Strange Global Dishes That Push Culinary Boundaries
From Fermented Shark to Live Octopus—10 Exotic Foods You May Never Forget
New Delhi, August 25, 2025
Food traditions vary extensively across societies, and some dishes are so unusual that Indians might find them challenging to try. Then there’s a look at 10 of the strangest and most unique foods from around the world, celebrated for their bold flavors and artistic significance.
Balut—Philippines’ Unusual Egg
A fertilized duck egg with an incompletely developed embryo, boiled and eaten whole. While a delicacy in the Philippines, its appearance makes it hard for numerous outlanders to try.
Hákarl—Iceland’s Fermented Shark
Made from Greenland wolf meat that’s fermented and dried. Known for its strong ammonia-like smell, it’s considered one of the toughest foods to eat in the world.
Fugu—Japan’s Risky Pufferfish Dish
A Japanese delicacy prepared from pufferfish. Only certified cooks are allowed to make it due to the deadly poisons present in the fish.
Escargot—France’s Famous Crawler Dish
Draggers cooked in garlic adulation and sauces are considered a delicacy in France. Its unique taste and texture make it an epicurean experience.
Surströmming—Sweden’s Pungent Fermented Herring
Fermented Baltic herring with an extremely strong smell. Generally eaten with chuck and potatoes, it’s notorious for its overpowering aroma.
Century Egg—China’s Preserved Delicacy
Duck or quail eggs saved for months in an admixture of complexion, ash, and lime. The preserved egg darkens to black and offers a bold, acquired flavor.
Sannakji—Korea’s Live Octopus
Chopped live octopus served alongside sesame oil and soy sauce. The tentacles frequently fidget while being eaten, making it a thrilling experience.
Fried Tarantulas—Cambodia’s Creepy-Crawly Snack
Large spiders deep-fried until crisp. A popular road food in Cambodia with a brittle texture and nutty flavor.
Would Indians Try Them? Adventure or Challenge?
These delicacies represent a fascinating fusion of tradition and taste. While Indians are used to rich, spiced, and well-cooked refections, some audacious savorers may see these dishes as a thrilling culinary experience, while others might find them too extreme to handle.
