For some people, eating simple foods to gain a source of energy is just enough. However, it might be different for others who seek out something more from just eating simple or good foods. Some people are looking for extreme dishes to try. Even though what we call ‘extreme’ might be just something usual or common for some people from different culture or background.
Try these extreme dishes from around the world
Foods sometimes are not always about tasting good or not but also about whether or not they benefit our health in some ways. Some foods may taste bad but beneficial for our body. Meanwhile some foods taste good but are actually bad for our health. But if you are an adventurous foodie and look for more ‘extreme dishes’ regardless of their health benefits, here are some that might worth a try:
Baalut
This dish comes from Thailand which is basically a boiled duck egg. Except, the egg has been fertilized and the embryo allowed to grow. When you open the boiled egg, you will find little baby duck there that is partly formed. If you decide to try Baalut, brace yourself with variety of surprises that might come when you take a big bite. You may find beak, duck bones, or even duck feather.
Duck heads
Almost similar with Baalut, you can find duck heads being served as snack in Shanghai, China. They are often served in some bars to accompany various drinks there. Some nice juicy duck heads are served completed with their eyes and brain. Don’t worry, they are cooked first before served so you get to enjoy them well.
Casu Marza
Asia is not only where you can find gut churning foods. In Europe, you can also find some. One of them is called Casu Marza, which can be found in Sardinia. It is Pecorino cheese but the surprising part is that it is laced with larvae of Piophila Casei (cheese fly). it is served when the maggots still crawling around. This food is considered illegal and bad but some people living in remote villages in Sardinia still make and eat it somehow.
Escamoles
This gut churning food comes from America, particularly Mexico and is called Escamoles. It is actually a decent dish where you can find spiced meat combos and floury tortillas. The ‘extreme’ part is where the insect is featured pretty heavily. Escamoles is aso known as insect caviar because it is made with ant larvae harvested from the roots of the agave plant. People say it has cheesy consistency with a buttery, nutty taste.
Surstromming
This extreme food comes from Europe, particularly Scandinavia. It is a tinned fermented fish with such strong odor. When you open a can of Surstromming, the smell may last to a week long. The locals usually enjoy it with sandwich piled with the fish, diced onions, potatoes, and sour creme or creme fraiche. If you can smell the stench well, then you can probably eat the whole thing.