The 10 Strangest Food Dishes in the World
Explore the world's strangest and most intriguing dishes, each rich with cultural significance and unique flavors.
Balut — Philippines
Hákarl — Iceland
Casu Marzu — Italy
Escamoles — Mexico
Century Egg — China
Sannakji — South Korea
Fugu — Japan
Mopane Worms — Southern Africa
Surströmming — Sweden
Fried Tarantulas — Cambodia
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Food is a window into culture — a mix of tradition, creativity, and sometimes… shock value. While travelers often seek comfort foods or familiar flavors abroad, the world is filled with dishes that challenge expectations and redefine what “edible” means. Some are ancient delicacies, others are daring street foods, and a few are simply culinary curiosities you have to see to believe.
Here are 10 of the strangest dishes from around the globe — foods that fascinate, surprise, and sometimes even terrify first-time eaters. Whether you’d actually try them or not, each one carries a story worth discovering.
1. Balut — Philippines
Balut is perhaps one of the most controversial foods in the world: a fertilized duck egg containing a partially developed embryo. It’s boiled, eaten warm, and considered a high-protein snack.
Why it’s strange:
You can see the tiny beak and bones.
Why locals love it:
It’s believed to boost strength and vitality and is a popular street food across the Philippines.
2. Hákarl (Fermented Shark) — Iceland
This Icelandic dish is made from Greenland shark that has been buried, fermented for months, and then hung to dry. Its smell is notoriously ammonia-like.
Why it’s strange:
The shark’s meat is toxic when fresh — fermentation makes it safe.
Why locals love it:
It’s a heritage food from Iceland’s Viking past and is often eaten during traditional midwinter festivals.
3. Casu Marzu — Italy
This Sardinian cheese is famous… but not for the reason you think. Casu Marzu literally means “rotten cheese,” and it contains live larvae that help ferment the cheese to an extremely soft, creamy texture.
Why it’s strange:
It moves — the larvae jump when disturbed.
Why locals love it:
It’s a rare, centuries-old tradition and is said to be incredibly flavorful.
4. Escamoles — Mexico
Often called “Mexican caviar,” escamoles are ant larvae harvested from the roots of agave plants. They have a buttery texture and mild, nutty flavor.
Why it’s strange:
You’re eating ant eggs.
Why locals love it:
It’s a delicacy dating back to the Aztec era and is rich in protein.
5. Century Egg — China
Also known as “thousand-year egg,” these are duck or chicken eggs preserved in clay and ash for months until the yolk turns dark green and creamy.
Why it’s strange:
The egg looks spoiled — but it’s not.
Why locals love it:
It has a rich umami flavor and is often served with rice or congee.
6. Sannakji — South Korea
This dish features live octopus, cut into small pieces and served immediately. The tentacles are still moving on the plate.
Why it’s strange:
The suction cups stick to the tongue while you chew.
Why locals love it:
It’s the ultimate fresh seafood experience and is considered a delicacy.
7. Fugu (Pufferfish) — Japan
Fugu is one of the most dangerous foods in the world. The fish contains lethal toxins, and only licensed chefs are allowed to prepare it.
Why it’s strange:
A tiny mistake in preparation can be fatal.
Why locals love it:
The flavor is delicate and subtle — and the thrill adds to the charm.
8. Mopane Worms — Southern Africa
These colorful caterpillars are boiled, dried, or fried and served as a crunchy protein-rich snack in countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa.
Why it’s strange:
They are large, chewy worms with a distinctive earthy flavor.
Why locals love it:
They’re nutritious, affordable, and culturally significant.
9. Surströmming — Sweden
Known as the smelliest food in the world, surströmming is fermented Baltic herring that’s canned and continues fermenting until opened.
Why it’s strange:
The smell is so strong that it’s often eaten outdoors.
Why locals love it:
It’s a traditional dish enjoyed with thin bread, potatoes, and onions.
10. Fried Tarantulas — Cambodia
Tarantulas became a common food during food shortages in Cambodia’s past, and now they are a popular street snack in towns like Skuon.
Why it’s strange:
It’s a crunchy spider — enough said.
Why locals love it:
It’s rich in protein, crispy on the outside, and soft inside.
Why Strange Foods Matter
Many unusual dishes reflect cultural survival, resourcefulness, or ancient traditions passed down through generations. What seems strange to one person may be normal comfort food to another. Exploring these dishes broadens your understanding of global culture — and reminds us that food is one of humanity’s most fascinating storytellers.