The Asian markets are full of foods that are so noxious, that they make you gag the first time as you experience them. It is quite a surprise though, that something that is as funky smelling can actually be a yummy treat once you get over the smell.
If you are an adventure seeker at heart, we offer you a list of a few malodorous foods that you may want to try on your next Asian excursion.
7 Stinky Foods That Taste Out Of This World
1. Durian
The moment you check in to any hotel across Malaysia or Singapore, you will see warnings claiming the ban on this fruit, as the stench is offensive to other international tourists. In fact, it is illegal to carry the fruit in any public transportation. You can now imagine how bad it must smell. The fruit in itself is a tasting, once you get past the odor.
2. Belacan
This is a paste of fermented shrimp with a strong pungent odor. The smell of it is quite disgusting in its raw glory. However, when added to any dish it amps up the flavor and doesn’t stink as much.
3. Century eggs
This one takes me back to the chemistry lab in my college days. People who have performed chemistry experiments with hydrogen sulfide know what I am talking about. A stale rotten egg in your kitchen reeks of the H2S gas which is almost suffocating. Imagine an egg that is not a few days old, but that has been stored for decades together. Century eggs or pidan are made by preserving the Duck, Chicken, or Quail eggs in a mixture of salt, lime ash, and wrapped in a mixture of rice husk to be stored for hundreds and thousands of years!
4. Stinky Tofu
Stinky Tofu is to China but Durian is to Singapore. This is fermented soybean curd which reeks of an open sewage plant in the neighborhood. Stinky Tofu was discovered by accident, as a tofu vendor left his spare tofu in an earthen jar for days and forgot about it, only to find rotten greenish tofu. Although it is beyond me as to why he would try eating that rotten tofu, nonetheless it certainly worked wonders as stinky tofu is now sold as a Chinese delicacy.
6. Natto
This Japanese breakfast is made of fermented soya. Two Words to describe it: “sweaty sneakers“.
7. Kimchi- One of the Stinkiest Foods!
Kimchi is a Korean side dish. It is fermented underground in jars for several months with spices, which imparts a sweet and sour taste.
What are your views on these Stinky Foods? Will you ever taste them? Let us know in the comments below.
