- 5. Weird Foods Eaten Around the World: "Sorici" – Romania
- 4. Weird Foods Eaten Around the World: Blood Sausage – Argentina
- 3. Weird Foods Eaten Around the World: Horseshoe Crab – Thailand
- 2. Weird Foods Eaten Around the World: Mojojoy – Amazon Rainforest
- 1. Weird Foods Eaten Around the World: Hákarl – Iceland
- Would You Dare?
Have you ever wondered what weird foods eaten around the world I have tried? Food is an adventure, a window into different cultures and traditions. But sometimes, what’s considered a delicacy in one country might seem like a bizarre eat to the uninitiated. If you have an adventurous palate, or just love reading about the strangest things people put on their plates, this list is for you! From fermented shark to squirming Amazonian larvae, here are five of the weirdest foods eaten around the world, that I have tried personally.
5. Weird Foods Eaten Around the World: “Sorici” – Romania
Romania is known for its hearty, meaty dishes, but “sorici” is a snack that even locals find a bit odd. This dish consists of raw pigskin, usually with bristles still attached, which is then seared over an open flame. But the real story behind “sorici” is the traditional ceremony that comes with it. Growing up in Romania, I witnessed firsthand how this dish is deeply rooted in our culture. Before Christmas, families in rural areas come together for the annual pig slaughter, a ritual that has been passed down for generations. The entire village gathers, and after the pig is chased, caught, and killed, the skin is quickly charred and sliced for eating. The taste? Chewy, gelatinous, and intensely porky, with a smoky aftertaste. It may sound gruesome, but for Romanians, it’s a tradition filled with laughter, warmth, and celebration. You can check this YouTube video to check the whole process.
4. Weird Foods Eaten Around the World: Blood Sausage – Argentina
Blood sausage, or morcilla, is a staple in Argentinian traditional food, especially when it comes to the famous asado (Argentine barbecue). But my first encounter with it wasn’t in Argentina—it was in a small Argentinian family-owned restaurant in the city of Barcelona, where I lived for five years. As in many other international cities, where many cultures meet, in Barcelona you can find many bizarre foods eaten around the World, but bizarre is always defined by the one who eats. I remember stepping into the cozy little eatery, the scent of grilled meat filling the air. The waiter recommended morcilla, and I, feeling adventurous, agreed. When the dish arrived on a wooden platter, the sausage was black, glossy, and slightly intimidating. I hesitated. Eating blood wasn’t exactly on my culinary bucket list, but I decided to give it a shot. One bite in, and I was surprised. The texture was soft, almost creamy, and the flavor was intensely rich. It had an earthy, slightly metallic taste, balanced by spices and a hint of sweetness from caramelized onions. It was strange, but also oddly delicious. However, after a few bites, the richness became overwhelming, and I had to pause. It’s not something I’d crave regularly, but I can see why Argentinians love it—it’s a deeply flavorful, hearty dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and red wine. Back in Argentina, blood sausage is an essential part of any asado, where it’s grilled to perfection and served alongside cuts of beef, ribs, and chimichurri sauce. Some versions include rice, nuts, or even dried fruits, adding complexity to the flavor. While it remains a bizarre eat for many, in Argentina, it’s a beloved dish that represents tradition, family, and the love of a good barbecue.
3. Weird Foods Eaten Around the World: Horseshoe Crab – Thailand
Thailand is a paradise of flavors, but among the colorful curries and fragrant street food, I stumbled upon something truly unexpected—a horseshoe crab dish. During an incredible vacation in Thailand, I visited a local seafood restaurant by the beach. The ocean breeze, the sound of waves crashing, and the scent of grilled seafood made the experience feel surreal. The waiter recommended a salad made with horseshoe crab eggs. I was intrigued and ordered it. When the dish arrived, I was both excited and terrified. The roe looked like tiny orange pearls, mixed into a spicy, tangy papaya salad. I took a hesitant bite. The texture was unlike anything I had ever eaten—firm, slightly gritty, and bursting with a salty, oceanic taste. It wasn’t bad, but I couldn’t shake the thought of the ancient, alien-like creature it came from. The dish had an intense, briny flavor that lingered on my tongue. Some bites were delicious, others too overwhelming. I enjoyed the experience, but I wouldn’t say it was a must-have. Still, it was a memorable part of my weird Thai food adventure, and I’ll never forget the odd sensation of eating something that looked straight out of a prehistoric era.
2. Weird Foods Eaten Around the World: Mojojoy – Amazon Rainforest
If you have a fear of creepy crawlies, this one might make you squirm. Mojojoy are fat, wriggling larvae that are considered a delicacy in various Amazonian regions. During my trip to the Amazon jungle in Colombia, I was offered one. The locals smiled as they handed me a live one. Some people eat them raw, letting the squishy, protein-packed grub wriggle in their mouth before biting down. I, however, opted for the grilled version, hoping that a bit of charring would make it more palatable. It didn’t. The moment I bit into it, a warm, gooey liquid burst into my mouth, coating my tongue with a nutty yet overwhelmingly earthy flavor. I gagged. The texture was horrifying—somewhere between creamy and gelatinous. I tried to wash it down with beer, but the aftertaste lingered. The locals laughed, telling me it was an excellent source of protein, but I could barely keep it down. For some, Mojojoy is a nutritious and even delicious treat. The grubs are rich in protein, fats, and essential nutrients, making them a vital food source in the jungle. Some even say the live ones taste slightly sweet and juicy, but I wasn’t brave enough to confirm that firsthand. Despite my disgust, I could appreciate how important this bizarre eat is to the people of the Amazon.
If you are interested to read the story about my trip to the Amazonian Jungle you ca read it here.
1. Weird Foods Eaten Around the World: Hákarl – Iceland
And now, the king of weird foods: hákarl! This infamous Icelandic traditional food is fermented shark, and it’s not for the faint of heart. I had heard horror stories about it before visiting Iceland, so I avoided trying it until the very last day of my trip. When I finally built up the courage, I immediately regretted it. The moment the lid of the container was lifted, an overwhelming stench of ammonia (think cleaning products mixed with rotten fish) hit me like a brick wall. I hesitated, but I had come this far—I had to do it. I took a small bite, and instantly, my mouth was filled with a putrid, pungent taste that reminded me of urine. I gagged, trying to chew as fast as possible. Even after swallowing, the taste clung to my mouth, and no amount of water or schnapps could get rid of it. For three days, I could still taste hákarl in my breath. It was, without question, the most revolting thing I have ever eaten. If you ever visit Iceland and are feeling brave, go ahead and try it—but don’t say I didn’t warn you! As you can see in this photo from Atlas Obscura, the best part about this bizarre dish is that it is served in really small cubes.
Would You Dare?
The world is full of surprising, sometimes stomach-churning culinary traditions. While some of these weird foods eaten around the world might seem bizarre at first, they often have deep cultural significance and unique flavors. Whether you’re tempted to try a horseshoe crab dish in Thailand, a bite of Argentinian traditional food like blood sausage, or go all-in on Iceland’s fermented shark, one thing is certain: food is never boring when you step outside your comfort zone! So, would you take a bite, or are you sticking to your usual burger and fries?
Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions! Also, be sure to check out more of our travel stories by visiting the rest of our blog and more photos of weird dishes that I tried by following my Instagram page.