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You may think you know Chinese food, but there’s a whole world of weird and wonderful dishes out there that you probably haven’t heard of. From duck tongue to chicken-feet soup, this list of weird Chinese food will definitely make you think twice about what you’re eating the next time you visit China or sit down to eat a meal in your local Chinese restaurant.
Bon appetit!
21 Weird Chinese Food Dishes: Could You Stomach Them?
Century Eggs
Also known as the thousand-year-old egg, the yolk turns green once ready to eat.
Century eggs are generally preserved duck eggs that have been soaked in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, lime, and rice hulls for several weeks to several months.
The result is a dark grey or black egg with a firm jelly-like consistency. The yolk of century eggs is usually a dark green or grey color, while the egg white has a reddish-brown tint.
Century eggs are often eaten as a delicacy in China, where they are known as “hundred-year eggs” or “thousand-year-old eggs”.
While the exact origins of the century egg are unknown, it has a long history in Chinese cuisine and it is thought to have first been developed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Today, century eggs can be found in Chinese grocery stores and online retailers. For those who are interested in trying this unusual food, it is recommended to start with just a small portion.
Century eggs can be eaten on their own or added to other dishes such as congee or noodles.
Chinese Sausage
Also known as lap cheong, Chinese sausage is a type of dried, cured sausage that is traditionally made from pork.
The pork is typically marinated with rice wine, salt, and various spices before being wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed or roasted. Chinese sausage has a sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with other ingredients.
It is often used as an ingredient in rice dishes, noodles, and stir-fries.
Lap cheong is also a popular snack food, and can be enjoyed on its own or with tea.
Bird’s Nest Soup
Bird’s nest soup is a weird food that many people are not familiar with. The nest is made from the saliva of birds and is believed to have many health benefits.
The soup is made by simmering the bird’s nest in water until it forms a jelly-like substance. It is then usually served with chicken or fish broth and vegetables. Bird’s nest soup is a delicacy in many Asian countries and is becoming increasingly popular in the West.
Despite its weird appearance, this is one of the exotic Chinese foods that is actually quite tasty and nutritious.
Sheep’s Penis
One bizarre food on the Chinese menu is the sheep penis. While this may seem off-putting to some, the Chinese will eat this food as a delicacy.
The dish is usually prepared by simmering the penis in broth or stir-frying it with vegetables.
It has a chewy texture and a slightly gamey flavor.
While sheep’s penis may not be everyone’s cup of tea, those who are brave enough to try it may just find that it’s not as bad as they thought.
Frog Legs
China is well known for its culinary diversity, and one of the most unusual foods that it has to offer is frog legs. While the idea of eating amphibian flesh may be daunting to some, frog legs are actually quite a delicacy in China.
Frog legs are one of my favorite meals in Vietnam, and I enjoy eating them fried with lemongrass and chili. I also enjoy eating delicious frog rice soup in Singapore.
They are typically fried or stewed and can be found on the menu of many restaurants. Frog legs have a similar taste and texture to chicken, although they are slightly sweeter.
China is not the only country where frog legs are eaten, but it is by far the largest market for this unusual food.
In addition to being eaten as a main dish, frog leg meat is also sometimes used as an ingredient in soups and stir-fries.
Sea Cucumber
China is the world’s largest producer of sea cucumbers, harvesting over 500,000 metric tons each year.
Sea cucumbers are a type of marine invertebrate that is related to starfish and sand dollars. They are typically found in shallow waters and can range in size from a few inches to several feet long.
Sea cucumbers are one of the many exotic Chinese foods that are often used in soups and stir-fries. They are also believed to have medicinal properties and are sometimes used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Beggar’s Chicken
Beggar’s chicken is a dish that originates from China. It is traditionally made by wrapping a whole chicken in clay and then slow-cooking it over a fire.
The result is a delicious, tender, and moist chicken that is infused with the flavors of the clay made with yellow mud.
Beggar’s chicken is commonly eaten with a simple sauce, making it one of the popular foods in China for both children and adults alike.
In recent years, this traditional dish has become increasingly popular outside of China, as more people are discovering the unique flavor of this dish.
Balut
One of the weirdest foods in China is balut. Balut is a fertilized duck egg that’s been incubated for about two weeks before it’s eaten.
The embryos inside the duck eggs are fully developed, and when you crack open the egg, you can see the duckling’s beak, feathers, and bones.
Balut, which is an exotic food served in the Philippines, is usually served with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and Chinese people consider eating this food a treat.
Stinky Tofu
Stinky tofu is one of the exotic Chinese Foods that is certainly most unique and distinctive.
Also known as “malodorous tofu,” this fermented food is made by allowing tofu to decay in a mixture of vegetables, juices, herbs, and spices.
The result is a dish that is both pungent and incredibly flavorful.
While some visitors to China may be put off by the strong smell of fermented tofu, those who are brave enough to try it will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience.
In addition to its unique flavor, stinky tofu is also prized for its nutritional benefits. Fermented foods are known to be good for gut health, and stinky tofu is no exception.
Silkworm Pupae
Silkworms have been used for centuries to produce silk, one of the most luxurious and coveted fabrics in the world.
The process begins with the breeding of silkworm larvae, which are then raised on a diet of mulberry leaves. Once they reach a certain size, the larvae spin cocoons around themselves and enter a pupal stage.
It is during this stage that the pupae are harvested for their silk.
