Top 5 Strange Foods to Try in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is a food-lover’s paradise. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the quiet corners of Cambodia, you’re never too far from a lip-smacking feed. Sampling local fare is a great way to experience a culture, even if that means, let’s say, munching the legs off a deep-fried tarantula.
Not for the faint of heart (or stomach), here are our top five strange foods to try in Southeast Asia.
Fried Tarantula
The best place to try fried tarantula is in the Cambodian market town of Skuon, around 80 kilometres from the country’s capital, Phnom Penh.
Known locally as “a-ping”, this unique snack-food is said to have originated under the reign of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970’s, when food was so scarce that people were literally forced to eat whatever they could find.
For the uninitiated, it’s a good idea to start with the legs and head. Crispy, crunchy, and with delicate white flesh underneath, you might find the taste to sit somewhere between French fries, fish and barbecued ribs. However, the real test is the abdomen, a gelatinous concoction of spider eggs, excrement and all things slimy.
What better way to get over your fear of spiders?
Durian
Known as the “King of Fruits” in Southeast Asia, the durian is equal parts adored and hated by millions of people around the world.
Sold by street vendors and supermarkets all across the region, this divisive fruit is perhaps known for one thing in particular – its smell; think rotting onions, vomit, and for good measure, a healthy dose of roadkill. If you’re curious, give it a shot. With its creamy, sweet, custard-like flesh, you might discover a new favourite fruit.
On the other hand, you may never want to eat fruit again. Either way, it’ll no doubt make for an interesting experience.
Bamboo Worms
Walk through any market in Southeast Asia and you’re likely to encounter at least one vendor pushing a cart stocked with piles of insect snacks. While foreigners are fascinated, if not a little put off by this delicacy, to locals it’s simply a way of life.
Bamboo worms are among the tastier and more inviting of Southeast Asia’s bug cuisine. Fried in oil, chili, and sprayed with soy sauce for added zing, the taste and texture is similar to buttered popcorn. These protein-rich critters are offered in bars as a healthy alternative to chips or pretzels, and best enjoyed with a local beer.
White Ant Egg Soup
Travelling through Southeast Asia, the word “soup” probably conjures up delicious images of a Malaysian laksa, Vietnamese pho, or a spicy Thai tom yum. These are your usual suspects. How about a soup on the other end of the spectrum?
Popular across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, white ant egg soup is so strange you simply have to try it. A mixture of eggs, partial embryos and baby ants, this dish will test even the most courageous food-lover.
The eggs are soft, almost caviar-like, and have a delectably sour taste that pops in your mouth.
Xosé Castro Roig
Balut
Balut is an incredibly popular dish in its native Philippines, sold by street vendors and restaurants alike.
Found also in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, this high-protein snack is a half-fertilised duck egg boiled in its shell. Eating Balut is a mind of matter game for first-timers, as appearance alone can unsettle your stomach. However, most who finish off this delicacy will admit it tastes much better than it looks.
Prepared with a pinch of salt, chili, garlic and vinegar, Balut is usually washed down with a cold local beer. If you’re really looking for an incentive, it’s believed that these eggs will even boost your libido.
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