For the Love of Food
One of the best parts about traveling is the food! There are new sights to see, interesting people to meet, and mouth-watering food to eat. However, that isn't always the case. In fact, some foods can be downright strange and unsettling, and certainly not for those with weak stomachs. With that in mind, here are 10 foods tourists should avoid, and 10 worth the trip!
1. Jellied Eels
England's traditional street food item, dating all the way back to the 18th century. The eels are boiled and then cooled, making them produce their own soft, transparent jelly on the cuts. While definitely unique, a lot of people are thrown off by the flavor, texture, and scent of this dish.
2. Hon Mhai
A traditional Thai dish made with deep-fried silkworms. Street cart vendors fry the worms and immediately season them with salt, pepper, and sometimes a secret sauce. Even though they are rich in protein and have a crunchy texture, a lot of people stay away from these bitter-tasting worms.
3. Beondegi
This classic South Korean street food is made with insect pupae. They are usually boiled or steamed, then seasoned and served in small cups. Although an acquired taste, lots of people can't get over the fact of what they are actually eating.
4. A-ping
The city of Skuon in Cambodia is crawling with spiders, so the locals started consuming them back in 1970 to prevent starvation. Nowadays, A-ping has become a deep-fried spider delicacy. Despite the flavor being described as a cross between chicken and fish, non-locals and tourists steer clear of it.
5. Balut
Considered an aphrodisiac among locals, Balut is a fertilized, incubated, and then hard-boiled duck egg. It is considered a poor man's meal in the Philippines and is well-known and beloved locally. Many tourists are very discouraged by the looks, or even the thought of eating a fertilized and incubated baby duck from an egg.
6. Ti-huih-ko
Ti-huih-ko, or pig's blood cake, is an unusual Taiwanese street food. Made from pig blood-coated sticky rice, it is definitely an acquired taste. With its flavor being described as porky, sweet, salty, and delicious, many people can't bring themselves to give it a try.
7. Sannakji
Sticky, chewy, slimy, and salty, Sannakji is a South Korean dish made from a raw baby octopus. Many street food vendors suggest giving it a try, especially when paired with green tea. Although liked by some, quite a number of people feel uneasy seeing the dish still in motion, twitching on the plate.
8. Wet Burrito
The wet burrito is exactly what it sounds like—a wet burrito. Especially popular in Michigan, this dish is smothered in red chili sauce, and the whole thing is topped with heaps of melted cheese. It's very filling, but many say it makes them feel dizzy afterward.
9. Luosifen
One of many traditional Chinese dishes, Luosifen is a dish consisting of a snail-based broth. Though other ingredients are very common in Chinese cuisine, such as pickled bamboo shoots, peanuts, tofu skins, and various vegetables, the texture and flavor of a snail broth are off-putting to many people.
10. Haggis
A traditional and historical dish, Haggis is a savory Scottish delicacy. Originating in ancient times, it is still made and enjoyed by many. However, it requires a very specifically acquired taste and an open mind.
Now that we have discussed foods you might want to avoid, here are 10 you can try without worry.
1. Panzerotti
An Italian gem, Panzerotti are delicious pizza-stuffed turnovers that are sure to make your mouth water. Extremely popular all across southern Italy, they are very commonly a go-to for tourists visiting for the first, or even the tenth time. These deep-fried, crispy, cheesy pockets are a must when visiting Italy.
2. Quesabirria
If you are planning to visit Mexico, be sure to try these tacos while you're there. A popular street food, it is a fusion between a traditional Mexican meat stew and quesadillas. Usually served with a side of broth for dipping, you're sure to go back and buy a few more.
3. Souvlaki
One of the most popular and recognizable Greek dishes around the world, Souvlaki is loved so much that you can buy it almost anywhere in Greece, including takeout, on the beach, street corners, vendors, and restaurants. Whether you like pork, chicken, beef, or lamb, you're sure to love Souvlaki.
4. Ta'ameya
A year-round favorite in Egypt, these fritters are an absolute delicacy. Often flavored with leeks, coriander, onions, parsley, and cumin, they are packed with delicious flavor. Usually stuffed in a warm pita bread, paired with pickled vegetables, fried eggplants, minty yogurt, and a hummus dip, they are sure to make you crave more.
5. Burek
Buttery, crispy, crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, Burek is a street food you don't want to pass on. Although many Balkan countries claim it as their national dish, they mostly agree that Bosnia and Herzegovina do it best. It is one of those dishes that lives in your head rent-free from the moment you try it for the first time.
6. Carnitas
A very flavorful, tender, and succulent dish, Carnitas are many people's favorite street food. With only two ingredients—pork and salt—the meat is braised, roasted, or slow-cooked in its own fat until perfectly tender and juicy. Carnitas are found everywhere from street stalls to upscale restaurants in Mexico.
7. Sfenj
A popular Moroccan and Algerian street food, Sfenj is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With a chewy and fluffy interior, and a crispy, golden exterior, these little doughnut-like bites are irresistible. You can have them plain or dusted with icing sugar.
8. Pierogi
Formerly a peasant food, Pierogi has evolved into one of Poland's most liked street foods. Every family has their own version of pierogi fillings, which makes them all unique. But if you are looking for the classic street food experience, you can expect a delicious, chewy, and consistently perfect filled dumpling every time.
9. Brik
This Tunisian filled flaky pastry is sure to make you go back for more. Stuffed with a variety of savory ingredients, it is an explosion of flavor. The layers of this street food create a crunchy, buttery, craveable texture you are sure to love.
Souad Anane Lesina on Wikimedia
10. Shaved Ice
Shaved ice has become a staple of street food desserts. From carnivals to street vendors, you can find it pretty much in any flavor you want. Who can resist a brightly colored, cartoon-like cone of flavored icy goodness?
