17 Unhealthy Foods You Should Never Try in Foreign Countries

When you travel to a new country, it is like you are opening a book of surprises. The adventure is breathtaking with so many sand lands and cultures it has to offer. But if you’re going to approach one chapter with caution, it’s the food. Of course, leaping into a plate of exotic meals can be fun, but some eats will lead to a battlefield in your stomach, not a satisfied traveler’s dream.

Not all bad things taste bad. Some can be found in the most unsuspecting of dishes, and they’re not just about taste, but health risks as well. If you are ever traveling abroad, here’s a heads up on some notorious menu items to avoid.

Fugu (Pufferfish) in Japan

Such a famous delicacy. Sounds tempting, but it’s a gamble with high stakes. Fugu contains a toxin, tetrodotoxin, which is 1,200 times more potent than cyanide. It’s prepared only by licensed chefs who have years of training. Despite tight regulations, things can sometimes go wrong. In most cases, however, it’s probably best to pass on this one unless you’re feeling extremely lucky.

Hakarl in Iceland

While Icelandic may swear by this fermented shark dish, your nose will tell you otherwise. Fermenting the shark’s toxic flesh for months gives it an infamous pungent ammonia-like smell. Improper preparation can cause food-borne illness. If you don’t like the smell of your meal from across the room, then stick to Icelandic lamb or fish soup.

Casu Marzu in Italy

Filled with maggots, this is as adventurous as it gets. Yes, maggots. Locals still produce it for daring eaters, even though it’s technically banned in the EU. It has been flagged by the European Food Safety Authority as a risk for human foodborne illness because of the risk of the larvae being present. Pro tip: To give you all the Italian flair without the creepy crawlies, you just need a slice of pizza.

Blood Clams in China

These shellfish are innocent-looking, but they can be a hotbed for diseases like hepatitis A, typhoid, and dysentery. Often, the clams are harvested from polluted waters and served lightly cooked, so that harmful pathogens remain alive. A safer bet? The dumplings, or a steaming bowl of noodle soup.

Monkey Brains in Parts of Asia and Africa

Monkey brains have been featured in urban legends, and sometimes offered in remote areas, but they are as controversial as they are risky. Eating this delicacy has been blamed for prion diseases including Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a fatal neurological disease. Let the curious be fed by documentaries, not your plate.

Street-Hawker Sushi in Tropical Destinations

Raw fish is a bacteria bomb, especially when prepared incorrectly. Food poisoning is a common travel problem, and improperly stored raw fish is a leading cause. If you’re in warmer climates and want to eat sushi, stick to reputable restaurants with good reviews.

Fried Tarantulas in Cambodia

Arachnophobes, look away! The fried tarantulas make a crunchy snack in Cambodia, but they may contain parasites if not cooked all the way through. Food safety researchers say improperly prepared insects can make you sick. Of course, if you’re feeling especially adventurous, you might start small with fried crickets.

Surströmming in Sweden

It’s so stinky that the herring is often consumed outdoors and is banned on planes. High histamine levels cause allergic reactions in sensitive people, and the intense odor is a sign of that. It’s definitely an acquired taste. The more universal version is Swedish meatballs.

Kopi Luwak in Indonesia

This luxury coffee made from civet poop might sound like a bucket-list item, but here’s the catch: There are too many ethical and sanitary concerns to count. Coffee beans go through the civet’s digestive system, and bad handling can result in contamination. Besides that, many farms have animals in unsanitary conditions. No guilt attached, regular Indonesian coffee is just as delicious.

Raw Cashews in Tropical Regions

Cashews contain urushiol, a toxin that can cause severe allergic reactions, if unprocessed. The toxin must be neutralized by steaming or roasting. Raw cashews are something you want to avoid if you see street vendors selling them. It is safer and equally tasty to eat the roasted nuts.

Frog Sashimi in Japan

Challenging yourself to eat a raw frog might sound funny, but it’s dangerous business. Parasites such as sparganum can be carried by frogs causing a condition called sparganosis. Though it’s uncommon, the danger is greater than the thrill. Cooked frog legs really are a safer, and surprisingly tasty, alternative.

Balut in the Philippines

It’s a divisive snack, the fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo. Beyond the mental obstacle, this egg may contain nasty bacteria if uncooked. The risk is low ‘once it’s cooked thoroughly,’ as per Philippine food safety guidelines, but not everyone can stomach the sight.

Sea Turtle Eggs in Central America

Sea turtle eggs are considered a delicacy in some regions, but they are also a health risk. Salmonella and other harmful bacteria can be carried by them. Plus, eating them helps to put sea turtles on the endangered list. It’s better to admire these creatures in their natural habitat.

Hot Dogs from Street Carts in Some Cities

Hot dogs eaten from street carts are a mixed bag. Foodborne illness can be a result of poor hygiene techniques and uneven refrigeration. Improperly stored hot dogs are listeria-prone. So, if you want to get one, go for a vendor with a good reputation.

Raw Blood Dishes in Southeast Asia

Some Southeast Asian countries popular dishes like raw blood pudding or soups have a side of risk. Blood is a vehicle for some diseases such as hepatitis or bacterial infection, which can be transmitted uncooked. If you’re interested in the flavors, stick to cooked variations instead.

Bat Meat in Remote Regions

Zoonotic diseases such as Nipah virus, and in some cases coronaviruses, can be carried by bats. Eating bat meat, especially undercooked, is a high-risk activity. This is one adventure you want to avoid for your health and safety.

Unpasteurized Milk Products in Various Countries

Milk, butter, and cheese from unpasteurized milk are a gamble. Pregnant women and children are especially vulnerable to listeria, salmonella, and E. coli, which the milk can carry. For a safer experience, stick to pasteurized products.

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