Exotic Foods II – The Revenge!

Think you’ve tried everything? Are you the type who laughs in the face of nuclear strength Asian hot peppers? Scoffs at a handful of African deep-fried crickets or will happily grub down on things that normal people wouldn’t even touch? (Well except maybe the French!) Well then you are going to love this list of exotic culinary delicacies from around the world.

Grilled Iguana meat, El Salvador

Iguanas are typically thought of as the pets of eccentric lizard-lovers or in very dry regions of America as bothersome desert pests… But that’s not all – in some areas of the world, especially El Salvador, iguana meat is a true delicacy revered more than the finest seafood or beef. El Salvador locals also swear by iguana meat as a cure-all for any number of ailments. The most humorous thing about iguana meat…almost everyone that has tasted it will tell you the same thing – it really does taste like chicken!

Fermented century eggs, Southern China

Disgusted yet? Most people are. In china the Fermented century eggs are highly revered as an expensive delicacy. Here’s a brief explanation on how they are made. Duck, quail, chicken or guinea fowl eggs are kept in a mix of salt, clay, ash and various other ingredients dependant on the region. Next the entire concoction is wrapped in a rice straw bundle. Lime juice is added to make sure the egg doesn’t actually become TOO rotten. As the egg ferments, the clay mixture will turn into a hard crust, preserving the delicate egg. Only after 4 long and smelly months is the egg finally ready to be eaten. Typically the crust is cut as smoothly as possible so the egg can be cooked and served in it.

Odori ebi, Japan

Odori ebi or “dancing prawn” is a live sushi dish that you probably aren’t going to find at your neighborhood sushi restaurant. Unless you are in some remote village in Japan of course! The Odori ebi is a type of soft-shelled prawn that’s eaten live. For what we’ve read the prawn literally “dances” all the way down. There is also a traditional sauce and drink that goes with this dish. Although we aren’t discounting it just yet, we’re pretty sure this local delicacy won’t be making an appearance in America any time soon.