5 foods to try, if you are brave enough

Alaska, USA: Eskimo Ice Cream 

So, you might think Eskimo ice cream sounds like a sugary delight, right? Well, think again! This frosty treat, known locally as akutaq, is a whole different ball game. Picture this: instead of your usual creamy concoction, Eskimos whip up their version using reindeer, moose or seal fat. But hold on, it gets even more interesting! Eskimo ice cream isn't just fat and nothing else. Nope, they jazz it up with dried salmon eggs, berries, or even bits of fish. It's cold, it's creamy, but let's be real, it's definitely not your average scoop. Don't go expecting a sugar rush either because the OG recipe doesn't have any sweeteners in the mix. Now, if you're feeling adventurous and happen to be touring Alaska, you might stumble upon a version of Eskimo ice cream that's been sweetened up a bit for us sugar-loving tourists. So, if you're brave enough to take a bite, keep an eye out for this unique Alaskan treat!

USA: Southern Fried Rattlesnake- Finger lickin’ Good!

Looks can be deceiving in the vast expanse of the Southwestern United States- there's a dish that's as intriguing as it is unexpected. And get this, it's cunningly camouflaged with breadcrumbs! You might be scratching your head trying to figure it out, but trust me, once it's breaded up and fried, it becomes as versatile as a gourmet meal.

It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and if you didn't know any better, you might mistake it for fried chicken. Yep, breadcrumbs work their magic to give it that familiar golden crunch. Some say it even bears a striking resemblance to alligator meat, if you've ever had the pleasure.

Italy: Casu Marzu

Italy isn't just known for its picturesque landscapes and mouth watering pasta. Nope, it's also home to some seriously adventurous culinary creations, like Casu Marzu.

At first glance, Casu Marzu looks innocent enough—a round of soft, creamy cheese made from sheep's milk. But here's where things take a turn: it's literally crawling with live maggots. Yep, you read that right. Maggots!

This Sardinian delicacy is crafted by slicing the top off a block of Pecorino cheese allowing flies to do their thing and lay eggs on it. When the eggs hatch, the larvae start munching away, creating an incredibly creamy texture in the cheese. 

Now, Casu Marzu isn't for the faint of heart. It takes a brave soul to take a bite, but those who dare are in for a flavor experience like no other. Rumor has it, this cheese is not only strong and rich but also packs a punch that'll leave you wide-eyed and wondering what other surprises Italy has up its culinary sleeve.

South Korea: Silkworm Larvae

In South Korea, strolling through a busy market is a sensory experience in itself. Among the vibrant sights and sounds, there's a distinct tangy, seafood-like aroma wafting from street food stands. Curious, you peek into one of the deep pans bubbling away and spot something resembling coffee beans. But wait, there's a steaming hiss that sounds oddly like veggies sizzling. Here's the kicker: what you're looking at isn't fish, beans, or any plant. Nope, it's something way more unexpected—it's beondegi, a South Korean delicacy made from silkworm pupae. Yep, you heard that right!

Despite its unconventional origins, beondegi is a beloved snack sold all over South Korea, from street corners to grocery stores. Boiled or steamed, it's savory and tangy with a hint of fishiness and nuttiness. And the vendors? They're not shy about adding spices or salt to kick things up a notch.

But wait, there's more! For those with a sweet tooth, there's even a candied version of beondegi made with sugar. So, the next time you stroll through a South Korean market, don't be afraid to embrace the unexpected and give beondegi a try. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite snack!

Canada: Prairie Oysters

Alright, let's dive into the wild world of Canadian cuisine, where things can get, well, a bit daring. Canadian prairie oysters. Sounds innocent enough, right? Wrong! These little delicacies, also known as Rocky Mountain Oysters, aren't fish at all. Nope, they're specially prepared bull testicles. Yup, you heard that correctly!

But hey, before you start squirming in your seat, hear me out. These “oysters” can be sautéed, fried, or even stuffed, and believe it or not, they're a hit in Canada. So much so that there's even an annual Testicle Festival dedicated to honoring this unique dish. Talk about dedication!

Now, Canada isn't the only country getting in on the, uh, action. In Italy, China, and Turkey, they've got their own version called lamb fries, which, you guessed it, are also made from the same, er, part of the anatomy. And get this, they're often served up with gravy or dips, because why not add a little extra flavor to your, um, adventure? So, don't be afraid to give prairie oysters or lamb fries a try. After all, where's the fun in sticking to the same old menu?