Buzz
[WARNING: This list includes graphic images – such as spiders.] The moment has finally come! The Ultimate Book of Bizarre Lists is now published and available in bookstores (including Amazon and Barnes and Noble). This edition is just as massive as the first, spanning over 700 pages, and introduces exclusive lists never before published (even on Mytour) by me and fellow contributors. Don’t miss out – grab your copy today to ensure it arrives before Christmas. And if you haven’t already, consider picking up The Ultimate Book of Top 10 Lists as well. Learn more about both at the Mytour bookstore.
10. Elephant
The forest elephant, one of the most endangered elephant species, is not only poached for its ivory but also for its meat. A single elephant can yield more than 1,000 pounds of meat, making it a lucrative target for poachers. The high demand for its flesh, coupled with the profits from a single kill, makes conservation efforts for this species particularly challenging.
9. Gorilla
Despite being endangered, gorillas are still consumed by local communities in various African countries. The practice of eating gorillas and chimpanzees is deeply rooted in African tradition, a custom that persists even today.
8. Silk Worms
Silk worms are a key component in a beloved Korean dish. Originally prepared using spoiled baby worms, the recipe has since shifted to using freshly deceased male worms. These worms are coated in batter, breaded, and deep-fried. In some regions, they are simply skewered and fried, as shown in the image above.
7. Ants
In certain countries, ants are a favored ingredient in sweets, while in others (where ants are larger), they are consumed fried or baked. Personally, the concept seems unappealing, but preferences vary. In France, you can even purchase chocolate bars containing ants for a unique treat.
6. Puffer Fish
This has been featured on a previous list, but seriously – who would dare to consume a fish that could be lethally toxic? It’s astonishing to think that someone once sampled every part of the creature to identify which sections were poisonous.
5. Rat
This might not come as a shock, as rats are widely recognized as a protein source in regions with limited food supplies. In some areas, rats are consumed out of necessity due to famine, such as in North Korea. Historically, the ancient Romans enjoyed dormice as a delicacy, a practice that continues in certain European nations today.
4. Horse
Horse meat isn’t just pet food – it’s a highly sought-after delicacy in numerous Western nations. In France, for instance, specialized butchers, known as boucherie chevaline, exclusively sell horse meat. Among the top eight countries consuming horse meat, more than 4 million horses are consumed annually. The image above features a roasted horse meat joint on the right.
3. Spiders
It was inevitable to top this list. The idea of consuming spiders is enough to unsettle most people. However, in certain regions, spiders are considered a gourmet treat. In Cambodia, for example, they are sold at roadside stands, a practice that began during the famine under Pol Pot’s regime.
2. Turtles
Turtle meat was a Victorian-era delicacy, but declining populations and environmental advocacy have led to their protection globally. While some freshwater turtle species in the US remain abundant and legally consumable, endangered sea turtles in Asia are often poached and eaten illegally. Given their slow reproduction rates, this poses a significant threat to their survival.
1. Dogs
While the idea of consuming dog meat is unsettling for many in the West, it remains a widespread practice in Asia and the South Pacific. Dogs provide a substantial source of nutrition and are significantly larger than rats, making them more efficient for feeding larger groups. Although the concept evokes strong emotions, the animals are typically slaughtered humanely, and, when viewed objectively, it is no different from consuming beef or other livestock.
