Author Topic: The World’s Strangest Delicacies (Read 8909 times)

SonnenKinder · « **on:** February 25, 2010, 05:52:04 PM »

Each country has their own traditional dishes like England’s roast dinner, Spain’s paella and Italy’s lasagne; however there are some countries that have more unusual delicacies. I have put together 10 of the strangest delicacies that are not for the faint hearted, so it’s probably best to look away now if you’re squeamish!

Tuna Eyeball - Eaten in China and Japan

Tuna Eye can be found staring up at you in most Japanese stores for less than a Pound. Apparently it tastes a bit like squid and the eyeball comes surrounded by fish fat and severed muscles that are also meant to be quite tasty. To cook, you simply boil it and then season to taste.

Salmon Roe - Eaten in Eastern Europe and Russia

This is the is the fully ripe internal ovaries or egg masses of Salmon, a similar dish to the more widely-known Caviar. In some parts of Eastern Europe, the more expensive Salmon Roe is seen as a delicacy but there are also cheaper versions available in the chilled food sections of most supermarkets

Casu Marzu - Eaten in Sardinia

Casu Marzu literally translated means “rotten cheese” in Sardinian. This is also known as maggot cheese because it is made from traditional sheep milk and insect larvae. The cheese is left for months to decompose and then the Larvae of a cheese fly are introduced into the cheese to break down its fat. They look like see-through worms, just under 1cm long and can jump up to 15 cm when disturbed. Some people remove the maggots before eating where as others prefer to leave them in. If the maggots die, the cheese becomes toxic which has lead to this Sardinian cheese being banned for health reasons.

Cod Fish Sperm - Eaten in Japan

This slippery, soft white food is a popular winter delicacy in Japan. Shirako, otherwise known as Cod Fish Sperm Sac, is said to melt in the mouth like butter and is made from cod milt, a fancier word for fish sperm. It can be eaten both raw and cooked, depending on individual tastes.

Chicken Cartilage - Eaten in Japan

Chicken cartilage is commonly served in bars in Japan as a tasty snack. It can be eaten fried or on a shish kabob. The texture is very chewy and sometimes can take quite a few mouthfuls to break it up properly.

Salo - Eaten in Ukraine

Salo is an Ukraine delicacy that is actually pig fat! Salo can be eaten raw, smoked, fried or boiled but in Russia it is most commonly eaten as a snack to accompany vodka, they cut thin slices and add it to rye bread rubbed with garlic. It is stored in cold dark places where it can last up to a year, however if it is kept longer than that the surface will turn yellow and it will then be used for things like a protection treatment for leather boots!

BALUT - Eaten in the Philippine [/color]

Balut is known as “the treat with feet” or “the egg with legs” and is a favourite snack of the Philippines. It is a fertilized egg that is buried in the ground for a few weeks until an embryo has nearly been developed, it is then boiled and eaten in its shell.

Goat Head - Eaten in Southern Africa [/color]

Goat head is served complete with cooked brains, tongue and ears! In Southern Africa it is boiled with onions, garlic, tomatoes, ginger and chillies which gives it its flavour, and surprisingly it is served in some very upscale restaurants! It is also been known to be served with the goat’s eyes but only if you are lucky enough to be a guest of honour!

Cuy Bien - Eaten in Peru

Cuy Bien is a traditional dish and a major part of the diets in Peru, this is because roasted guinea pig is high in protein and very low in fat. Its taste has reportedly been compared to a number of different meats including, the dark meat of chicken, rabbit and even rat!

Yak Penis - Eaten in China

Yak penis is a Chinese delicacy and is also known as "Dragon in the Flame of Desire". It is most commonly served in the Guolizhuang Restaurant in Beijing which is famous for serving penis and testicle dishes, the yak penis dish is very popular as it is supposed to be very good for your skin!