Unique Foods You'll Only Find in These 5 Cities

Food is more than just nutrition on a plate — it represents culture and community. From Andorra to Zimbabwe, each nation has unique dishes that tell stories and make people happy. Whether a foodie or curious traveller, you can learn more about a country based on its culinary creations. Here are five cities showcasing the most unique foods from around the world. 

1. Pufferfish — Tokyo, Japan

People gravitate to seafood because of the health benefits. For example, fatty fish build brain cells and improve cognitive function. However, the way you eat these oceanic creatures depends on the country. In Japan, residents eat pufferfish, but they must be careful because it’s poisonous. 

Pufferfish — or fugu — is famous for its elastic stomach and interesting defence mechanism. The aquatic animal contains tetrodotoxin, which causes perioral numbness and potential fatalities. However, chefs ensure your safety by removing the toxic organs and thinly slicing the fish. If you like sashimi, you may enjoy this delicacy. 

2. Hákarl — Reykjavik, Iceland

Tourists flock to Iceland to see the northern lights, visible from September through April due to the increased darkness. When you want something to eat, head to Reykjavik to enjoy hákarl. Fermented Greenland shark might not sound enticing, but it’s a local delicacy and one of the most unique foods from around the world. 

Hákarl is among Iceland’s national dishes because of its unique taste and smell. Greenland shark meat is typically poisonous when untreated due to the high presence of trimethylamine. However, Icelanders ferment the fish flesh by burying it and hanging it to dry. Then, they cut the hákarl into cubes for serving. 

3. Basque Pumpkin Bread — Bayonne, France

France is famous for bread, especially baguettes and croissants. However, the local bakeries go beyond these pastries with unique concoctions. If you head to Bayonne, you’ll experience the Basque Country of western France and eastern Spain. Residents have incorporated American and European influences into their loaves. 

Basque pumpkin bread includes pumpkins and cornmeal. Both ingredients are native to the Americas, but quickly became popular in baking recipes when they later arrived in France. Each slice of this unique pumpkin bread delivers warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and an earthy sweetness from the pumpkin. You may see additions like honey, walnuts and dried fruits in some loaves. 

4. Escamol — Mexico City, Mexico

Mexican vacations include watching sharks in La Paz or enjoying the nightlife in Cancun. What about eating bugs? Insects aren’t a foreign concept in international cuisine, but they might not be at the top of your itinerary. In Mexico City, you may visit restaurants serving escamoles wrapped in corn tortillas. 

Escamol is Mexico’s version of caviar, and it includes ant larvae and pupae. Chefs fry the ingredients with butter, onions and chilli peppers to create an unforgettable delicacy. The dish has a nutty and buttery taste and is often an expensive order. Due to complicated sourcing, a kilogram can cost up to $100. It’s one of the most unique foods from around the world that could put a hole in your wallet. 

5. Matooke — Kampala, Uganda

Plantains are popular in tropical regions, especially in Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. However, the preparation may differ based on your location. If you’re in Uganda, don’t expect the locals to eat the fruit when ripe. Matooke involves steaming or boiling green plantains, then mashing them in a bowl. 

Once the food is ready, you can top it with a savoury sauce or eat it plain. Matooke is among the most popular dishes in Kampala and beyond. Plantains are versatile, culturally significant and nutritious in Ugandan dishes. Experts say matooke is full of vitamins B6 and C and contains potassium. 

Tasting the Most Unique Foods From Around the World

From Bayonne to Beijing, the world is full of unique culinary experiences. Trying these local delicacies makes you appreciate food and cultures more. Each dish represents history, togetherness and triumphs, so savour every bite of escamol or fugu. Regardless of your destination, you’ll find special dishes and unforgettable eats. 

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Beth, the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind, is well-respected in the mental health, nutrition and fitness spaces. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking and going for runs with her dog.