Ever fancied trying something a little different for supper? Maybe the usual roast chicken, stuffed vine leaves or macaroni cheese just aren't rocking your palette anymore? How about a delicious still-beating, cobra heart accompanied by a German blood sausage sandwich and washed down with some fish sperm. And how about some lime green jelly salad to finish off this most unusual ensemble?
To some it may sound like their worst nightmare (and well, Halloween is coming up) but for others these foods form part of a staple diet and offer many nutritional benefits. Eddie Lin, a food writer with an appetite for the unusual, has toured the globe in search of fascinating meals to try and has compiled a gastronomic guide unlike any other. Extreme Cuisine, published by Lonely Planet, features anything from the utterly outrageous such as Raw chicken, served in Japan, that comes with a health warning. Not surprising since chicken should never been eaten raw or undercooked for fear of salmonella poisoning. To meals that actually sound quite appetising such as Horse meat (mentioned in the book as being served in Japan and Canada although I think if Eddie travels to France he may find it available in abundance) and Haggis (a Scottish favourite consisting of sheep stomach lining encased with sheep's heart, liver and lung, all minced and mixed with oatmeal, suet, onions, stock and seasoning).
I found the book quite funny since Eddie gives a taste description of each of the foods he tried such as Lamb fries, the Lebanese answer to lamb's testicles, locally known as Beyd Ghanam, said to be, "spongy, soft bites of balls…sweet and zesty!" or how about some Pig face, as Eddie says, "Snap off the ear and eat it like a thick, crispy, chewy, greasy potato chip."
The absolute, worst food in the book for me, (and there was a lot to contend with including deep fried Tarantula from Cambodia, Maggot Cheese from Sardinia, Bull's Penis from Asia and even barbecued Guinea Pig from Peru). But no, the winner of the most disgusting food that even I wouldn't dare try was……drum roll please……PURE PORK FAT from the Ukraine. Even reading about it made me feel quite ill. Think Lard, my friend, but apparently it can be served on top of toasted or fried bread, be used as a starter for borscht, served as a main course or simply eaten with salt and honey. It may sound like a heart attack waiting to happen, but the Ukrainians like to also serve their Pig fat, or Salo, as it is affectionately known, covered in Chocolate. From Eddie's experience, the taste was, "without curing, soft, chewy, creamy and greasy." There's a surprise.
Of his travels, Eddie also said, "Trying local delicacies is an important part of the travel experience, it allows you to immerse yourself in another culture, engage with local people and it can give you some unique memories from your trip."
I have to agree, if you are travelling to foreign lands then there's nothing worse than asking for a plate of chips. Whilst there, it's a crucial part of your journey to try new foods, drinks and even events that the locals enjoy. You're more likely to make local friends and have a great time too.
Have a happy Halloween and don't be frightened by your dinner!
Extreme Cuisine: Exotic tastes from around the world. Author: Eddie Lin. Published by Lonely Planet and available in most good bookshops and online priced at £5.99.
or go to www.lonelyplanet.co.uk
