The end of 2012 is rapidly approaching. On top of that, the second anniversary of Tanama Tales is around the corner. What better way to celebrate than remembering some of the best adventures of these past two years?
Today, I bring you a recount of the Most Exotic and Weird Food we have tasted.
Deep Fried Butter at the Orange County Fair, California
The flavor is not a problem in this case. Butter by itself has a nice flavor. Messiness is not a factor either. The bar of butter used is frozen before getting in contact with the oil.
The problem is the quantity. A small bite may be fine. However, I cannot imagine how somebody can finish and entire bar. Plus, it is painful to imagine all the fat contained in the butter floating and getting stuck to your arteries. To me, that is the grossest part.
Learn more about other dishes served in the Orange County Fair.
Wide selection of foods to clog your arteries
Chapulines (Grasshoppers) in Oaxaca, Mexico
Disclosure: I am not a big fan of insects. When faced, with the opportunity to taste some chapulines in the markets of Oaxaca, my legs became wobbly. I walked by pretending I didn’t see anything. My husband, a lover of all things exotic, stopped to buy some. The selection was wide; small size, large size, chili flavor, garlic flavor.
I ended up trying them. The flavor was nutty and spicy. The texture was similar to beef jerky. Mission accomplished. I can say I enjoy eating at least one type of insects.
Learn more about the chapulines sold in Oaxaca.
Chapulines
Jumping Shrimp Salad in Phayao, Thailand
In the small city of Phayao, there is a fresh water lake from were tiny shrimp are extracted. A salad is prepared mixing live shrimp with ginger, Kaffir lime, green onions and other spices. When you try a scoop, the shrimp jump in your mouth. I arrived to the tasting late so I was not able to feel the shrimp moving. The taste is very similar to ceviche. In retrospective, I am glad I arrive late.
Learn more about our Phayao experience.
Jumping Shrimp Salad Preparation
Len Snails in Little Saigon, California
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy exotic tastes. Little Saigon (includes cities like Garden Grove and Westminster) is a 40 minute drive from our house. Recently, we were walking around the area trying to decide where to ear. I remember passing by a couple who had a plate of snails at their table. My only thought was “Dang!” I had no idea I was going to end like them.
When we sat down to eat, I saw on the menu a plate of snails in a coconut cream. I asked my husband if he wanted to try them (just him). He said yes so I proceeded to order. When the appetizer arrived, my husband tried them without hesitation and he repeated many times how good they were. I tried one and was surprised by its tastiness. I was worried about the texture of the snail but it was firm like a clam. Once we were done, I saw other restaurants offering dishes with other type of snails. I guess we will have to come back soon.
Len Snails in Coconut Milk
Elephant Dung Beetle Larva in Laos
This is the grossest topic I have written about. I am not sure what can top it. A type of beetle deposits its eggs in elephant dung. With time, the larva starts to grow and the dung dries. Ladies take these larvae and sell it to visitors. Don’t ask me why somebody would eat something so nasty (it is not even prepared).
But you know my husband. He couldn’t lose an opportunity like that. He ate one and declared the flavor as “rotten.” I don’t really want to remember the episode (I guess that is why it takes the top stop).
For some really gross photos of the beetle larva, check this post.
Guess what is this?
What is the most exotic thing you have eaten? Let me know in the comment section below.
