The Strangest National Dishes Served Around the World

The United States is a nation that eats pig, cow, chicken, alligator, ostrich and wild game as food.  You may not think much of it, but who knows what people across the world think of your eating habits.  One thing’s for sure… their food is not like your food!  Consider a few of the most bizarre national dishes and just think to yourself: it all tastes like chicken.

Brazil

It’s not enough to say that Brazilians eat rodents; they eat 140 pound rodents!  The capybara is a member of the rodent family and looks like a huge guinea pig, up to four feet in length.  They are bred for eating; the meat is then marinated with spices, sauces and vegetables and served as a part of a casserole. 

Scotland, UK

We’re not just telling on our friends way out east and down south.  Would you believe that in Scotland (North of England), there is an oddball sausage called a black pudding?  This is a type of fat sausage made with pig blood and filler.  It is cooked so that the blood congeals and turns black when cooled down.  This is actually a traditional British breakfast food, and reportedly goes well with baked beans, eggs and tomatoes.  You can find black pudding in some international delicatessens if you’re brave enough to try it.

Korea

Let’s get to the truly disturbing delicacies; you may want to look away if you are an animal lover.  Dog meat is big in North and South Korea.  It’s called boshintang over there, and is a delicacy best served as soup.  Dog meat food is best served with perilla seasonings and green onions.  International animal protesters don’t like it, but convincing the Koreans to give up their line of “dog food” is like convincing Americans to give up hamburgers.  There are over 6,000 restaurants that serve dog in South Korea.

Mexico

Last but not least, you can go full zombie and start eating brains as food—cow brains, that is.  Cow brain is a common food in Mexico.  Now that’s something to think about.