Top 10 Most Revolting Foods

CAUTION: This article includes graphic visuals. Across the globe, individuals from diverse backgrounds consume some of the most unappetizing delicacies imaginable. This compilation highlights the ten most repulsive foods people eat. With the least offensive item being related to excrement, those with a weak stomach may want to proceed with caution. The list reflects a Western perspective, and if you’re aware of any equally or more revolting foods, feel free to share them in the comments.

10. Kopi Luwak – Excrement Coffee

Let’s not mince words here – Kopi Luwak consists of coffee beans retrieved from the droppings of Civets, small cat-like mammals. These creatures feast on the ripest coffee berries, and the partially digested beans are later collected for sale. Known as the world’s priciest coffee, Kopi Luwak sells for $120 to $600 USD per pound, primarily in Japan and the United States, though its availability is expanding. The beans are cleaned and lightly roasted to preserve the unique flavors developed during the digestion process.

9. Ox Penis

In Western regions, Ox Penis is typically dehydrated and marketed as dog snacks, but in many Eastern cultures, it is a common human delicacy. It is often prepared by steaming or deep-frying and can even be consumed raw. Some Westerners describe its taste as similar to overcooked squid.

8. Bird Spit

The nests discussed here are created by certain Swifts, particularly Cave Swifts, who secrete a substance that solidifies upon contact with air. Highly prized in Chinese cuisine, these nests rank among the most costly animal-derived foods consumed by humans. Typically served in soups or desserts, the nests transform into a gelatinous consistency when mixed with water. I personally sampled this delicacy during a visit to Hong Kong and even featured it in my list of Top 10 Luxury Foods. My impression was that it had a faintly earthy flavor and a mucus-like texture, making it the only dessert I’ve ever been unable to finish.

7. Caterpillar Fungus

Image from Weirdmeat.com

Caterpillar Fungus, a parasitic species, thrives on insect larvae, particularly Thitarodes caterpillars. It infiltrates the caterpillar's body, leading to its death and mummification. Come spring or early summer, a dark brown to black mushroom sprouts from the ground, specifically from the caterpillar's forehead. Esteemed in Chinese and Tibetan medicine, this fungus is hailed for its aphrodisiac qualities and its efficacy in treating numerous conditions, ranging from fatigue to cancer. It's also a popular ingredient in soups, as depicted in the accompanying image.

6. Rats

In various regions across the globe, rats are a surprisingly prevalent food source. In North Korea, villagers often resort to eating rats due to scarce food options. These are typically field rats, distinct from the urban variety known to many. Described as tough and stringy, their flavor is often likened to chicken. A recent Reuters report highlighted this phenomenon:

Chinese media reports that live rats are being transported from central China, where a reported 2 billion rodents have been displaced by a flooded lake, to the south to be served in restaurants.

The complete article is available for reading here.

5. Monkey Brains

Consuming monkey brains is particularly repulsive due to the significant risk of contracting deadly transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, such as Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and similar brain disorders. In certain regions of China, monkey brains are consumed raw. Although it is likely an urban legend, some individuals assert that monkey brains are, or were, eaten directly from the head of a live monkey. Here is a typical account:

The monkey's head was secured in a wooden bracket, consisting of two pieces with semicircular holes that, when combined, encircle the animal's neck, leaving the head exposed above the plank. The hair around the head is shaved off using a razor. A small chisel and hammer are then employed to swiftly carve a circular incision around the crown, and the top portion of the skull is removed. A teaspoon is used to scoop out the brain, which is consumed immediately. This entire process must be completed before the monkey dies.

Additionally, here is an article from The Straight Dope discussing this purported practice.

4. Spiders

Image from Weirdmeat.com

These spiders, found in Skuon, Cambodia, resemble North American Tarantulas. They are cultivated in underground burrows specifically for consumption and are typically deep-fried. The texture is often described as a mix of crispy and chewy, with some comparing the flavor to crab. Like Tarantulas, these spiders can deliver a bite. They were a staple survival food during the Khmer Rouge era. The image above shows one of these spiders prepared for eating. Here’s a vivid description from Michael on Weirdmeat:

The flavor is mild, but the crispy-chewy texture is what makes it appealing. Keep some paper napkins handy, as the greasy black juice from these spiders can stain, especially on facial hair like a goatee.

(I had to write this section with my eyes closed.)

3. Snake Blood and Bile

This is more of a medicinal concoction than a food item, but its repulsiveness earns it a spot on this list. In Central Jakarta, a man known as the Cobra man specializes in preparing snake blood and bile for medicinal purposes. Typically, he decapitates the snake, drains its blood into a glass of arrack, adds the bile, and serves it as a remedy for respiratory issues, skin conditions, aches, and indigestion. It is also believed to enhance stamina and sexual vitality. Drinking snake blood directly is sometimes seen as a display of bravery or masculinity. To put this in perspective, it’s worth noting that pig’s blood is commonly consumed in many European countries as black pudding or blood sausage.

_{1. In bold to ensure skim readers don’t criticize me in the comments for presenting an urban legend as fact.}

2. Balut – Duck Fetus

Balut is a fertilized duck egg containing a nearly-developed embryo, boiled and consumed directly from the shell. It is regarded as a delicacy in Asia, particularly in the Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Widely believed to be an aphrodisiac and a high-protein snack, balut is commonly sold by street vendors at night in these regions. It is often paired with beer. Michael from WeirdMeat describes the experience as follows:

After selecting your preferred type, the vendor retrieves the piping hot eggs from the basket and provides you with a small stool, salt, and a vinegar-onion sauce. Holding the warm egg, you carefully but firmly tap the top with your middle finger to create a crack. Gently remove a small portion of the shell to sip the flavorful broth inside before peeling the rest. I agree that the 18-day-old balut is superior to younger ones. While you might encounter some small chunks, it’s typically consumed entirely in about three bites. You’ll notice feathers, a head, wings, and a forming skeleton, but it essentially resembles an extra-chewy Easter egg.

Fertilized duck eggs are warmed in sunlight and stored in baskets to maintain their heat. After nine days, the eggs are held up to a light source to reveal the developing embryo inside. Roughly eight days later, the balut is ready to be cooked, sold, and consumed.

1. Bee Larvae

Image from Weirdmeat.com

Bee larvae, known as hachinoko in Japan, is a delicacy consumed in both China and Japan. Its popularity surged years ago when rural populations, lacking access to fish and meat, sought alternative protein sources from wildlife. The larvae are typically cooked with soy sauce and sugar, resulting in a mildly sweet flavor and a crumbly texture. Today, it serves as a nostalgic treat at gatherings, often making a dramatic appearance that excites older generations. However, the actual experience of eating hachinoko is far less thrilling than the anticipation it generates.