Sometimes, you hear the name of a dish, and your first reaction is to wrinkle your nose and say no way, but many foods that sound weird or even a little gross are some of the tastiest things you’ll ever try. Once you get past how they look or what they’re called, you might find yourself loving something you never thought you’d even touch. Here are 15 such dishes.
When you eat fried frog legs
At first, eating frog legs sounds weird because you don’t think of frogs as food, but when you take a bite, they taste a lot like a tender chicken with a slightly fishy flavor, which is actually really nice. They’re usually fried crispy or cooked in garlic butter, and if you didn’t know what you were eating, you’d probably think it was just a fancy version of chicken wings.
When you eat escargot (snails)
The idea of eating snails can turn a lot of people off, but when they’re cooked the French way with garlic, butter, and herbs, they taste rich, soft, and full of flavor. It feels more like eating a buttery mushroom than a slimy garden creature, and once you get past the idea, you’ll realize it’s actually a fancy, delicious treat.
When you eat blood sausage
Hearing the words “blood” and “sausage” together makes a lot of people squirm, but this dish, known in different countries as black pudding or morcilla, is surprisingly good. It has a deep, rich flavor that’s savory and a little earthy, and when it’s cooked right, it’s crispy on the outside and soft inside, making it one of the best things you can have with breakfast.
When you eat century eggs
Century eggs look strange with their black jelly-like egg whites and dark green yolks, but they’re actually just preserved eggs with a super creamy texture and a bold, savory taste. They’re often eaten with rice porridge or sliced into salads in China, and while they sound and look intense, they have a mellow, almost cheesy flavor that’s surprisingly comforting.
When you eat haggis
If someone tells you haggis is sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs cooked in a stomach, you might never want to try it, but when you actually eat it, it tastes like a super flavorful meatloaf. It’s rich, peppery, and packed with spices, and when served with some mashed potatoes and gravy, it feels like the ultimate cozy comfort food from Scotland.
When you eat chicken feet
Chicken feet look strange with their little toes and bumpy skin, but when they’re braised or deep-fried, they’re deliciously tender and full of flavor. You don’t really eat them for the meat—you eat them for the skin and the sauce they soak up, and once you start nibbling around the bones, you realize why they’re such a popular snack all over Asia.
When you eat Rocky Mountain oysters
Finding out that Rocky Mountain oysters are bull testicles might freak you out, but when they’re sliced, breaded, and fried, they taste a lot like any other fried meat. They’re tender inside, crispy outside, and usually served with dipping sauces, and if you didn’t know what they were, you’d probably just think they were a fun bar snack.
When you eat natto (fermented soybeans)
Natto looks sticky and smells strong, which can scare people off, but if you mix it with rice and a little soy sauce, it becomes a creamy, savory dish with a flavor that grows on you. It’s packed with protein and probiotics, and once you get used to the texture, you might find yourself craving it for breakfast like they do in Japan.
When you eat durian fruit
Durian is called the “king of fruits” but also smells like garbage to some people, which makes it hard to try at first, but when you finally taste it, it’s sweet, custardy, and rich like a tropical dessert. The smell might be strong, but the flavor is soft and delicious, almost like a mix between banana, vanilla, and almond, and totally worth it.
When you eat alligator meat
Eating alligator might sound like something only wild survivalists do, but it’s actually tender, juicy, and tastes like a cross between chicken and fish. It’s often grilled, fried, or made into spicy sausages in the South, and when cooked right, it’s light, flavorful, and way more enjoyable than you’d ever expect from something that used to swim in swamps.
When you eat pickled herring
Pickled herring sounds odd because it’s raw fish soaked in vinegar, but when you try it, it’s tangy, soft, and incredibly refreshing. It’s a big deal in Scandinavia and goes perfectly with rye bread, onions, and sour cream. Once you taste the bright flavors and see how it melts in your mouth, you’ll understand why it’s loved so much in northern Europe.
When you eat bone marrow
The idea of eating the inside of bones can seem gross, but roasted bone marrow is pure magic. When it’s cooked, it becomes buttery and rich, almost like a savory jelly, and you spread it on toast like fancy meat butter. It’s packed with flavor and feels luxurious, turning something that sounds strange into one of the best appetizers you’ll ever have.
When you eat sardines straight from the can
Sardines right out of a tin sound slimy and fishy, but they’re actually salty, rich, and packed with flavor. They’re perfect with crackers, salads, or just a squeeze of lemon, and they’re full of good fats that make you feel full and satisfied. Once you try them the right way, you’ll realize why people swear by them as a quick snack.
When you eat head cheese
Head cheese isn’t actually cheese—it’s meat jelly made from parts of an animal’s head, which sounds horrifying, but when you taste it, it’s flavorful, tender, and really satisfying. It’s often sliced thin and eaten cold like deli meat, and with mustard or pickles, it’s a crunchy, savory treat that’s way better than it sounds.
When you eat oysters
The idea of slurping a raw oyster might make your stomach turn at first, but when you actually try one, it’s like tasting the ocean in the best way possible. They’re cold, briny, and smooth, and with a squeeze of lemon or some hot sauce, they become a fresh, light treat that makes you understand why people love them so much.
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