The Allure and Smell of Stinky Foods: From Durian to Limburger Cheese

Have you ever encountered a food that is both incredibly delicious and intensely stinky? This dichotomous nature of stinky foods can be a love-hate relationship for many. Take Limburger cheese, for example, which my friends and I carried on a journey from Northern Michigan to Gillette Wyoming. Despite being sealed in multiple Ziplocs inside a refrigerator, it still managed to permeate the entire hotel room with its pungent odor. But to our surprise, the taste was quite mild and reminiscent of Brie.

Flavorful but Smelly: The World's Stinkiest Cheeses

One category that consistently comes up when discussing stinky foods is cheese. In fact, many of the world's stinkiest cheeses are also some of the most flavorful. Here's a list of the top ten stinkiest cheeses in the world, ranging from Limburger to some lesser-known varieties:

Limburger: Known for its strong ammonia-like smell and slightly creamy texture. It's often likened to a cross between blue cheese and stinky feet. Foie Gras de Formee: This cheese from Belgium is aged 24 to 36 months and is famous for its pungent smell and creamy texture. It's often compared to stinky feet as well. Roquefort: Despite being a staple of French cuisine, it has a distinct and potent smell, but the taste is rich and satisfying. Crotte de Chavalet: This French cheese has a strong, pungent odor, much like Limburger, but with a unique flavor that some might find more appealing. Caerphilly: A brey cheese from Wales with a sweet and sour smell, and a crumbly texture. It's surprisingly fragrant despite its strong smell. Mimolette: Also known as the "Peutzer" from France, it has a strong, resinous smell and is often drizzled with a chili and nut mixture, adding an extra layer of flavor. Gorgonzola: This blue-veined cheese from Italy is famous for its strong smell and pungent taste, yet it's beloved by many. Roquefort: Another mention here for its strong and robust smell, but it's equally praised for its tangy and rich flavor. Stilton: This English blue cheese has a similar profile to other strong-smelling cheeses but with a creamy texture and a stark blue flavor. Langres: This French cheese has a unique shape and is aged in marc de Champagne. Its strong, pungent smell makes it a contender for the stinkiest, but the flavor is often described as creamy and savory.

Another excellent example of a flavorful stinky food is Kimchi, a Korean fermented cabbage. It has a distinct smell that some find displeasing, but it's generally loved when paired with rice.

In the Philippines, Bagoong, a sauce made from fermented fish, is another example. It can be quite pungent but is often used sparingly in dishes and can add a unique flavor to rice.

Smelly but Delicious: Beyond Cheeses

Fish-based products like anchovies, dried squid, and fermented shrimp paste, as well as onion and garlic-laden curries, are also notable for their strong smells. One of the most memorable experiences I've had was with a gyros plate from a local Greek restaurant. The excessive amount of garlic in the tzatziki sauce was overwhelming, yet the meal was so delicious that it was worth the lingering scent of garlic on my person for hours afterward.

Stinky Dishes and Personal Preferences

Interestingly, whether a food is considered stinky often doesn't align perfectly with whether one enjoys its taste. For example, Durian is often described as having a repulsive smell, but to me, it has an intensely fruity aroma, akin to ripe mangoes. Similarly, some people find the smell of stinky tofu or Natto off-putting, while others prefer their unique flavors.

Some other widely considered stinky foods that are enjoyed for their taste include Igunaq, fermented walrus meat, and various types of cheese. However, opinions diverge on these items. For me, Igunaq is a game-ending experience; its odor is disgusting, and the taste doesn't improve with familiarity. Nonetheless, many people find it unique and worth trying.

In conclusion, the allure of stinky foods lies not only in their rich and unique flavors but also in how they challenge our senses and personal preferences. Whether you're drawn to the pungent aroma of Limburger or repelled by the smell of fermented walrus meat, there's a stinky food for everyone to explore and embrace.