Joy Isaguirre | Musings of a Blog Convert

Some people are very adventurous when it comes to food, they like to try new things and discover new flavors. Others are even known to not have any reservations, like Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern for instance. These guys are not afraid to try anything, believe me. In fact, they’re quite popular because they had their share of innards, testicles, snake blood, and even our local delicacy “balut”; and what better way to enjoy these delicacies but to be on national tv.

Ok. I’ve had my share of local street foods and other exotic delicacies, but there are just some stuff that i will not try. Take Iceland’s Hákarl or Rotten Shark for instance, they don’t call it ‘rotten’ for no reason.

Greenland’s stinky shark are highly toxic because of the uric acid found on the meat. The only way to cure the meat is to dry them under stones (gravel) for atleast 6 weeks, then hung them to dry for 2 to 4 months. Hákarl are usually eaten with a shot of drink called brennivin which is local to Iceland. Liquor and stinky shark? Thanks, but i’ll pass.

So what is my level of comfort when it comes to trying out weird foods? As long as it’s not known to be poisonous, it’s been cleaned and cured (blood removed), i’m willing to try it.

10. Buffalo Dung Beetle – Thailand

Buffaloo Dung Beetles feed partly or exclusively on feces. They are found in the region of Khong Kaen in Thailand.

9. Chocolate Covered Scorpions – London

You’ll find these sweet and crunchy delights in Fortnum & Mason, London.

8. Rattlesnake Steak – USA

If you want to try this dish, visit The Big Texan in Sweetwater, Texas. They are well known for their rattlesnake steak.

7. Frogs Legs Porridge – Singapore

Geylang in Singapore are famous for their Frogs Legs Porridge .

6. Rotten Shark – Iceland

As stated above, this is one delicacy i dare not try.

5. Grasshoppers – Thailand

You’ll find fried grasshoppers in streetcorner stalls in Bangkok, Thailand.

4. Rocky Mountain Oysters – USA/Canada

Also known as Prairie Oysters or Montana tendergroin (North American culinary name for edible offal, specifically buffalo, boar, or bull testicle).  These oysters are novelty dishes in some parts of the U.S. (West) and Canadian Prairies. If you want to try them, visit Buckhorn Exchange in Colorado, Denver.

3. Deer P#nis Soup – Singapore

Er, i haven’t tried it but i heard Imperial Herbal Restaurant in Singapore serves this unique soup.

2. Mexican Worm Tacos – Mexico

Mezcal worms or maguey worms are a variety of edible caterpillars which are native to Central Mexico. They are considered delicious when deep fried and served in a tortilla.

1. Balut – Philippines

Also known as Eggs with Legs or Treat with Feet, Balut is fertilized duck egg boiled and eaten with a pinch of salt. The embryo are usually 16 to 18 days old, at which point they are cooked. Personally, i prefer the ‘Penoy’ which are 8 days fertilized duck eggs.