World Food Day: Wednesday 16th October

When it comes to weird and wonderful dishes, we Brits aren't exactly the most inventive. We tend to play it safe and don't mess with our ingredients too much, but this isn't the case for the rest of the world! From Iceland to Japan, the USA to Cambodia, there are foody traditions we could never imagine - here's a list of the ones we find truly intriguing:

Hákarl (Iceland)

For the boldest of food adventurers, Hákarl is Iceland’s 'we dare you' delicacy. It's fermented (or rotten) shark meat that’s cured, buried underground, and dried for months. With a hefty aroma and unique flavour, it’s basically a badge of courage.

Escamoles
(Mexico and Central America)

Escamoles - 'insect caviar' - are the edible larvae and pupae of ants. Apparently they’ve got a kind of nutty taste and a creamy cottage-cheese-style texture. Perfect in tacos or omelettes, they’re one of Mexico’s most nutritious, and adventurous, fillings.

Ambrosia Salad (USA)

Ambrosia Salad isn't really a salad... not the way we Brits know it anyway! It's proof that Americans can turn anything into dessert, with a mix of fruits, whipped cream, jelly, and marshmallow, it's definitely more suited for those with a sweet tooth.

Century Egg (China)

No, it’s not actually a 100-year-old egg, but it’s fairly old! The egg is aged enough to turn the yolk dark green and the white into jelly. While extremely pongy, the taste is essentially that of a hard-boiled egg, though much richer.

Fugu (Japan)

You'll definitely have heard of this one! Made famous across multiple TV programmes, fugu is that famously toxic puffer fish which requires extremely specialist chefs to prepare. It’s a light, delicate treat - just try not to think about the whole “fatal paralysing tetrodotoxin poison” thing while you’re enjoying it...

Deep-Fried Butter (USA)

There's really no other country that comes to mind is there? The USA serves this favourite at fairgrounds and similar events, often with icing sugar or syrup on top. Crunchy on the outside, melted and creamy on the inside. Yum?

Huitlacoche (Mexico)

Huitlacoche is a bit of a weird one. It's basically mouldy corn, diseased with a pathogenic fungus also known as 'corn smut'. Ok so it's technically a fungus, but it's been native to Mexico for thousands of years and is treated like a delicious gift from nature. Mushroom-y, earthy, and woody, its packed with nutrition and makes for a wonderful meat alternative.

Khash (Armenia)

Khash is the breakfast of champions! Boiled cow and sheep parts (think feet and stomach) are simmered with onion and garlic to create a rich broth, perfect for dipping bread or lavash. It’s warm, hearty, and the best way to kick off your day in Armenia.

Rocky Mountain Oysters (USA)

Rocky Mountain Oysters aren't oysters... sorry to spoil it for you. They're actually deep-fried bull testicles, obviously. But hey, with enough salt and pepper, these crispy bites are surprisingly tasty. Perfect for the adventurous eater looking to check something off the bucket list.

Czernina (Poland)

Duck or goose blood soup might sound quite intense, but in Poland, it’s just another hearty dish. Originating as a way to use every part of slaughtered poultry, this sweet and sour broth is made using blood, vinegar, and dried fruit. It's iron-rich and the perfect thickener for other kinds of soups - delicious, and practical!

Fried Spider (Cambodia)

Fried spiders in Cambodia are exactly that, and are often rolled in garlic or sugar. These regional snacks apparently have crunchy legs which taste like pork, and a softer, more tender body which tastes like chestnuts. Although it might seem scary, the locals love them and so do thousands of tourists!