Southeast Asia is not only famous for its ethnic diversity, tropical and subtropical climates, and spice-rich cuisine. There are always new things to explore when visiting countries in the region.
One of the most curious aspects is Southeast Asia's extreme cuisines, which are unique, challenging and memorable.
For many people, food can make a lasting impression and experience, but in Southeast Asia, food can be a challenge and even test your courage to try it.
While some may hesitate to try them, curiosity is a reason to try these unusual foods, especially for travelers.
However, it's not just about the flavor, the ingredients used are also very unfamiliar as the main components of the food.
Here are 5 extreme foods in Southeast Asia that you must try to satisfy your curiosity. Let's see, what are they?
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Balut, Philippines
Culinary in the Philippines is very distinctive and often serves absurd food from several dishes, one of which is Balut.
Balut is a Filipino dish made from duck eggs that contain embryos in them. To create a delicious flavor, the duck eggs used are those that are 21 days or three weeks old.
After that, the selected egg will be boiled for about 30 minutes, and when it is cooked, it is ready to eat.
When eating it, the smell may be quite intense, so it is enough to open only half of the eggshell so that the odor does not spread everywhere.
In consuming Balut, it can also be complemented with a mixture of spices, such as chili, pepper, or pepper to add flavor.
Although it is quite extreme and has a unique aroma, Balut is considered to be high in protein, even higher than fully cooked duck eggs.
Larb Mote Daeng, Thailand
What would you do if you saw a red or ‘Rangrang’ ant? Probably feel amused and want to get rid of them. However, this situation is different in Thailand.
Red ants in Thailand have become a food and snack in their own right and are considered to be the most delicious dish.
Larb Mote Daeng has a delicious and appetizing flavor with high protein content and the dish is cooked using a stir-fry technique and added with mint leaves and toasted rice powder.
The sour taste of the red ants and the egg meat combine to create a lasting impression in the mouth.
Ulat Sagu, Indonesia
When you visit the eastern part of Indonesia, Ulat Sagu is one of the favorite foods there. It may seem disgusting, chewy and a little strange at first.
However, people in this Eastern part of Indonesia often enjoy Ulat Sagu raw or after smoking them and the resulting flavor is mild, has a distinctive sweetness, and is rich in nutrients.
Ulat Sagu are found in sago palms and dead coconut trees. Besides being extreme and challenging to try, this Ulat Sagu contains high carbohydrates and protein.
A-Ping, Cambodia
Have you ever tried or imagined the taste of deep-fried tarantula? While the cooking process is very challenging, eating it might not be.
In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, this food is made from ‘Tarantula’ and is even the main food of Cambodians. However, for Cambodians, this food has a similar flavor to shrimp or lobster.
Cited from tasteatlas, A-Ping has been enjoyed by Cambodians since the 1970s, earning the city the nickname ‘Spiderville’.
This traditional Cambodian dish is best when seasoned with salt and garlic, then fried in hot oil. The flavor is a combination of cod and chicken.
This dish is now rare and relatively expensive because of the decline in tarantula numbers caused by rapid deforestation and uncontrolled hunting.
Read also: 4 Underrated Cambodian Street Foods You Need to Try
Ca Sau, Viet Nam
For many grilled dishes, the meat usually used is beef or mutton. However, in Viet Nam, this grilled meat relies on an unusual ingredient from ‘crocodile.’
In almost all regions and cities in Viet Nam, grilled crocodile cuisine can be found. The taste is quite different, soft and has a slightly fishy aroma like fish.
In fact, this dish in Viet Nam has become one of the most famous and favorite cuisines and many local people also believe that eating this food can cure various diseases.
Read also: Stinky But Yummy: Southeast Asia’s Most Smelly Yet Irresistible Foods
Southeast Asia isn’t spared from its uniqueness that always attracts attention. These unique and extreme dishes have become a favorite tourist destination for visitors from various countries.
Dishes with unusual ingredients and extreme presentation seem to surprise and increase adrenaline when trying them. It can even make you wonder.
This extreme cuisine can also be a reflection of the culture and habits of Asian people in utilizing existing local resources.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience flavors you've never imagined before and be a part of Southeast Asia's extreme cuisine.
Are you interested in trying these adrenaline-pumping foods, Seasians?
