1

Casu Marzu (Italy)

This is an Italian cheese made from Sardinian sheep milk. What’s special about it? Well, it contains live fly maggots which help ferment the cheese and make it soft and extremely pungent. That’s one way to get a little extra protein.

2

Century Egg (China)

These are duck or chicken eggs that have been preserved in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice hulls. 

Depending on the process, the preservation time could take several weeks to several months. In the end the yolk becomes dark green in color, while the egg whites turn translucent brown. Don’t egg your neighbor’s house with these.

3

Shiokara (Japan)

A dish made of fermented seafood (typically squid) mixed with its own organs and salt. A very slimy and strong-trasting delicacy that is eaten in small amounts and often accompanied with a shot of sake.

4

Mopane Worms (Southern Africa)

These are caterpillars of the emperor moth, which are commonly dried or fried and eaten as a protein-rich snack. I’d like to thank the creator of chocolate protein bars for saving me from having to eat worms.

5

Balut (Philippines)

Balut is a fertilized duck egg that is boiled and eaten whole. The partially developed chick is often slurped directly from the shell with some added salt and vinegar. I think I’ll just stick to chicken nuggets…

6

Surströmming (Sweden)

This is a lightly salted, fermented Baltic Sea herring usually found in a can. Apparently it has one of the most foul odors of any food in the world. So just cover your nose and dig in!

7

Hákarl (Iceland)

Hákarl is shark meat that has been fermented for months before being hung up to dry. Like the Surströmming above, this has a very foul odor that takes some getting used to.

8

Rocky Mountain Oysters (USA)

Now this doesn’t seem so bad, right? Well, despite the name, these are actually not oysters, but deep-fried bull testicles. Suddenly, chicken tenders don’t sound so bad anymore.

9

Escamoles (Mexico)

Considered the “Mexican caviar”, these are ant larvae and pupae which have a buttery and slightly nutty flavor. I’d rather just have actual nuts… I mean almonds, not bull nuts.

10

Jibachi Senbei (Japan)

Another entry from Japan on this list, Jibachi Senbei are simple rice crackers made with whole wasps inside. Crunchy, nutty, and a little sting-y.

11

Sannakji (Korea)

Live octopus that is chopped into small pieces and served immediately. The octopus is often still squirming around on the plate when it gets eaten. Fun fact: the suction cups from the tentacles can cling to the inside of your mouth while chewing.

12

Witchetty Grub (Australia)

These are large, white moth larvae that are eaten either raw or lightly roasted. Apparently they taste similar to scrambled eggs. Perfect for those who like omelets with a bit more wiggle to them.