One of the best things about going on holiday is sampling the local cuisine but if you’re travelling to Asia, there are a few dishes that’ll take the courage of adventurer Bear Grylls to get your chops around.
And we’re not talking about a chicken chow main or a plate of sushi. There are some pretty hardcore Asian dishes out there. Here’s a guide for what to look out for depending where you travel:
South Korea:
In South Korea you can literally tuck into a real hot dog (with our without the bun). Chowing on man’s best friend isn’t that common in Korea as eating dog meat has actually been banned. It is allowed on August 17 or ‘Malbok’ day and it’s mostly eaten by older men, who believe it will boost fertility.
Cambodia:
Spiders have become something of a delicacy in Camboida, particularly around the town of Skuon. It’s believed that when the country was under the rule of the Khmer Rouge, people were starving so had to resort to eating what they could find. As such Skuon spiders found their way onto the menu and they still remain today.
Vietnam & Thailand:
If it was possible to whip up a meal made with all the rats that plague towns and cities, the global food crisis would be solved. However, in Vietman and Thailand, fried rats (the countryside variety) can be found deep fried on the menu. Apparently they are pretty hard to digest and can be dangerous if they’re not properly cooked. Munch with caution.
Japan:
Tuna eyes are hot on the menu in Japan, and a great delicay that can either be eaten raw or lightly steamed. This dish is not recommended if you don’t like being eyeballed when you’re eating.
China & Taiwan:
If you think that eating tiger meat is unethical, then spare a thought for the few locations in China or Taiwan that serve up tiger penis soup. Believed to be a potent aphrodisiac, tigers everywhere are grateful that Viagra has now been invented, as the demand for the $400 dish has dropped.
