Lonely Planet Experts Share Their Most Bizarre Food Adventures Around the World
Travel pushes us beyond our comfort zones, especially when sampling local specialties. Before diving into exotic eats, consider these eye-opening stories from Lonely Planet's experienced staff—from deep-fried insects and fermented seafood to igloo dining and near-death cocktail mishaps.
We gathered unforgettable encounters with the world's weirdest foods, shared by our destination editors and travel specialists.
Crispy Critters in Cambodia
Throughout my travels, I've spotted countless local delicacies roadside. None stand out like the trays of deep-fried tarantulas in Skuon, Cambodia—their twisted, deep-purple legs resembling an intense version of India's sugary jalebi. Far from sweet, though.
Hesitantly crunching into my first spider leg, I pondered its origins: born from famine during the Khmer Rouge era in the 1970s, it became a beloved staple. I managed two—surprisingly not bad!
Matt Phillips, Destination Editor for Sub-Saharan Africa. Follow him on Twitter @Go2MattPhillips.
A Seafood Misadventure in Portugal
At 13, on a family trip to Tavira, Portugal, I boldly ordered choquinhos à algarvia—grilled cuttlefish—eager to prove my sophistication. But the pale, tentacled horrors resisted my fork like Lovecraftian nightmares, complete with a squeaky bite I won't forget.
James Kay, Editor for lonelyplanet.com. Follow him on Twitter @jameskay123.
A Misunderstood Snack in Zimbabwe
On a Victoria Falls game drive, our guide raved about mopane worms—dried emperor moth caterpillars from mopane trees, a crispy local treat.
At the hotel buffet alongside crocodile and buffalo, my sister mistook them for fruit, loading up her plate. Reality hit hard; desserts followed as palate cleansers.
Louise Bastock, Assistant Editor of lonelyplanet.com. Follow her on Twitter @LouiseBastock.
A Death-Defying Cocktail in Thailand
Relaxing on Ko Tao's beach during sunset, a massive coconut thudded inches from my head. Claiming it for dinner, the chef—avenging her ex's similar misfortune—chopped it into the freshest piña coladas ever. Score: AnneMarie 1, coconut 0.
AnneMarie McCarthy, Social News Coordinator at Lonely Planet Travel News.
An Authentic Feast in Azerbaijan
During Novruz in Azerbaijan's last communist village, dinner in a shed featured wine foot-crushed by a fellow guest. All ingredients were locally traded by host John, an expat sausage maker. The exquisite meal, home-brewed vodka, and bonfire-jumping ritual left me enlightened.
Jack Palfrey, Assistant Editor of lonelyplanet.com. Follow him on Twitter @JPalfers.
Iceland's Controversial Hákarl
In an Eastfjords farmhouse, I tackled fermented Greenland shark (hákarl) for breakfast. Toxic flesh cured by months of hanging, it's infamous—Anthony Bourdain called it the worst thing he'd eaten. Tasting like fizzy squid with cheese notes, it's better than its stench suggests.
James Smart, Destination Editor for Japan, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Follow him on Twitter @smartbadger.
Couscous Overload in Morocco
On my first big trip at 18, Morocco meant couscous for three weeks straight. The highlight: a Berber family's Atlas Mountains kitchen, sieved in a dusty bowl. Best ever for me; gritty for friends. Proves tastes vary wildly.
Ellie Simpson, Traveller Communications Analyst. Follow her on Twitter @gutsygrad.
Nose-to-Tail Dashain Feast in Nepal
Invited to a Kathmandu Dashain feast honoring Durga, my plate overflowed with sautéed brains, boiled intestines, fried spinal cord, testicles, and more. As guest of honor, I sampled all—focusing on textures over anatomy. Visceral, but insightful.
Joe Bindloss, Destination Editor for the Indian Subcontinent. Follow him on Twitter @joe_planet.
Igloo Dining in Finnish Lapland
At -30°C in Saariselkä, I dined in an ice igloo—breath visible, fully layered. Ice furniture aside, creamy fish soup and reindeer stew warmed me deeply. The structure melts in spring, rebuilt annually.
Gemma Graham, Destination Editor for Northern Europe. Follow her on Twitter @oh_gg.
