The Most Bizarre Foods and Drinks Around the World
Traveling through places around the world can be a lot more exciting than just admiring scenery or visiting tourist spots. The culinary experiences in different parts of the world can be quite bizarre, ranging from unique cocktails to intriguing desserts. Let's dive into some of the weirdest and most intriguing foods and drinks that have taken the world by storm.
Bizarre Drinks
In Dawson City, located by the Yukon River in the northern part of Canada, there is a bar where the menu includes some of the world's most bizarre drinks. One such drink is the now-famous Sourtoe Cocktail. It's a shot of whiskey garnished with a dehydrated human toe, aptly named the 'Sourtoe'.
The story behind this drink is quite intriguing. Back in the 1920s, a rum-runner named Louie Linken met his unfortunate end in a violent blizzard. His brother, Otto, amputated Louie's frostbitten toe to prevent gangrene. Otto preserved the toe in a jar of alcohol as a memento. Fifty years later, Captain Dick Stevenson found this jar in a cabin, and the bar patrons soon started using the toe as a garnish for their drinks. It's reported that the Sourdough Saloon has gone through at least eight different toes over the years.
Strange Food and Deserts
Eton Mess
Another bizarre dessert that might leave you with a funny taste in your mouth is Eton Mess. Traditionally served at Eton College during cricket matches, this dessert consists of strawberries, meringue, and cream. It got its peculiar name from its messy and disheveled appearance at Eton College's annual cricket match with Harrow School.
Benami Kheer
In a different part of the world, the Indian cuisine has some unique offerings, such as the Benami Kheer. This dish is known as 'without a name' in the local dialect. The origin of this name is quite interesting as the chefs from the Awadhi Kitchen did not wish to reveal the secret ingredient and thus kept it unnamed to keep the recipe a closely guarded secret.
The unusual ingredient in this sweet treat is garlic, which adds a unique flavor profile to the kheer, transforming it into a surprising blend of sweets and savory. Garlic is known for its pungency, but skillful cooking can eliminate its strong smell. The challenge lies in blanching the garlic in alum water to remove its pungency. Despite the odd flavor, the health benefits of the Benami Kheer are plentiful. It helps control diabetes, prevents bloating, protects the heart, and improves respiratory issues such as cough and cold.
Conclusion
From a nightmarish vision of a bar serving shots with human toes to the peculiar delight of Eton Mess, these bizarre foods and drinks might make you rethink what can be consumed. While they might be off-putting to some, for others, these culinary experiments highlight the diverse and imaginative nature of human culture and tradition in cuisine.
When traveling, it's always a good idea to broaden your horizons and try local delicacies. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite flavor, no matter how strange it may be!