The locals in many countries consume foods that we find to be bizarre, but China has one of the largest varieties of food in the world. Walk down any street market in China and you'll find the delicious delicacies, the tourist treats, and even the downright disgusting. Some of these dishes are known for their tastes, some for being unique, and others for their medicinal purposes and can be made from animals, plants, insects, and just about anything else. The saying must be true, "The Chinese eat everything with four legs, except tables and chairs, and everything that flies, except airplanes."
10. Balut
Editors Note: Balut is a Chinese dish that was adopted by the Philippines in the 17th century. It is now considered a national dish of the Philippines but it is a Chinese food – hence it's inclusion on this list. "According to a study in 2007, Chinese traders and migrants brought the custom of eating fertilized duck eggs to the Philippines around the 17th century. It's also said the origin is from Chinese's "Maodan," or "feathered egg."
Many of us consume eggs in some form without even questioning it, because they are unfertilized and have many nutritious benefits for our lives. The Chinese, along with other countries, eat eggs in a very different way known as balut. Balut is a partially developed chicken or duck egg that has been incubated between 14 and 21 days before being boiled and eaten.
Balut is a popular street food that can be found at many roadside markets. It may sound sickening to eat a partially developed duck, but this dish is considered a delicacy in many places such as China. The fertilized egg is boiled for about 25 minutes and is eaten while the egg is still warm. The yolk portion is described as rich and creamy with an overall mild taste, and some eggs contain bones and feathers that are edible, which (according to local belief) make the men eating them appear more masculine.
9. Silkworms
Various insects are considered a delicacy in many cultures. In China, silkworms are one of those insects, and they are enjoyed by the locals. Silkworm pupae remaining after their fibrous cocoons have been harvested are used in several different ways for consumption. The flavor is like shrimp or crab and has a chewy consistency.
Silkworms can be found in local markets cooked several ways or stocked frozen and canned. Chinese-style silkworms are added to stir-fry with your favorite vegetables, soy sauce, and seasonings. Its normally served up with rice or noodles, or the pupae can be deep fried and served with your choice of dipping sauce. If you're not sold on consuming the insect in your stir fry, you can always start with the sweeter and more tourist-friendly version, chocolate-covered silkworms.
8. Sheep Penis
If you are looking to boost libido, the Chinese have a bizarre food that may help. Sheep penis along with other animal penises and testicles are served as a remedy for the problem. A restaurant in China, Guolizhuang, is dedicated to serving all types of dishes with animal genitalia such as sheep gonads on a bed of curry and steamed sheep penis.
The locals enjoy the flavor of the dish, but they also believe it is good for one's health. Many of the customers at the restaurant are males looking to increase potency and sexual prowess. The Chinese believe that they can replenish parts of their bodies by eating dishes with those same body parts, which is why testicles and penises are consumed to improve sexual health. Instead of turning to a pill, try this unique Chinese dish instead.
7. Pi Dan
Pi Dan, also known as century egg, is a traditional Chinese food that boasts a unique color and fragrance. It is usually a duck or chicken egg that is preserved in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, and alkaline material. The egg yolk may appear yellow, dark green, or brown depending on the processing time, but the center is normally soft in all colors. Refreshing, smooth, delicious, and salty are words that normally describe the unique food.
