Every culture has its own unique culinary traditions. What one culture might consider repulsive or unappetizing is viewed as a delicacy in another. These gastronomic differences are what make the world interesting, but when it comes to rare delicacies, these 10 are the strangest in the world.
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Balut, Philippines
Balut is a delicacy from the Philippines that is enough to make people's blood curl with just its description. Balut is a fertilized duck or chick embryo that is boiled and eaten in the shell. The eggs are cooked when the fetus is anywhere from 17 to 21 days old, typically before the animal begins to grow bones, claws, a beak, and feathers. Balut is served on the street and is often eaten with chili and vinegar and wash it down with a beer. -
Casu marzu, Sardinia
Most people prefer their cheese maggot-free, but that's not what Sardinians would say. Casu marzu is a cheese made from sheep's milk that has been deliberately infested with a cheese fly that lays its eggs inside the cheese. The result is a maggot-infested, stinky cheese. Consumption of the cheese comes with some serious health concerns, including the risk of enteric myiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the larvae that bores itself into the intestinal walls. To no surprise, casu marzu is illegal because it violates the European Union food hygiene-health regulations. -
Bird's nest soup, China
Bird's nest soup is a strange Chinese delicacy that has been a part of Chinese culture for more than 1,500 years. Bird's nest soup is made from a swiftlet bird's nest, minus the twigs and leaves. The main ingredient of the bird's nest is saliva, which gives the soup a gelatinous texture and, supposedly, health benefits. Harvesting the nests is no easy task. Workers have to go to great lengths to collect the nests in their native caves. -
Puffer fish, Japan
The puffer fish might sound like a normal culinary treat from the sea, but there is nothing normal about the toxic risk of this fish. The puffer fish, also known as fugu, is a Japanese delicacy that contains the poisonous toxin tetrodotoxin. Only trained chefs are allowed to prepare the dish because they know what parts are safe to eat. This is definitely a dish for thrill seekers. -
Fried tarantulas, Cambodia
Arachnophobians beware! This eight legged delicacy of Skuon, Cambodia, packs a serious bite. Fried tarantulas are a street food favorite that are fried whole and seasoned with a dash of garlic and salt. At just a few cents per spider, this crispy snack is popular among locals and tourists passing through. -
Monkey brains, China
This might sound bananas, but monkey brains are a real Chinese delicacy that has been regarded for its alleged health benefits. Nevermind using a bowl — this strange delicacy is typically served raw inside the monkey's skull. Regardless of its ancient medicinal benefits, you may run the risk of infection by eating raw monkey brains, or any other raw foods for that matter. -
Live octopus, Korea
Octopus is enjoyed by many people from around the world, but Koreans have a different way of preparing this eight armed animal. Live octopus is a delicacy in Korea that excites the taste buds and makes for an interesting dining experience. The raw octopus is cut into smaller pieces while still alive and lightly seasoned. It's as chewy and rubbery as you can imagine, and the tentacles are still capable of suctioning to your mouth. -
Hákarl, Iceland
Hákarl, a decomposing Greenland shark, is Iceland's odd delicacy. Hákarl is prepared by beheading and degutting the shark. Then, it is placed in a shallow hole of gravel-like sand and covered, allowing the meat to ferment for six to 12 weeks. The shark is cut into pieces and hung to dry for several months. The result is a crusty texture and pungent ammonia smell that is said to be an acquired taste, even in its homeland. -
Kopi Luwak, Indonesia
Kopi Luwak is a rare and very strange delicacy of Indonesia. Kopi Luwak is a gourmet coffee that comes from the droppings of a catlike animal called the civet. The animal feasts on fine coffee cherries, which are digested and deposited in their feces. Gatherers collect the droppings and clean them to be sold as coffee for the steep price of $227 per pound. -
Snake wine, Vietnam
Yep, you heard correctly. Snake wine is a real thing and it happens to be quite the delicacy in Vietnam. This rice wine comes with a dead, venomous snake inside. The snake soaks in the rice wine to deactivate the venom, making it safe to drink. This odd blood-colored concoction is said to have many health benefits that have yet to be proven.
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