For those living in poor regions or less developed countries, food choices may be influenced more by economics than taste preference. Additionally, some culinary preferences are based on peculiar cultural beliefs related to superior health and sexual prowess.
Whatever the reason, bizarre foods and bizarre food eating has been popularized by Andrew Zimmern’s documentary-styled travel and cuisine program called Bizarre Foods. Zimmern features cuisine from around the world perceived by American viewers as gross and bizarre.
Here is our list of the top 20 grossest foods. The first two listed are just plain high-tech culinary insanity:
20. Tuna Mayonnaise Doritos
Japan’s idea of taste novelty — corn chips with an odd blend of mayo and fish. Some say the chip odor is so offensive, they can’t eat them. So if you are bored of your old regular nacho cheese Doritos, this may be just for you.
19. Chocolate and Strawberry covered Cheetos
Cheetos dipped in chocolate or strawberry frosting. Another favorite in Japan.
Just the thought is nauseating; sickening. Fake cheddar cheese covered in chocolate? Even worse, covered in strawberry flavors? I have no idea who would eat this and I do not care to find out.
18. Cow Brains
Beef brains or calf brains are used in the cuisines of France, Italy, El Salvador, Columbia, Mexico, Pakistan, Portugal, and the United States. Cow brains are usually flavored with sauces or baked somewhat like a quiche. We’ve heard they are delicious.
17. Chocolate Covered Crickets
Considered an exotic snack, crickets are oven roasted, covered with chocolate and then individually wrapped. Turns out crickets are low in calories and have tons of protein and iron. Ants and meal worms are also available although I’m not too sure about their nutritional content. Entomophagy is just not for me.
16. Pig Intestines
The viscera intestines of a pig are most commonly referred to chitterlings in the U.S. Chitterlings are also popular in most parts of Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America, where dishes such as Mondongo are prepared.