January 19, 2024
Hey there, fellow food adventurers! Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a wild gastronomic journey through the land of spices and surprises—India! Now, if you’re anything like me, you love diving into the deep end of the culinary pool, and India is the perfect place to do just that. From bizarre textures to unexpected flavors, the strangest foods to try in India will leave your taste buds both bewildered and delighted. So grab your fork (or maybe a spoon), and let’s get started!
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Let’s kick things off with Siddu, a one of the dish that hails from the picturesque landscapes of Himachal Pradesh foods. Imagine this: a fluffy steamed bun stuffed with a savory filling of mashed potatoes, walnuts, and spices. It sounds pretty normal so far, right? But wait until you take your first bite! The amazing foods to try in India often have a surprise element, and Siddu is no exception.
The combination of crunchy walnuts with soft potatoes inside a pillowy bun is like a culinary rollercoaster—unexpected but thrilling!
2. Thukpa
Next up on our list of the strangest foods to try in India is Thukpa. This hearty noodle soup is a Tibetan import that has found its way into the hearts (and stomachs) of Himachal Pradesh locals.
Imagine slurping on noodles swimming in a spicy broth loaded with veggies and meat—sounds pretty standard until you realize there’s an unexpected ingredient lurking in there: yak meat! Yes, you heard me right—yak meat! It’s not every day you get to say you’ve eaten yak, making Thukpa one of those dishes that earns its spot on the list of strangest foods to try in India.
3. Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper)
Now, if you’re someone who thinks they can handle the heat, let me introduce you to Bhut Jolokia, also known as Ghost Pepper. This fiery little devil from Assam is one of the hottest peppers in the world and definitely one of the strangest foods to try in India if you’re brave enough. Imagine biting into something that feels like it’s setting your mouth on fire while simultaneously giving you an adrenaline rush—it’s an experience you won’t soon forget! Just make sure you have a glass of milk nearby because water won’t save you here.
4. Eri Polu with Rice
While we’re exploring Assam, let’s talk about Eri Polu—a dish made from silkworm pupae. Yep, you read that correctly! Eri Polu is considered a delicacy among some communities in Assam and definitely qualifies as one of the strangest foods to try in India. The silkworms are cooked with spices and served alongside rice. It’s one of those dishes where you’ll either love it or hate it—there’s no middle ground here!
5. Chaprah (Red Ant Chutney)
Moving on to Chhattisgarh, we have Chaprah—an intriguing chutney made from red ants and their eggs. Yes, ants! When it comes to the strangest foods to try in India, this one takes the cake (or should I say chutney?). The ants are ground into a paste with spices to create a tangy and spicy condiment that’s often enjoyed with rice or bread. If you’re feeling adventurous enough to give it a go, you’ll earn serious bragging rights!
6. Doh Khlieh
In Meghalaya, you’ll find Doh Khlieh—a salad that’s as strange as it is delicious. Made with pork brains (yes, brains!), onions, chilies, and lime juice, this dish is surprisingly refreshing despite its unconventional main ingredient. It’s one of those strangest foods to try in India that challenges your preconceived notions about what makes a salad.
7. Phan Pyut (Fermented Potatoes)
While we’re still savoring Meghalaya’s offerings on our quest for the strangest foods to try in India, let’s talk about Phan Pyut—fermented potatoes that have seen better days but are still celebrated for their unique flavor profile! These potatoes are allowed to rot slightly before being cooked into various dishes or simply enjoyed as they are by those who appreciate their acquired taste.
8. Frog Legs
If you’ve ever wondered what frog legs taste like (and who hasn’t?), then Sikkim has got you covered! Frog legs are considered quite exotic here and definitely count among the strangest foods to try in India if you’re feeling adventurous enough for some amphibian cuisine.
9. Fiddlehead Ferns (Lingri)
In Uttarakhand lies another peculiar treat: fiddlehead ferns known locally as Lingri! These curly greens resemble something out of Jurassic Park but make for an interesting addition when cooked into curries or stir-fries—a true testament to how diverse (and strange) Indian local cuisine can be!
