Some say trying out an unusual delicacy is not for the faint-hearted, but others have gloated that these meals are quite the treat. Here are 5 dishes that adventure eaters can try when in Asia.
Birds soup nest
Where to find it? Hong Kong.
Bird’s nest soup can help aid digestion, strengthen the immune system and increase libido. So what is the soup exactly? They use bird's nest that is made out of bird saliva, which has dried and hardened. Mix that with some other ingredients and you got yourself a soup.
Inago
Where to find it? Japan
Inago is the Japanese word for locust. The dish is boiled in soy sauce and sugar. The locusts are prepared in the "tsukudani" style of cooking and is quite popular in Japan's inland and mountain regions, including Nagano and Fukushima.
Sannakji
Where to find it? Korea
Type sannakji and you will see videos of people indulging in this delicacy. While the octopus is not actually alive, its nerves in the cephalopod’s limbs are still active. The dish is served with sesame seeds and usually served with alcohol.
Fried Tarantula
Where to find it? Cambodia
You will find this on the streets of Cambodia. The tarantula is deep fried and a must try when visiting this destination.
And now for something not so bad…
Bubble Tea
Where to find it? Taiwan, although many western countries have been selling it.
I have tried some in Durban and I loved it. Bubble tea is a Taiwanese tea-based drink invented in Taichung in the 1980s. It contains a tea base mixed/shaken with fruit or milk, with jelly balls added. The range of flavours will pop in your mouth, leaving you wanting more.