The 10 Strangest Foods in the World – A Fascinating Taste of Culture

Food connects us, but it can also shock us. What some cultures consider normal or even delicious, others might find unbelievable—or flat-out scary. During my travels, I learned one important truth: there is no “weird food,” only food with a story. So before judging, let’s explore.

Below is my list of the Top 10 most unusual traditional foods in the world, why people eat them, and what makes each one unforgettable. And yes—I’ve personally tried a few of them. Some…I would try again. Others? Maybe not in this lifetime.

Quick Overview – Top 10 Strangest Foods

Country	Dish	Main Ingredient	Fear Factor
Iceland	Hákarl	Fermented shark	🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Japan	Fugu	Poisonous pufferfish	🔥🔥🔥🔥
Philippines	Balut	Fertilized duck egg	🔥🔥🔥🔥
Korea	Sannakji	Live octopus	🔥🔥🔥
China	Century Eggs	Preserved duck eggs	🔥🔥
Cambodia	Fried Tarantulas	Spiders	🔥🔥🔥
USA	Rocky Mountain Oysters	Bull testicles	🔥🔥
Sardinia (Italy)	Casu Marzu	Maggot cheese	🔥🔥🔥🔥
Peru	Cuy	Guinea pig	🔥🔥
Greenland	Kiviak	Fermented seabirds	🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Now let’s go around the world—bite by bite.

1. Hákarl – Iceland

This is considered one of the most disgusting foods in the world—even legendary chef Anthony Bourdain said it was “the single worst thing I’ve ever put in my mouth”
(Source: BBC Travel).

Hákarl is fermented shark meat that smells like ammonia and tastes like…pain. Traditionally, it is buried underground for months before being hung to dry. Icelanders drink it with strong Icelandic schnapps called Brennivín.

Would I try again: Only if I lose a bet.

2. Fugu – Japan

Fugu isn’t weird—it’s dangerous. This pufferfish contains deadly tetrodotoxin. Only chefs with a government license are allowed to prepare it. One wrong cut and…well, no second chances.

Tradition: Eating fugu is seen as bravery in Japan. It is often served raw as sashimi.

Personal note: I tried it once in Tokyo. The taste? Light, delicate. The adrenaline? Intense.

3. Balut – Philippines

Balut is a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside. Locals eat it with salt, chili, and vinegar—usually as a street food or even…a dating snack.

Culture: It’s believed to increase strength and stamina.

If you try it: Don’t look. Just eat.

4. Sannakji – South Korea

This dish is live octopus cut into small pieces and served immediately—still moving. Yes, it moves on your plate. Yes, it sticks to your tongue.

Tradition: Often eaten with sesame oil and chewed very well (important for safety).

Would I recommend: Only for people who think sushi is too boring.

5. Century Eggs – China

Also called “100-year eggs,” these are actually preserved duck eggs kept in clay and ash for up to 100 days. The yolk turns dark green, the white becomes brown jelly, and the taste is…complex.

Cultural fact: It’s considered a delicacy and a proud part of Chinese heritage.

6. Fried Tarantulas – Cambodia

Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside. These giant spiders became popular during famine in the 1970s and are still sold as snacks.

Flavor: Surprisingly like garlic shrimp.

7. Rocky Mountain Oysters – USA

Spoiler: not oysters. Bull testicles. Deep-fried. Ranch-style. Cowboy-approved.

Tradition: Served at festivals and rodeo events in Colorado and Montana.

8. Casu Marzu – Sardinia, Italy

The world’s most illegal cheese—because it contains live maggots. Yes, moving. Alive. Some locals insist it must be eaten with the maggots for full flavor.

Banned by the EU, but still secretly produced in Sardinian villages.

9. Cuy – Peru

Cuy is roasted guinea pig—and yes, it looks exactly like the pet version. But in the Andes, it’s a traditional celebration dish, rich in protein and cultural meaning.

Fun fact: Even National Geographic wrote about cuy as a traditional Andean heritage food.

10. Kiviak – Greenland

Definitely not for the weak. Kiviak is fermented seabirds stuffed inside a seal and buried for months. Served during Arctic winters. Smells like old blue cheese…mixed with death.

Fear factor: Legendary.

Final Thoughts: Weird or Wonderful?

Trying strange foods doesn’t just challenge your stomach—it opens your mind to new cultures. I won’t pretend I loved every bite, but I don’t regret any of them. Food is memory. Travel is experience. And sometimes the strangest dishes create the strongest stories.

Would you try any of these dishes…or would you rather stay with pasta and pizza forever?