Exploring different cultures through their food can be an exhilarating experience. However, not all culinary delights are universally loved. Some dishes cherished in one country might raise eyebrows—or even turn stomachs—in another.
From fermented surprises to unusual concoctions, here are 20 foods from various cultures that might seem unusual or even repulsive to the uninitiated. They might shock you the first time you eat them, but then you might just find your newest favorite!
1. Sauerkraut
Fermented cabbage might not sound exciting, but sauerkraut is a staple in Eastern European cuisine. Loved for its tangy flavor and gut-friendly probiotics, it’s often an acquired taste for those unfamiliar with the joy of fermented foods. It can be served with sausages, used as a filling for dumplings, or enjoyed on its own.
2. Kimchi
This quintessential Korean dish is made from fermented vegetables, primarily cabbage, with a mix of garlic, salt, vinegar, chili peppers, and other spices. Its intense umami flavor and high probiotic content make it incredibly popular in Korea, though its strong aroma and taste can be off-putting to first-timers.
3. Surströmming
Known as one of the smelliest foods in the world, surströmming is fermented Baltic Sea herring. The pungent smell and taste are celebrated in Sweden but often cause gag reflexes in the unaccustomed. It’s typically eaten with thin bread and slices of potato and onion.
4. Lutefisk
This gelatinous fish dish is made from aged stockfish (usually cod) or dried/salted whitefish and lye. It’s a traditional dish in Norway that is enjoyed during the holidays. The peculiar texture and the process of lye preparation can be off-putting to some.
5. Balut
A popular street food in the Philippines, balut is a developing duck embryo that is boiled and eaten from the shell. It is known for its savory flavor, but seeing a semi-developed embryo can disturb many.
6. Jellied Eels
This traditional English dish is made from chopped eels boiled in a spiced stock and allowed to cool and set, forming a jelly. It’s a historic London delicacy that many find difficult to stomach today due to its texture and appearance.
7. Brain Sandwich
Once more common across the Midwest, this sandwich involves deep-fried slices of pig brain served on a bun. Typically garnished with pickles and onions, it’s a dish that harks back to a time when no part of the animal was wasted.
8. Casu Marzu
This Sardinian cheese is notable for containing live insect larvae. It is considered a delicacy in Sardinia, but it is illegal in many countries due to its nature. The larvae add a unique texture and intensity to the flavor.
9. Meat Jelly
In Eastern Europe, meat jelly or aspic is made by setting pieces of meat and vegetables in a clear broth gelatin. While it’s enjoyed especially during the holidays, its cold, gelatinous texture isn’t for everyone.
10. Durian
Known as the ‘king of fruits’ in Southeast Asia, durian has a custard-like texture with a strong odor that many compare to rotten onions or sewage. Despite its smell, it has a rich, almond-like sweetness that many in Asia adore.
11. Vegemite
This yeast-extract spread is incredibly salty and slightly bitter, usually spread on toast or crackers. While it’s a beloved breakfast staple in Australia, its intense flavor can be too much for the uninitiated.
12. Gefilte Fish
A traditional Jewish dish made from a poached mixture of ground deboned fish, usually carp, whitefish, or pike. It is typically eaten as an appetizer and served with horseradish. The fishy smell and the mushy texture can be challenging for some.
13. Menudo
This traditional Mexican soup is made with cow’s stomach (tripe) in broth with a red chili pepper base. Menudo is a celebrated cure for hangovers in Mexico and is loved for its hearty, spicy flavor, though the idea of tripe can deter many.
14. Dubbel Zout
This Dutch black salted licorice treat is highly salty due to its high ammonium chloride content. Known for its bold, acquired taste, it can shock those expecting sweet licorice.
15. Haggis
Scotland’s national dish is made from sheep’s sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, minced with onions, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and cooked while traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach. Its description alone can be daunting, though it tastes like a savory, peppery meatloaf.
16. Huitlacoche
Also known as corn smut, huitlacoche is a fungus that grows on maize. It’s harvested and cooked in Mexico as a delicacy, known for its earthy and mushroom-like flavor. Its appearance as a plant disease can be unappealing at first glance.
17. Garlic Butter Snails
Snails are cooked with garlic butter, chicken stock, and wine in a classic French dish. While escargot is considered a delicacy in France, eating snails can be unsettling for many.
18. Poutine
Poutine originates from Quebec and is made with fries, cheese curds, and gravy. It’s adored across Canada and gaining popularity globally, although some might scoff at the idea of soggy fries in gravy.
19. Natto
Made from fermented soybeans, natto is sticky, stringy, and has a powerful smell, often compared to old cheese. In Japan, it’s a common breakfast food known for its health benefits, including its high vitamin K2 content.
20. Pickled Herring
In Scandinavia, herring is cured with a strong vinegar marinade and onions and spices. While it’s a staple at many Nordic tables, its sharp, acidic taste and fishy smell can overwhelm those not used to it.
8 Fruits to Avoid if You Have Diabetes
Managing diabetes doesn’t have to be challenging. Eliminating these fruits from your diet can help you better control your blood sugar levels and manage diabetes. Consume other diabetic-friendly fruits like raspberries, blackberries, avocados, green apples, and kiwis to get essential minerals and vitamins.
Here are fruits you need to avoid if you have diabetes.
8 Fruits to Avoid if You Have Diabetes
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A well-stocked pantry can provide peace of mind and empower you to handle any situation. Whether it’s a natural disaster, economic instability, or simply unexpected guests, having a stash of versatile essential foods can make all the difference.
Here’s a list of 20 of the best foods to stockpile, ensuring you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
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