17 National Dishes That Are Truly Weird To Americans

Are you telling me you don't want to try snake wine??

From sautéed reindeer to tuna eyeballs, these luxe dishes are truly fascinating to the rest of the world.

*Warning: Some viewers may find these images disturbing.*

1. China: Snake Wine

Instagram: @undefined

This traditional Chinese elixir is made up of strong alcohol infused with a venomous snake. It allegedly offers healing properties and offers a strong bite. ˜Drink at your own risk!˜

2. Iceland: Sheep's Head

Instagram: @undefined

This Icelandic delicacy is made up of a sheep's head sliced in half, with the brains removed and then steamed for three hours. Who knew that Icelandic lamb was a thing?

3. Italy: Maggot Cheese

Instagram: @undefined

This Sardinian specialty features live maggots added during the cheese fermentation process. Fun fact: this cheese is illegal in many parts of the world.

4. Malaysia: Silkworm

Instagram: @undefined

This popular delicacy can be eaten in many forms (think: sautéed, raw, and steamed); but it takes a special stomach to enjoy this wormy delicacy.

5. Finland: Sautéed Reindeer

Instagram: @undefined

No one told us that Santa's red-nosed, sleigh-drawing helper would be for dinner???

6. Philippines: Fertilized Duck Egg

Instagram: @undefined

Inside: a premature duckling garnished with a sour sauce, infused with fresh herbs.

7. Hong Kong: Stinky Tofu

Instagram: @undefined

A local Hong Kong favorite, stinky tofu is marinated in milk, meat, and veggies. It packs a mighty punch of rotten eggs and meat.

8. Sweden: Salted Herring

Instagram: @undefined

Made of small Baltic herring caught during the spring, this traditional Swedish dish tastes a lot better than it looks.

9. India: Ant Chutney

Instagram: @undefined

Chaprah (aka ant chutney) is made of red ants (and their eggs) mixed with a litany of salts and spices for added flavor.

10. Japan: Tuna Eyeball

Instagram: @undefined

Served in Japanese pubs, this delicacy is whipped up in a variety braised, sautéed, or even in a cocktail. 乾杯 to that!

11. Canada: Peameal Bacon

Instagram: @undefined

Bacon rolled in....cornmeal. How odd, eh?

12. Zimbabwe / Zambia / Botswana: Caterpillars

Instagram: @undefined

These worms elicit an earthlike flavor that taste similar to smoked jerky. Delish!

13. Russia: Pine Cone Jam

Instagram: @undefined

Soft, young pine cones are slowly cooked into a velvety preserve that allegedly offers a whole host of health benefits.

14. Thailand: Durian

Instagram: @undefined

With over 234 different varieties available, durian is known as the king of all Thai fruits. Who knew?

15. France: Frogs Legs

Instagram: @undefined

It's rumored that the French eat an estimated 160 million frog legs each year. Oh mon Dieu!

16. Indonesia: Poop Coffee

Instagram: @undefined

This prized coffee is derived from the poop of the Indonesian luwak (think: raccoon but more bright eyed and bushy tailed). This creature has a rabid addiction for the coffee cherries, and once the beans pass through their digestive tracts, out comes the coffee pellets.

17. Germany: Pork Knuckle

Instagram: @undefined

This crispy pork knuckle is especially popular in Bavaria, in Germany's south. Spoonfuls of sauerkraut and potatoes are chased post-knuckle to cut the grease.

For the latest food inspo, cooking hacks, recipes, and more, be sure to subscribe to the Tasty newsletter!