Ten Worst Dishes in the World

When it comes to food, everyone has their own preferences and tastes. While some dishes are universally loved, there are others that are considered to be the worst of the worst. Here, we have compiled a list of ten dishes from around the world that have gained infamy for their unappetizing qualities.

1. Surströmming (Sweden)

Surströmming is fermented Baltic herring that is known for its extremely pungent smell. The odor is so strong that it is often compared to rotten eggs or sewage.

2. Balut (Philippines)

Balut is a fertilized duck egg that is boiled and eaten from the shell. The partially developed embryo inside the egg is a delicacy for some, but the sight of a half-formed duckling can be off-putting for many.

3. Hákarl (Iceland)

Hákarl is a traditional Icelandic dish made from fermented shark meat. The meat is buried underground for several months to remove toxins, resulting in a strong ammonia smell and a rubbery texture.

4. Casu Marzu (Italy)

Casu Marzu is a traditional Sardinian cheese that is intentionally infested with live maggots. The maggots break down the cheese, creating a soft and creamy texture. However, the idea of eating live insects can be hard to stomach.

5. Stargazy Pie (England)

Stargazy Pie is a traditional Cornish dish that features fish heads protruding from the pastry crust. The dish is named after the appearance of the fish, which are baked with their heads facing upwards, giving the impression that they are gazing at the stars.

6. Century Egg (China)

Century Egg is a preserved duck, chicken, or quail egg that has been coated in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice hulls for several weeks or months. The result is a gelatinous egg with a strong and pungent odor.

7. Haggis (Scotland)

Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, and spices. It is then encased in the sheep’s stomach and boiled. While loved by some, the combination of ingredients can be unappealing to others.

8. Lutefisk (Norway)

Lutefisk is a traditional Norwegian dish made from dried whitefish that has been soaked in lye. The lye gives the fish a jelly-like texture and a strong, pungent odor.

9. Escamoles (Mexico)

Escamoles are the edible larvae and pupae of ants that are harvested from the roots of agave plants. Despite being considered a delicacy in Mexico, the thought of eating ant eggs can be unsettling for many.

10. Hakarl (Greenland)

Hakarl is a traditional Greenlandic dish made from fermented shark meat. The meat is hung to dry for several months, resulting in a strong ammonia smell and a strong, fishy taste.

While these dishes may be considered the worst in the world by some, it’s important to remember that taste is subjective. What may be unappetizing to one person could be a delicacy to another.