Ask any non-Filipino to name some Filipino food that they know, and Balut will most likely be among the first to be mentioned. Balut, a fertilized duck embryo boiled and sold as street food in the Philippines, has gained notoriety among Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike. The hit American TV show "Fear Factor" has even dared its contestants to try this delicacy, which is also found in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Balut is also usually served with beer and is believed to be an aphrodisiac.
2. Smoked Bats (Indonesia)
In Indonesia, smoked bats are a delicacy. These bats resemble tiny mice and are usually smoked whole. According to some who have tried it, smoked bat actually tastes like beef jerky.
3. Criadillas (Spain)
Bull testicles--that's what they are. These are first coated with a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper, then breaded and then fried, served with a wine sauce. It is believed that this dish would give one's masculinity a boost. Sometimes, pig or sheep testicles may be used.
4. Casu Marzu (Italy)
If you love cheese, you might have to think twice before trying out this type of cheese from Italy. Found mainly in Sardinia, Italy, Casu marzu or Casu modde is sheep milk cheese that contains actual, living insect larvae. These larvae are added to break down the fat, which occurs when the cheese reaches a near-state of decomposition.
5. Sannakji (South Korea)
Although raw seafood isn't really that uncommon in East Asia (with the Japanese sashimi and sushi being the most popular), the South Korean Sannakji is something surely unique. Here, live baby octopus is chopped up, sprinkled with sesame oil, and served while the chopped-up parts are still squirming around on your plate. Eating Sannakji requires extra precaution, since the suction cups on the tentacles may stick to one's mouth or throat if not chewed properly.
6. Roast Guinea Pig a.k.a. Cuy (Peru)
Cuy, or guinea pig, is a common delicacy in Peru. It may be served in different ways, and stuffed and roasted is one of the popular ways to prepare it. Stuffed with a mixture of parsley and herbs and its own innards, the guinea pug would also be pierced at various parts of its body to get rid of the fat. A common way to eat this is to grab the whole Cuy and suck the meat off the bones.
7. Black Pudding (United Kingdom)
Black Pudding is made from dried pig's blood that is placed inside a filler, and boiled enough for it to thicken when cooled. This is commonly served for breakfast, along with eggs. Aside from blood, other food items placed inside the filler include oatmeal, onion, chestnuts, and barley, among others.
8. Svid (Iceland)
Svid is a traditional dish from Iceland that consists of sheep's head, that is cut in half and then singed using gasoline to remove the fur. The brain is then removed, and the head is boiled and served whole with mashed potato at the side.
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