Buzz
The delicacies of Asian countries are delicious but often have a rather challenging origin.
1. Durian
Known as the 'king of fruits' in Southeast Asia for its sweet flavor, but its pungent smell makes many Western tourists grimace and hold their noses.
2. Fermented Tofu
Natto (Nattou), or fermented soybeans, is a beloved delicacy in Japan. People in the land of the rising sun often eat it with rice, while Westerners describe its taste as akin to old socks!
3. Turtle Jelly
To prepare this dish, Chinese people boil a mixture of turtle shell powder and grass until it forms a jelly-like substance. This peculiar jelly is quite bitter and is often consumed with honey or condensed milk, known for its balancing properties.
4. Civet Coffee
Civet coffee, also known as Kopi Luwak, is a type of coffee bean harvested from... the feces of an Asian civet. This coffee is believed to have a much stronger flavor and comes with a much higher price tag, representing a unique coffee delicacy of Indonesia.
5. Chicken Feet
Not only popular in Asia, chicken feet are also enjoyed in Peru, Mexico, and South Africa. Despite its delicious aroma, this dish still fails to entice many Western tourists as they feel hesitant towards it.
6. Swallow's Nest Soup
This type of soup is cooked from... the bird's nest. Swallow nests are quite expensive because they are believed to contain high levels of calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium, promoting a healthy and youthful body.
7. Balut
Dubbed as a 'superfood,' this dish from Asian countries often leaves most foreign tourists in awe.
8. Century Egg
Century Eggs, also known as thousand-year-old eggs, are a specialty originating from China. These eggs are preserved in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, lime, and rice hulls for several weeks or even months. The yolk turns grayish-green, emits a strong aroma, while the egg white becomes dark brown and translucent like jelly.
9. Chicken Blood Jelly
Boiled or grilled, also known as skewered in the Philippines, it's a dish that not every Western guest dares to try, despite its exquisite taste.
10. Habu Sake
Habu Sake is a type of snake-infused sake in Japan. The snakes used are venomous and their toxins are released into the alcohol. This drink is believed to be extremely invigorating for male vitality.
11. White Ant Egg Soup
White ant egg soup, found in some Southeast Asian countries, also strikes fear in many. The chaotic mix of white ant eggs resembles white, making many diners think they are eating a nest of insects.
12. Crickets, Horseflies, and Spiders
Crickets, marinated horseflies, and fried spiders with soy sauce dipping or eaten with rice are adored by the people of Japan and China. However, this dish leaves many Western diners baffled. The ultimate version of this fried insect dish is fried scorpions and fried spiders in Cambodia!
13. Raw Horse Meat
The Japanese are willing to eat raw fish, so there's no reason they wouldn't eat raw horse meat, also known as 'cherry blossom meat.' This type of meat is said to have low calories, cholesterol, and fat content but is rich in protein.
14. Male Fish Sperm Sac
The sperm sac of male fish, known as shirako, is a dish that sends shivers down the spines of many people as soon as they find out what it's made from.
15. Tuna Eyeballs
The Japanese waste almost no part of their food, and one of them is tuna eyeballs. Its taste is described as similar to boiled squid.
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Source: Mytour Travel Handbook – By: Xzone
MytourJuly 26, 2013
