Buzz
Most of us don’t often stop to think about how unsettling our meals may look to others. There are plenty of people with dietary restrictions, including vegetarians, vegans, those who are lactose or gluten intolerant, or anyone with allergies. When hosting a dinner gathering, it's common to ask if any of your guests fall into these categories. However, the notion of a meal being evil or disturbing rarely crosses most people's minds.
That said, some dishes are indeed seen as disturbing or even cruel by certain individuals. We've gathered a list of the most unsettling meals ever served for dinner.
10. Foie Gras
The French term foie gras translates to “fatty liver,” and it's a dish widely enjoyed in the country. To make this indulgent meal, a process known as “gavage” is used. Essentially, workers force pipes down the throats of male ducks twice a day, pumping up to 2.2 pounds [1 kg] of grain and fat into their stomachs, or geese three times a day, with a total of up to 4 pounds [1.8 kg] each day.
This method causes the bird's liver to expand up to ten times its normal size. The birds become so overfed that they can hardly stand, and the feeding method results in a liver condition known as hepatic lipidosis. In simple terms, the technique used to prepare this dish is both inhumane and cruel. Despite the well-documented nature of these practices, foie gras remains a sought-after delicacy in several European countries. As a side note, the sale of foie gras is banned in California and around a dozen other countries; New York City’s ban is still under legal dispute.
9. Fish Eyes
It may seem unsettling to consume another creature’s eyeballs, as if you were eating its very essence. However, fish eyeballs are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and are quite tasty. Some have likened them to a natural version of “Gushers” candy, despite the somewhat nauseating image this comparison conjures.
Fish eyes are considered a delicacy in many non-Western cultures. They are packed with nutrients that are beneficial for the heart, eyes (ironically), and brain. In addition, promoting the consumption of fish eyes can encourage more sustainable fishing practices. While it may appear disturbing to some, this meal is actually a sound choice.
8. Smalahove
The Norwegian dish smalahove is a traditional meal made from a sheep's head, typically served around Christmas time. A typical serving includes half a head, with the ear and eye being the first to be eaten, as they are considered the most flavorful and best enjoyed while still warm. The head is boiled or steamed for about three hours and is usually paired with mashed rutabaga and potatoes. Some people prefer to cook the brain inside the skull, while others choose to fry it and serve it as an additional side.
Smalahove has been a staple in Norway for centuries, first gaining popularity among the poorer classes because the wealthy were unwilling—or unable—to appreciate the value of the head. They were unaware of its rich flavor and nutritional content, making it an easily accessible dish for the lower classes. Although it may seem unsettling to consume the head and face of another mammal, it remains a beloved item on menus across Norway and doesn’t show any signs of fading from the culinary scene anytime soon.
7. Calf Brains
Known as cervelle de veau, this dish is considered a delicacy in parts of Europe and Morocco, made from the brains of calves. When prepared properly, calf brains have a texture that’s said to resemble scrambled eggs. However, there’s no mistaking the origin of the dish once the plate is set on the table. It is often paired with tongue and sautéed with beurre noir and capers.
This dish is reportedly far more flavorful than beef brains, which are also common in these regions. Beef brains are often described as mushier and less flavorful in comparison. While it might be seen as a cultural delicacy, many find the preparation of this dish cruel and disturbing, and it continues to spark debates at dinner tables, whether in a home kitchen or a professional setting.
6. Bullfrog Sashimi
One of the most unusual and unsettling practices in the world is the Japanese tradition of consuming live frogs. A specific species of frog in Japan is bred for this purpose. Bullfrog sashimi, or “‘ikizukuri,” consists of a frog sliced to order, served with some soy sauce and a slice of lemon on the side. The frog remains alive while being eaten, often locking eyes with the diner and blinking as its bones are picked clean.
A video showcasing this practice went viral in 2012, and Fox News has continued to report on it ever since. The central issue in the controversy is that the frog must witness its own demise, which many deem inhumane. Although the dish has not been universally banned, it remains available only in a select few restaurants in Japan.
5. Snake Wine
Let’s not forget about beverages in this list—snake wine has been a part of Chinese culture since the Western Zhou dynasty (c. 1040–770 BC). Despite its name, snakes aren't directly used to make this spirit. Instead, they are placed in rice wine or grain alcohol to infuse the beverage. Typically, venomous snakes are used, though “the snake venom proteins are unfolded by the ethanol, meaning that the finished drink is usually, though not always, safe to consume.”
Originally used for medicinal purposes, this practice is considered the act of distilling the snake’s essence and consuming it. Simply serving wine with a snake in the bottle may not be traditional, but it’s not necessarily the most disturbing concept. After all, mezcal often contains a worm in the bottle, yet it has never been seen as unsettling. However, what makes snake wine particularly disturbing is that the snake is often alive when the bottle is filled and sealed, making this one of the most unnerving beverages to serve at dinner.
4. Casu Marzu
Most people wouldn’t want maggots in their kitchen or their food, with the possible exception of those who enjoy the film The Lost Boys with Kiefer Sutherland. However, after this complex Sardinian cheese undergoes its typical fermentation, fly larvae are introduced. These maggots break down the cheese’s fats (think ingestion and excretion), turning it into a soft, gooey delicacy.
While some individuals remove all the maggots before serving casu marzu, others leave the larvae intact, believing they contribute extra flavor. Cheese is a common appetizer at dinner parties, but cheese with maggots might be a bit too unsettling for certain guests. Plus, you may want to avoid breaking the law, as this cheese is illegal in nearly every country and even hard to find in Sardinia.
3. Guinea Pigs
Most people would never consider eating the fluffy and adorable creatures known as guinea pigs. However, in Peru, the dish 'cuy' is a well-regarded delicacy that has grown increasingly popular over the last decade. In fact, guinea pig farming has become so widespread that it has helped lift many lower-income farmers out of poverty.
Guinea pig farming has turned into one of the most profitable industries in South America, with people ordering this savory dish in large quantities. “The meat is highly sought after and is said to taste like a mix of duck and rabbit. When cooked correctly, guinea pig meat is rich, fatty, and full of flavor, while the skin, roasted over a hot fire, rivals pork in its deliciousness.”
2. Monkey Brains
We all recall that famous scene from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, where Jones is pressured by the cult to eat monkey brains directly from the skull. Surprisingly, eating monkey brains has been a tradition in certain parts of China and Southeast Asia, where it was believed to bestow ancient wisdom. While it's well-documented that humans have consumed brains of various species throughout history, there’s still debate over whether eating monkey brains remains a practice today.
In Western pop culture, the consumption of monkey brains is often depicted and discussed, frequently portrayed as a symbol of exotic cultures being unusually cruel, heartless, or strange. It's highly unlikely that anyone will surprise their guests with monkey brains at a dinner party in 2023, yet the very thought of it remains unsettling.
1. Blood Soup
Blood soup refers to any soup where the main ingredient is animal blood. This dish comes in many forms, with duck and pig blood being the most common, although cow and oxen blood are also used in some variations. “It thickens, is rich in nutrients, readily available, and isn't just confined to ritual offerings. The blood, often with a slightly metallic taste, is a frequent ingredient in the culinary traditions of many cultures.”
In both Korea and Poland, blood soup is a well-loved dish, though it is frowned upon by many other nations. Czernina, or duck blood soup, consists of two primary ingredients: poultry broth and duck blood. Vinegar is often added to enhance the flavor of the soup.
