Actually Enjoy Eating Around The World

A global tour through some of the world’s most daring meals.

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• March 27, 2024

Welcome to the culinary wild side. It’s a no-judgment zone where ‘weird’ is the new ‘delicious,’ and your taste buds might just go on the adventure of a lifetime—or run for the hills.

Whenever I talk about daring culinary adventures, I can’t help but remember my friend Alex—the self-proclaimed culinary daredevil of our time. He took a gap year globe-trotting to far-flung lands, and trying various exotic foods at each stop on his bucket list.

One evening, Alex stumbled upon a local eatery. It seemed alive with laughter, chatter, and the unmistakable aroma of unfamiliar spices—an irresistible trio. 

So, with a rumbling stomach and an insatiable curiosity, Alex decided to let fate choose his meal by telling the waiter, "Surprise me." And surprised he was. In his words, the dish looked like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. 

The craziest part? The locals around him dived in with gusto, slurping and munching with a joy that was both infectious and, to my dear friend Alex, slightly horrifying.

But here's where the magic happens. Encouraged by the enthusiastic dining of those around, Alex took a deep breath, picked up his utensil, and took one cautious bite. And then another. And then a whole lot more!

Suddenly, the dish that seemed like a dare became an absolute delight! What was that about not judging a book by its cover again? This, my friends, is the beauty of diving into the deep end of the culinary pool. 

Just because we adore you so much, we’ve scoured the earth, peeked into the pots and pans of local chefs, and interrogated food lovers (disclaimer: no foodies were harmed in the making of this article) to bring you a list that will either tickle your fancy or your gag reflex.

So, strap in as we journey together through the wilder side of cuisine. And who knows? By the end of this, you might just be adding a few of these exotic delicacies to your foodie bucket list—or running for the nearest exit. 

1. Shirako

This Japanese delicacy consists of the creamy sperm sacs of male fish.

2. Soup Number Five

A hearty broth from the Philippines, enriched with the distinctive flavors of bull genitalia.

3. Wasp crackers

This daring snack is a rare find only awarded to those willing to journey 100 miles from Tokyo to the esteemed city of Omachi.

4. Witchetty Grub

A down-under Australian delicacy said to offer a taste similar to scrambled eggs with a hint of nuttiness—whether raw or cooked.

5. Stargazy pie

Hailing from Cornwall, England, this pie is a nod to the brave fisherman who faced stormy seas. It features fish heads poking through the pie crust.

6. Jellied Moose Nose

In this Canadian concoction, the moose's nose is simmered with onions, garlic, spices, and vinegar to create a dish that's truly unique.

7. Kangaroo meat

Kangaroo meat is a staple in Australia—no surprise there, if we’re being honest. This delicacy’s tantalizing taste is said to mirror a blend of venison and buffalo meat.

8. Nsenene

In Uganda, these long-horned grasshoppers are savored fried, dried, or boiled, and often accompanied by onions.

9. Deep Fried Tarantula

This crispy Cambodian treat is said to rival spare ribs in flavor. The icing on the cake? A ‘surprise’ filling consisting of the spider’s egg and feces—all deep fried and ready to devour.

10. Cherry Blossom Meat

Japan celebrates cherry blossom season with slices of raw horse meat, hence the name.

11. Haggis

This Scottish feast is a savory mix of sheep entrails, onions, oatmeal, and spices—all encased in a sheep’s stomach.

12. Stink Bug

In Africa, these bugs can be enjoyed raw and cooked. They’re noted for their apple taste and calming effect.

13. Dragonfly

Savored in both Indonesia and China, these insects are typically served up, boiled or fried. They boast a flavor that aficionados liken to soft-shell crab.

14. Akutaq (Eskimo Ice Cream)

An unconventional Alaskan dessert made with reindeer fat, seal oil, snow, berries, and ground fish.

15. Lutefisk

A Norwegian delicacy where aged whitefish is fermented in lye.

16. Jumiles

In Mexico, these stink bugs add an extra zesty kick to salsas.

17. Khash

Enjoyed across Eastern Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East, this hearty soup is brewed with cow feet for a rich, meaty flavor.

18. Bird’s Nest Soup

A luxurious soup made from a unique ingredient—bird saliva.

19. Casu Marzu

This Mexican cheese is only deemed ready to devour once it begins teeming with thousands of live and apparently ‘tasty’ maggots.

20. Starfish

A Chinese specialty with a unique texture rumored to land somewhere between toothpaste and finely minced beef.

21. Beondegi

A popular Korean snack of silkworm pupae, enjoyed steamed or boiled.

Whew! What an exhilarating voyage that was. Judging by the many ‘intriguing’ delicacies we encountered, one thing is for sure: when it comes to food, the only rule is that there are no rules. 

So, tell us, brave reader, which of these extraordinary meals are you daring enough to try? Let us know in the comments below.

Jesse