Trying out new foods can be a scary and exciting thing. There are so many unique and delectable foods out there to try.
A pasty filled with reindeer meat in Norway
Some may prefer to stick with simple foods like pasta and pizza, burgers and fries, but for those always looking for the next best thing, there’s plenty of new culinary experiences to be had. If you are one of those culinary adventurists and foodie travellers who love to discover local dishes and taste unusual ingredients, we’ve got you covered.
Trying out street food in Penang, Malaysia
Here’s a list of some interesting meals you still haven’t tried yet to keep your taste buds on their toes.
Octopus: King of the deep sea
To start this list off with a bang, we’ll begin with octopus. Don’t let the tentacles scare you, this sea-critter packs a punch of flavor. The chewy texture of this delectable seafood makes it a great addition to salads, pasta, or even barbecues. Octopus is a staple food in Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy and Greece. I love it grilled as a starter like they serve it in the island of Crete.
Adding both texture and the flavor of the sea to any dish. You can eat the whole octopus or only the tentacles raw. You can eat octopus raw, braised, or grilled and season with lemon juice, soya sauce, or chili for a refreshing dish you haven’t tried before.
Back to basics: Pasties
For some, this might seem like an odd choice on this list. But for those who’ve spent their whole life eating unusual foods, it might be time to treat your taste buds to something more traditional, like Cornish pasties.
Photo by Nadi Lindsay
A pasty can be any crispy, flaky, pastry with a mouthwatering savory or sweet filling. The good thing is there are bakers, retailers, and distributors who can have these delivered to your home. Having these pasties by post to your door ensures you have easy access to this tasty pasty. Whether you prefer traditional Cornish meat pasties or fancy new varieties with blueberries or cheese and onion, there’s something out there for everyone. You can even find vegan options to suit your dietary needs!
The cow got your tongue?
Another out-of-the-ordinary food for you to try is cow tongue. The idea may put you off at first, but like many things on this list, it’s definitely worth it. Cow tongue served in stews is a delicacy served in many parts of the world. Not only is it delicious, and nutritious, it’s also sustainable as you can use more of the cow! During cooking, the tongue softens and absorbs flavours, giving you a perfectly seasoned, delicate bite every time. We highly recommend giving this a try if you’re looking for something new and hearty.
Spirulina: Nature’s Superfood
This superfood has been taking the world by storm for the past few years. Isolated from certain types of sea algae, you can find it in the form of a beautiful emerald green powder. Spirulina by itself doesn’t have much of a flavor, but adding it to your food packs it with nutrients and gives it that signature beautiful colour. It’s packed with antioxidants, and nutrients and makes a great addition to smoothies, ice creams, sauces, and much more. This might be the most health-beneficial item on this list, so if you’re up for the challenge, give it a try the next time you see it.
Bubble tea: Asian sensation
By now, most people have seen this bubbly drink somewhere, but surprisingly few have tried it. Bubble tea is a popular drink in Asia that’s slowly making its way through the west. Bubble tea, or boba, consists of sweet milk tea, coffee, or fruit juice mixed with a variety of toppings. With bubble tea, you can truly customize your experience. You can go with tapioca pearls with your bubble tea if you want the classic experience. If you want something more exotic, you can try it with fruits like lychee or aloe chunks, or go the experimental route with red beans or sago. There’s something for everybody when it comes to bubble tea, so next time you see it, give this “instagrammable” drink a try.
Photo by J. Remus
Truffles: the luxury of good food
What turns most people off from truffles is the price tag. They’re expensive for a reason because they’re very hard to find, needing to be snuffed out by dogs or pigs in the countryside. Truffles are a form of fungus that grows in forests, and without them, food wouldn’t be the same. This delectable fungus is the diamond, the gold, and the whole goldmine when it comes to spices, it’s that good! Famous for its rich flavor, you can add it to your dishes sliced or in the form of an oil. A little goes a long way, so you can get your money’s worth, while you elevate your dishes.
So there you have it. There are so many delicious food experiences out there for you to sample and taste. The only problem at the end of the day, is will you have enough time to try them all? From the depths of the ocean to the forests and mountains, there’s something for everybody. You better work fast if you want to experience it all! So get out there and eat happily!