10. Jadoh
Returning once more to Meghalaya brings us Jadoh—a rice dish cooked with pork blood which gives it its distinct crimson hue—not exactly your everyday pilaf but certainly worthy among our list of strangest foods to try in India!
11. Bamboo Shoot Curry
Nagaland offers up yet another oddity: bamboo shoot curry made using fermented bamboo shoots which impart both sourness & umami flavors unlike anything else out there making them perfect candidates when seeking out strange yet tasty fare across Indian subcontinent!
12. Patoleo/Patholi
Goa might be famous primarily due to beaches & seafood but did know also home Patoleo/Patholi? This sweet treat involves steaming rice flour batter wrapped turmeric leaves filled coconut jaggery mixture resulting aromatic dessert sure surprise anyone unfamiliar Goan delicacies thus earning rightful place amongst other entries within category “strangest” edible experiences awaiting discovery throughout vast nation known collectively simply “India”.
13. Fermented Fish (Ngathu)
Odisha brings us Ngathu—a fermented fish dish that’s pungent yet beloved by locals. If you’re seeking out the strangest foods to try in India, this one’s aroma alone will make it unforgettable!
14. Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish)
In Kerala, we have Karimeen Pollichathu—a fish preparation wrapped in banana leaves with an array of spices that create an explosion of flavors making it both strange & delightful simultaneously!
15. Goat Intestine Curry (Aatu Kudal Kuzhambu)
Finally rounding off our list Tamil Nadu’s Aatu Kudal Kuzhambu—a curry featuring goat intestines cooked rich spicy gravy providing unique texture and taste unlike anything else encountered during culinary adventures seeking out truly “strange” eats across the Indian subcontinent!
And so concludes our whirlwind tour showcasing some truly unique offerings found scattered across length breadth of the country each deserving mention of its own right thanks to sheer audacity and creativity involved crafting such memorable meals capable of leaving a lasting impression long after the initial encounter has ended…
16. Shutki Maach (Dried Fish)
In West Bengal, Shutki Maach is a beloved delicacy that might raise a few eyebrows for the uninitiated. This dish features dried fish, which is often sun-dried and then cooked with a variety of spices. The drying process gives the fish a strong, pungent aroma that can be off-putting to some, but for those who dare to try it, Shutki Maach offers a rich umami flavor that’s hard to forget. It’s typically served with rice and can be quite spicy, making it one of the strangest foods to try in India.
17. Sattu
While Sattu might not sound strange at first glance, its versatility and preparation methods make it an interesting addition to our list. Made from roasted gram flour, Sattu is often mixed with water to create a drink or used as a stuffing for parathas (Indian flatbreads). What makes it one of the strangest foods to try in India is its use in regional drinks and dishes that can range from sweet to savory, offering a surprising twist on traditional flour-based recipes.
18. Kachri ki Sabzi
Rajasthan is known for its arid climate and unique ingredients like Kachri, a wild cucumber-like fruit that grows in the desert. Kachri ki Sabzi is a dish made by cooking these fruits with spices, creating a tangy and spicy curry that’s both unusual and delicious. The use of this wild fruit makes it one of the strangest foods to try in India, showcasing how local ingredients can be transformed into culinary delights.
19. Fafda-Jalebi
While Fafda-Jalebi might not seem strange at first, it’s the combination of flavors that earns it a spot on this list. Fafda is a savory snack made from chickpea flour, while Jalebi is a sweet, syrupy dessert. In Gujarat, these two are often paired together as a breakfast dish or snack, creating an unexpected fusion of sweet and savory flavors that might surprise those unfamiliar with this culinary tradition.
20. Bombil Fry (Bombay Duck Fry)
Despite its name, Bombay Duck isn’t a duck at all—it’s a type of fish found along the coast of Maharashtra. Bombil Fry involves marinating this fish in spices and frying it until crispy. Its soft texture and distinct flavor make it one of the strangest foods to try in India, especially for those who have never encountered this misleadingly named seafood.
