Bizarre Animals Eaten In Some Countries

Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 11:43 [IST]

Eating animal meat is a part and parcel of life. We all enjoy certain meats like chicken, lamb and beef. These meats are conventionally accepted as standard foods all over the world. However, when it comes to food, it is hard to set uniform standards. One man's delicacy is another man's blasphemy. All we can say is that you can go to any place in the world and ask for a chicken burger without sounding ridiculous.

But animals that are eaten in other counties may shock and disgust you. We have no rights to be disgusted by other people's food, but these animals are seriously bizarre. These animals eaten in other countries are often poisonous or perceived as pests too. For example, could you imagine that a dangerous and bizarre animal like iguana can be eaten in any country? But the fact is that there is no end to such strange foods.

So before you try any exotic dishes while travelling, you must be aware of what bizarre animals are eaten in that country. You don't want to accidentally end up having dog meat or roasted silk worms, do you? Here is a list of the strangest animals eaten in some countries around the world.

Horse: France

Horse meat used to be consumed by some tribes like the ancient Huns. However, even in modern France, you will find some special butchers who sell horse meat!

Iguana: Mexico

People in Mexico and Central America can swear to the fact that Iguanas taste just like chicken. Moreover, they are also supposed to be rich in vitamins and minerals.

Silk Worms: Korea

Creatures that give us soft and smooth silk are also quite delicious to eat. At least that is the popular opinion in Korea where silk worms are roasted as appetizers.

Turtle: China

Eating turtle meat is much more common that you think. Until a few decades back, certain turtles were also eaten in India. Ancient Chinese medicine prescribes turtle meat as aphrodisiac.

Emu: Australia

Emus are supposed to be leaner and tastier than turkeys. In Australia emu is a native bird and it is eaten quite often. But the rest of the world is yet to catch up on this trend.

Dogs: Vietnam

Dogs are man's best friend and a very loyal pet. But in Vietnam, they are also a man's best mate on the plate. Dogs meat is consumed regularly in places like Vietnam and Cambodia.

Guinea Pigs: Peru

Guinea pigs are cute but we still look at them as rats. You have even had a pet guinea pig. The advice is that if you are going to Peru or Central America, don't take your cute pet along. It might just get snatched and roasted at the steak.

Camel: Gulf Countries

The ancient Romans were surprised when the Persians served them camel meat for a feast. And even today, camel meat is a delicacy in the Gulf countries.