The most disgusting and shocking foods from around the world – would you dare try them?
Still-beating cobra hearts, decayed fish heads, baby mice drowned in alcohol, durian – all these and much more are genuine delicacies in some parts of the world, but absolutely horrific to others. Take a deep breath before reading on...
Every nation and culture has its own speciality food. Some are so delicious they have made their way onto menus and into homes around the world. There are too many to mention and we’re not interested in them here.
Instead, we’re going to look at some more challenging fare. Food that is shocking, foul tasting, smelly and even illegal.
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Before we start, let’s make one thing clear. The fact that you eat something that others consider disgusting does not make you or them any more or less of a good person. This is not an attack on anyone’s heritage, tradition or culture. It’s about food. Gross food. Food that makes you gag. Food that looks, tastes or smells wrong. Or all three. So before you get outraged about racism, appropriation or stereotyping, remember: one man’s meat is another man’s poison. What one person finds disgusting, another finds yummy.
These taste-bud-defying dishes come in seven categories: alive and kicking; fermented or rotten; mould, mites and maggots; pets and other animals; odd body parts and organs; blood products; and weird vegan food. When you’re ready, read on.
1. Alive and kicking
Oysters and sea urchin are eaten alive, but they don’t move or fight back. For many, the idea of swallowing something that is still trying to escape is frightening. For others it is a culinary challenge and the best way to ensure freshness.
