When it comes to travel, sampling the authentic dishes is a great way to get to know a new culture. We've rounded up some of the most bizarre that might be worth sinking your teeth into. Enjoy!
Kopi Luwak: On the islands of Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi on the Indonesian Archipelago you can find one of the finest, and most expensive coffees in the world. However, even those prepared to sample the most unusual dishes on the menu might find the idea of this coffee rather distasteful. The drink is made from the excrement of a native cat-like creature called a Luwak. Bon Appetite!
Balut: This delicacy from the Philippines is made up of a fully fertilised egg of either a chicken or duck. Those brave enough will first sip the embryotic fluid and then peel the shell to feast upon the insides. You will find that in the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam the eggs will be served buried in sand to keep them warm and served with a side of salt.
Muktuk: Ignore the fun-sounding name; this traditional Inuit dish served across Alaska is made from raw whale skin and blubber. If the idea of eating raw fat turns your stomach, and understandably so, you can order it diced, deep fried and even pickled - if that tickles your fancy. The dish is said to be an excellent source of protein, fat (unsurprisingly!) and vitamin C. Apparently the best time of year to sample Muktuk is during summer AKA the whaling season.
Snake wine: Every unusual meal requires something to wash it down with and in Vietnam the drink of choice for the adventurous is snake wine. This bizarre drink is produced by putting a venomous snake inside a bottle of rice wine and then leaving it to ferment for months. This allows the poison to dissolve into the highly alcoholic wine rendering it harmless to man. This unusual drink is said to have medicinal purposes. Try it if you dare!
Kopi Luwak: On the islands of Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi on the Indonesian Archipelago you can find one of the finest, and most expensive coffees in the world. However, even those prepared to sample the most unusual dishes on the menu might find the idea of this coffee rather distasteful. The drink is made from the excrement of a native cat-like creature called a Luwak. Bon Appetite!
Balut: This delicacy from the Philippines is made up of a fully fertilised egg of either a chicken or duck. Those brave enough will first sip the embryotic fluid and then peel the shell to feast upon the insides. You will find that in the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam the eggs will be served buried in sand to keep them warm and served with a side of salt.
Muktuk: Ignore the fun-sounding name; this traditional Inuit dish served across Alaska is made from raw whale skin and blubber. If the idea of eating raw fat turns your stomach, and understandably so, you can order it diced, deep fried and even pickled - if that tickles your fancy. The dish is said to be an excellent source of protein, fat (unsurprisingly!) and vitamin C. Apparently the best time of year to sample Muktuk is during summer AKA the whaling season.
Snake wine: Every unusual meal requires something to wash it down with and in Vietnam the drink of choice for the adventurous is snake wine. This bizarre drink is produced by putting a venomous snake inside a bottle of rice wine and then leaving it to ferment for months. This allows the poison to dissolve into the highly alcoholic wine rendering it harmless to man. This unusual drink is said to have medicinal purposes. Try it if you dare!
About the Author:
Catherine McCulloch is a London-based travel writer. Check out the MyTravel website for great deals on flight and places to stay.
