Following our previous post about the 10 essential dishes of Thai cuisine, it is time to present the selection of the strangest dishes. A true test for the most curious palates. If you want to discover the country’s most exotic food, today we present the 10 strangest dishes in Thailand.
List of the 10 Strangest Foods in Thailand
1. Goong Ten
Goong Ten in Thai means dancing shrimp. This dish is prepared with shrimp, still alive, adding lime juice, cilantro, onion, fish sauce, and chili. The preparation process is already curious, but the sensation when eating it is even more striking. An experience that is, without doubt, unforgettable.
2. Goong Shae Nam Pla
Another dish with raw shrimp. The shrimp are soaked in fish sauce and then garnished with chili, garlic, and lemon juice. With a salty, sour, and spicy flavor all at once and a texture difficult to explain, we could say it is similar to Japanese sashimi.
3. Kai Mod Daeng
Red ants are considered a delicacy in Thailand. Kai Mod Daeng is a preparation of red ants and their eggs. Red ants feed on mango leaves, which is why they have a sour flavor. In contrast, their eggs provide a texture and flavor similar to butter.
4. Malang Tod
A variety of fried insects. This is the secret of Malang Tod. Worms, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, or other insects are served with soy sauce and a bit of pepper. A powerful source of protein with a salty and crunchy flavor.
5. Pak Ped
Pak Ped means duck beak. Thais do not waste any part of the animal and everything is suitable for eating. Therefore, the beaks are marinated in soy sauce and then fried to create a crunchy texture.
6. Larb Lueat Nua
Raw and fresh beef marinated with its own blood and garnished with mint leaves. With the appearance of a salad, it is possibly one of the most significant challenges you will face.
7. Teen Ghai
As in other countries in the region, chicken feet are considered a delicious dish among locals. More than a dish, it could be considered a pastime. Thais spend time conversing while enjoying this curious gastronomic delicacy. They can be prepared fried or boiled, according to the consumer’s preference.
8. Kob Tod
Kob Tod or fried frog is another very common dish in Thailand. Fried frog, confirming the stereotype, tastes like chicken, although its texture is tougher since the frog’s musculature is much more developed than that of chicken.
9. Nu Na Yang
Moving away from the big cities, in the more rural areas, we can find Nu Na Yang. Roasted rat served with vegetables. Really difficult to find in the city, you will need to travel to the most remote areas to be able to taste it.
10. Rod Duan
With a rather unpleasant appearance, you will have to free your mind to eat it. These are bamboo worms, although you will soon discover they are a more than decent snack. The best option is to accompany it with a good cold beer.