21. Bhutte ka Kees
Madhya Pradesh offers Bhutte ka Kees—a dish made from grated corn cooked with spices and milk. While corn might not seem strange on its own, the preparation method here is unique to this region. The combination of sweet corn with savory spices creates an unexpected flavor profile that sets it apart as one of the strangest foods to try in India.
22. Neer Dosa with Fish Curry
In Karnataka, Neer Dosa is a popular dish made from rice batter that’s spread thin and cooked like a crepe. While Neer Dosa itself isn’t particularly strange, pairing it with spicy fish curry creates an interesting contrast of textures and flavors that might be unexpected for those used to more conventional pairings.
23. Ulava Charu
Ulava Charu is a traditional Andhra Pradesh dish made from horse gram lentils cooked into a thick soup or stew. Its earthy flavor combined with robust spices makes it one of the strangest foods to try in India—especially if you’re not accustomed to using horse gram as an ingredient!
24. Pachi Pulusu
Pachi Pulusu is a raw tamarind soup from Telangana that’s served cold or at room temperature—quite different from typical hot soups! Made with tamarind juice, onions, chilies, and jaggery (unrefined sugar), this tangy concoction challenges conventional soup norms while offering refreshing flavors perfect for hot climates.
25. Kanji (Fermented Carrot Drink)
Kanji is a fermented drink made from black carrots (or regular carrots) mixed with mustard seeds—a probiotic-rich beverage enjoyed during winter months in Punjab! Its tangy taste may take some getting used to but provides health benefits alongside being one more entry among strangest foods found throughout the diverse Indian culinary landscape!
26. Rugra (Wild Mushrooms)
In Jharkhand, Rugra refers to wild mushrooms that are foraged from the forests. These mushrooms have a distinct earthy flavor and are often cooked with spices to create a savory dish. Their unique taste and texture make them one of the strangest foods to try in India, especially for those who haven’t ventured into the world of wild fungi.
27. Bajra Khichdi
While Khichdi is a common dish across India, Haryana’s version made with bajra (pearl millet) offers a unique twist. The use of millet gives it a coarse texture and nutty flavor, setting it apart as one of the strangest foods to try in India for those accustomed to rice-based khichdi.
28. Hawaijar (Fermented Soybean)
Hawaijar is a traditional Manipuri fermented soybean product. It’s sticky, pungent, and often used as a condiment or added to curries. Its strong aroma and distinct taste make it one of the strangest foods to try in India, particularly if you’re new to fermented foods.
29. Bai (Bamboo Shoot Stew)
Bai is a popular dish in Mizoram made with bamboo shoots, pork, and local greens. The bamboo shoots give the stew a slightly sour taste, making it one of the strangest foods to try in India for those unfamiliar with this ingredient.
30. Berma (Fermented Fish)
Berma is a staple in Tripura and involves fermented fish used in various dishes. Its strong flavor and aroma can be quite surprising, earning it a spot among the strangest foods to try in India.
31. Apong (Rice Beer)
Apong is a traditional rice beer brewed by various tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. Its preparation involves fermenting rice, resulting in a mildly alcoholic beverage with a unique taste that stands out as one of the strangest foods to try in India.
32. Anishi (Fermented Yam Leaves)
Anishi is made by fermenting yam leaves which are then formed into patties and smoked. This Naga delicacy has a distinct smoky flavor and is often cooked with pork or fish, making it one of the strangest foods to try in India.
33. Butter Chicken Golgappa
In Chandigarh, fusion food takes center stage with Butter Chicken Golgappa—a quirky twist on traditional street food where crispy puris are filled with creamy butter chicken instead of the usual tangy water.
India’s culinary scene offers a thrilling adventure with bizarre yet delightful dishes—from fiery ghost peppers in Assam to fermented silkworms in Meghalaya. Each region brings a unique flavor twist, challenging conventional palates and showcasing India’s rich and diverse food culture.
Hi, Jill Here
Hi! I’m Jill, a Dallas, Texas girl traveling the world. After a career in the Air Force and touring over 50 countries later, my need to explore keeps going! It’s time to rock & roll and find all those places I never knew I was missing.
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