5 Dishes Can Make You Shudder When Traveling To Asia

The land of Asia is known for many things. Exotic adventures, unique landmarks, and destination you can't experience in the Western hemisphere, as well as the friendly blend of people, are just to name a few.

It is also no secret that Asia is the home of many exceptional and delightful dishes, and today, we will discuss a few Asian culinary experience that not only will be a treat to your taste buds but will also make you shudder with their appearance. Without further ado, let us begin with number one:

1.  Balut 

You can taste this in; Philippines, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam

Balut, or also called Balot, is boiled bird embryo, commonly of duck or chicken, of which you will eat straight from its cracked shell. The embryo is typically 14 to 21 days old, with 18-days old being the average. Trust me, during that age, you can see the fetus almost fully developed, and you can expect to compressed beak, eyes, almost fully developed wings, and even veins.

Thankfully you won't see (and eat) the feathers, but still, there are reasons this dish topped so much most disgusting and most terrifying foods lists everywhere in the world.

The taste? If you can get past the notion of the looks and the reality that you are eating an embryo, it tastes like a richer version of chicken. It is very rich in nutrients, carrying an average of 188 calories, 10omg of calcium, and 14 grams of protein. As with egg yolk, be wary of its high-value of cholesterol.

2.  Fried Scorpions

You can taste this in: China, Thailand

Scorpions should not need further explanations. Besides snakes, they are arguably the most famous and feared upon poisonous creatures in the world. However, they are also one of the most popular delicacies you can find in Beijing or Bangkok street markets.

Scorpions can be cooked with various methods, from boiling to steaming, but the most popular ones are prepared using air frier. To answer your question: no, the stingers are not removed, and yes, you should also eat the stingers. The poison will be neutralized with heat, so it's fairly safe to eat. In fact, the stingers are the tastiest bits.

The taste? Expect the familiar taste of fried chicken wings, just crunchier and richer.

3.   Ant Egg Soup

You can taste this in; Laos, Thailand

The Ant Egg Soup, or called Gaeng Kai Mot Daeng back home, is probably the most unweird dish on this list. If you didn't know that it was ant eggs, the eggs are similar to soggy, puffy overcooked rice, think of it like a more textured rice porridge.

There are many variations of this dish, but the most common ingredients are tomatoes, green onions, and tamarind leaves, making the soup a clear, thin one. You can also add fishes or beef, depending on taste.

The taste? Very similar to prawn soup.

4.  Fried Tarantula Spider

You can taste this in; Cambodia, various parts of Southeast Asia

Another venomous creature, in fact, one of the most venomous creatures in the world. Deep-fried tarantula is a famous delicacy especially in Cambodia, although it is also available in other parts of Southeast Asia. It is a fairly simple dish, as the tarantulas are deep fried without any treatment, and you can definitely see the shape as if they were still alive (If you have Arachnophobia, you have been warned!).

The taste? It is often served with lime and pepper sauce, and the legs and the head are crunchy, just like the fried scorpion we have discussed above. The abdomen, however, is another game, you can expect the taste similar to chicken, just that it is a little hard to chew, as it will harden in your mouth with each chew. If you can get past the notion of chewing a giant spider abdomen, it is truly a unique experience.

5.  Grasshopper

You can taste this in; Japan, Viet Nam

Grasshopper dishes are not only popular in Asia. In fact, it is one of the most popular dishes in Mexico, known as Chapulines. However, the taste you'll get from the Japanese version of the dish is a significant difference. Known as lnago no Tsukudani, the preserved Japanese grasshoppers are boiled in soy sauce and sugar.

If you have tasted Japanese teriyaki dishes before, you can expect a similar taste. However, the crunchy legs and head of the locust will definitely accentuate your experience.

Bottom Line

There are, undoubtedly, many more unique and shivering dishes you can taste in Asia (hey, we haven't touch snake dishes here). However, the five on this list is definitely on the top of the plate and will be a perfect chance if you want to impress your friends with your courage. Some of these dishes are available in the States, whether from Asian restaurants or occasional food markets and bazaars.

Should you add them to your bucket list for things you have to try?

About Author: 

Peter Hanson loves travelling by motorcycle. Over 8 years he has gone to a lot of countries. Each destination, he always records his impressions of the journeys. He founded Letsridemotorbike.com so he can connect to people who have the same passion. At here he shared the things he has experienced with motorcycles and hopes his contribution will be useful for the motorcyclists and travel lovers.

Visit his blog to read more articles about motorcycle travelling and helpful tips!