Think you’ve seen it all on your quest to becoming the world’s number 1 foodie? Try chowing down into some of these dishes, prepared with plenty of love and topped off with a touch of queer. Those with weak stomachs, you might want to come back after a dose of courage - don’t say we didn’t warn you!
1. San-nakji, South Korea
Yum - squirming octopuses for dinner! Freshly cut and seasoned in front of your eyes, the moving tentacles are marinated in light soy sauce, topped off with roasted sesame for the ultimate live experience. Be extremely careful when eating it, though - although the octopus is long dead, the suction cups on its’ hands are still very much active. A few cases of choking are reported every year, so make sure to chew your food thoroughly!
2. Fried Tarantulas, Cambodia
As a long time sufferer of severe arachnophobia, I will never be able to understand people who can snack on this as though it’s just salted chips - I’m getting shivers just from the picture. Commonly stir-fried with garlic and occasionally garnished with a tangy touch of lemon juice, these tarantulas go well with rice wine as an afternoon snack, or a pint of cold beer for dinner.
Don’t take my word for it, though. -shivers-
3. Stargazey Pie, Cornwall
Is there an end to the creativity of the human mind? I’m guessing not, after seeing this rendition to the traditional pie.
Originating from the small village of Mousehole, the wave of famine that followed after a season of stormy winter days left the village in extreme hunger back in the early 20th century. Only one brave man by the name of Tom Bawcock endured the frigid temperatures and headed out to fish for food, coming back with a humongous catch. In celebration of his heroic act, the entire catch was baked into a humongous pie with seven different types of fish staring towards the heavens - hence the name.
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4. Century Egg, Different Parts Of Asia
No, it is not a spawn of the devil, nor is it soaked in horse urine - the century egg is actually a carefully preserved egg marinated in a mixture of clay, salt, and the occasional quicklime, resulting in a mushy cheese-like yolk and a darkened egg white with the consistency of jelly. Contrary to its name, the century egg is not kept for a century - just 2-3 weeks under marination will suffice. Commonly served together in seasoned porridge with slices of pork, the general consensus is that you either love it or you hate it, so keep an open mind before you taste it!
5. Snake Wine, Different Parts Of South-East Asia
Ah, it’s finally Friday - what would you give to relax at home with a plate of well-cooked steak and a bottle of snake wine?
Dunked in a jar of rice wine, the (sometimes alive) snake is left to steep in the alcohol for as long as 3 months, topped off with a handful of wolfberries and ginseng for an enhanced taste. The ethanol breaks down the venom of the snake, ensuring that it is safe for consumption - but you should still take caution before drinking one, as there have been many reports of snakes who survive the 3-month hibernation, sinking it’s jaws into the unlucky foodie who happened to wake it from it’s slumber.
An acquired taste
A true foodie will know that their duty is to try every last dish in the world - and through this journey, some of us find out that the most unusual food are the most delicious (century egg, my one true love). Next time you find yourself in the presence of queer-looking food, give it a try - who knows, you may just be craving for more next time!
History
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