Frog legs in France, huhu larvae in New Zealand, each country has its own version of a wild food. Southeast Asia is no exception, with an extraordinary number of exciting dishes that attract large numbers of tourists each year, causing many to run for the hills.
Whatever your take on exotic foods, Southeast Asia has a fascinating array of options, from roasted tarantulas to snake-heart shots.
Join me for a look at the quirky delicacies of Southeast Asia and what this culinary adventure destination has to offer.
Tarantula Kebabs in Cambodia
Crispy crisp legs, delicate white meat – you can be forgiven for expecting lobster, not tarantula. This Khmer street food has quickly gained popularity among extreme consumers on the tourist circuit, despite having been consumed in Cambodia for a long time. They are believed to date back to the Khmer Rouge rule when food was scarce and the locals set about frying whatever protein source they could get.
The verdict is divided on whether they are worth trying, with some taste testers repelled by the textured eyeball pus on the abdomen and hairy legs, others claiming that the sticky inside of the belly is the sweetest part. These readily available arachnids are mostly found in Skuon, but you’ll spot them on various street vendors in Cambodia, and even some restaurants that grow the creepy critters to maintain stock levels.
Duck blood soup in Laos
Spicy, spicy, sour soup, all the unique flavors of Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for something unique and traditionally Laotian to tantalize your taste buds, try ordering the leuat paeng the next time you see it on the menu. This special dish, carefully made with duck blood, is found throughout Laos, and similar raw blood soups are served in northeast Thailand.
Served raw, it is an adventurous delicacy and a dish often longed for by people low in iron. And with a mix of herbs, spices, noodles, and lemon, it’s a delicious treat, if you can overcome the blood-drinking nature of the situation.
Bamboo worms in Southeast Asia
The word bamboo conjures up images of tranquil forests, meditating monks, and pandas, but throughout Southeast Asia, bamboo also serves as a home for the latest wild food craze. Despite sounding slimy, bamboo worms, once fried, resemble buttery, crunchy popcorn.
With their very low prices and popularity in most Southeast Asian countries, they are an inexpensive and accessible snack for tourists and locals alike.
Scorpions in Thailand
Despite their unattractive appearance and nature, many Thais believe that scorpions treat a number of ailments, including cancer and hepatitis B. With these sorts of health benefits, it’s no wonder people turn to vendors. traveling to eat a skewer. roast scorpion for lunch. You’ll find these prickly little devils easily on the streets of Bangkok, and for as low as 100 baht they are a bargain snack.
Usually cooked with the stingers still attached, the stall operator will remove the stinger before handing it over to you to devour.
Snake hearts in Vietnam
Fortunately, killing and eating snakes in Asia is becoming illegal. Many species of snakes are in danger of extinction and the ingestion of these misunderstood reptiles is not approved. However, it is fascinating to learn that a dish that the Vietnamese consider a delicacy is the heart of a recently decapitated snake. The blood is served to drink, next to it, a heart in a shot glass. It is believed to increase libido and work like an old Viagra; It is even said that you can feel your heart continue beating as it slides down your throat. The rest of the snake is removed and prepared in various styles to serve later.
There is certainly no shortage of strange Southeast Asian delicacies, and in addition to being common (and often traditional) dishes for the locals, they are an excellent source of tourism for the countries. Next time you take a tour of a foreign destination, take an extra moment to try something new and adventurous, whether you love it or hate it, it will be an unforgettable travel memory.