Exploring the World's Strangest Foods: An SEOer's Curious Journey
Traveling the world, especially to less familiar places, often involves encountering some of the strangest foods. From the unique and adventurous to the downright bizarre, here are some of the most unusual dishes that adventurous eaters like me have explored.
Strangest Foods from Around the World
1. Taiwan Adventures During the Vietnam War
During the war in Vietnam, our ship stopped at the port of Taiwan. After a few too many beers, I decided to try some street food, which is almost always a feast for the senses but can also be a challenge in terms of language barriers. I pointed at food I thought I would like, and it turned out to be more than I bargained for. A kind Taiwanese student saw that I was an American and offered to practice his English with me. He inquired about my meal and told me what it actually was. It's always a good idea to know what you're trying before diving in!
Personal Tales of Unusual Eats
2. Fermented Tofu in Changsha
As a vegan, I was hesitant, but I decided to try a duck heart and duck blood sausage soup in Nanjing one morning. While it wasn’t terrible, the duck was a different story. The taste was different but not unpleasant. Exploring new cultures through food can be enlightening, especially when you push your boundaries a little.
3. Philippines Local Delicacy: Balut
Back in the Philippines, I had the opportunity to try a local delicacy called Balut. Despite the curiosity, the experience was on the border of grim. Balut is a developing fertilized duck egg that includes the embryo and all. The taste was described as "so-so-so" by a fellow Quoran, which speaks volumes in any language. It’s a unique dish that isn’t for everyone, but it’s an experience worth sharing with others who are willing to venture out of their comfort zones.
The Malaysian Delicacy: Pasembur
4. The Taste of Pasembur
One of the most unusual experiences I had was while exploring the local delicacies of Penang, Malaysia. My friend Febin Benjamin convinced me to try Pasembur, a Malaysian salad made with cucumber, shredded potato, tofu, radish, bean sprouts, prawn fritters, spicy fried crab, and fried octopus. The dish is described as sweet-sour and very pungent, making it a unique experience for those willing to try it. Alongside a few beers, we faced stomach troubles that night, but the experience was unforgettable.
Lessons Learned
These experiences taught me valuable lessons. First, it's important to listen to local recommendations when exploring new foods. While curiosity is a great driving force, sometimes our instincts and taste buds need to be respected. Secondly, when venturing into the unknown, having a first aid kit is a wise idea. Lastly, the sense of adventure is invaluable, but it’s important to approach new experiences with mindfulness and caution.
Embarking on these gastronomic adventures not only broadened my culinary horizons but also deepened my appreciation for the diverse cultures of the world.