In China, where the practice originated, silkworm pupae are still considered a delicacy. They are often eaten whole, and their delicate flavor is reminiscent of shrimp.
While this food may not sound inviting, like many foods on this list, silkworms are a common food at Chinese night markets.
Fried Bee Pupa
In some parts of the world, fried bee pupa is considered a delicacy. The dish is said to originate from China, where bee pupae are harvested and then fried in oil.
While the thought of fried insects may be enough to turn some people off, others find the dish to be surprisingly tasty.
The most common way to prepare bee pupae is golden fried, but they can also be served stir-fried and steamed.
The pupae have a slightly nutty flavor, and the crispy exterior helps to offset the chewiness of the interior.
Chicken Feet
There’s nothing like a big plate of grilled chicken feet to get your day started off right. And in China, where street food is a way of life, you can find this savory dish just about anywhere.
Chicken feet are typically marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and spices before being grilled and then served with a dipping sauce on the side.
Chicken feet are a bit of an acquired taste. Some people find them to be salty and chewy, while others enjoy the chicken-y flavor. Personally, this is one of the Chinese exotic foods that I struggle with.
Whole Pigeons
One of the most unusual dishes found in the food markets of China is whole pigeon.
The entire street bird is threaded onto a skewer and roasted over coals and it is often served with its head and feet still attached.
While some may find the idea of eating a whole roasted street bird off-putting, pigeon meat is actually quite delicious. The meat is dark and flavorful, and the skin is crispy and crunchy.
It is not only in China where they eat this meat, with my favorite pigeon meat dish being Pigeon bisteeya, a Moroccan gourmet dish.
Fried Scorpions
In China, scorpions are considered a delicacy. They are typically fried in oil until the exoskeleton is crisp and then served with a dipping sauce.
While the thought of eating one of these weird foods may be enough to make some people queasy, those who have had the chance to try them report that they taste similar to shrimp.
The claws and stingers are usually removed before cooking, so there is no need to worry about being poisoned.
In addition, scorpions are another weird Chinese food that is valued in traditional Chinese medicine.
Starfish
Next on our list of weird foods, most people know what a starfish looks like – they’re those spiny, five-pointed creatures that often wash up on beaches.
What many people don’t know is that in China, these creatures are considered a treat.
Starfish are typically harvested from the wild and then boiled or steamed before being served.
While the taste of starfish varies depending on who you ask, most agree that they have a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Snake Soup
As anyone who has ever been to a China knows, snake soup is a popular dish. While it may not sound appetizing, eating snake soup is actually quite delicious.
In China, the soup is made with a variety of ingredients, including snake meat, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms. The soup is also typically served with a dollop of rice, making it a hearty and filling meal.
In addition to its great taste, snake soup is also said to have many health benefits. Snake meat is high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy choice for those looking to stay fit.
Furthermore, this food is rich in vitamins and minerals, providing a boost of energy and nutrition.
Beef-tongue Fries
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious way to enjoy beef, then you should definitely try beef-tongue fries.
This unusual dish is popular in China, and it’s not hard to see why. The beef tongue has a rich, fatty flavor that is unlike any other meat. And while it may look intimidating, preparing beef tongue is actually quite simple.
The beef tongue can be stir-fried or cooked on the bbq, and beef-tongue fries are a fun and tasty way to eat one of the weird foods in China.
Bonus Weird Chinese Food
Chicken Testicles
One of the most unusual and controversial dishes to come out of China is chicken testicles.
While the idea of sitting down to eat this bizarre food may be off-putting to some, including me, they are actually said to have a delicious taste. Testicles are typically either deep-fried or stewed, and they have a rich, slightly gamey flavor.
Fried Seahorse
One of the most curious and weird foods in China is the consumption of fried seahorses.
While the practice may seem strange to outsiders, seahorses have long been considered a delicacy in China. They are said to have a variety of health benefits, including the ability to improve circulation and boost energy levels.
Today, seahorses are typically harvested from the wild, though they are also farmed in some parts of China. The animals are then cleaned and gutted before being battered and deep-fried.
While fried seahorse is not for everyone, those who have tried it often describe it as being similar to chicken or shrimp.
Fish Lips
One of the more weird foods in China, fish lips are actually a delicacy that is prized for their tender texture and delicate flavor. The dish is typically made with freshwater fish, and the lips are carefully removed and simmered in a broth until they are cooked through.
China is not the only place where this exotic food is eaten, with Japan and South Korea known to eat this delicacy.
Duck Tongues
The next Chinese food on our bonus weird foods list is duck tongue. The tongue can be cooked in a variety of ways, including braising, frying, and stewing. It is said to have a tender texture and a rich flavor that is reminiscent of duck meat (surprise!).
Conclusion to Weird Chinese Foods
From chicken feet, to fish lips, and a whole host of other weird Chinese food, the Chinese eat every part of the animal and leave nothing to waste. When visiting China, make sure to eat some of these delicacies if not for the taste, then at least for the experience.
If you enjoyed reading about these weird foods in China, then you may be interested in reading:
FAQ for Weird Chinese Food
Stinky tofu is a popular dish in China that is made by fermenting tofu in a brine of vegetables and spices. The resulting tofu has a strong, pungent flavor that some people compare to blue cheese.
While the recipe for this stinky Chinese food varies depending on region, the basic process is relatively simple.
First, the tofu is cubed and placed in a jar or container. Next, a variety of vegetables and spices are added to the jar, including cabbage, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers.
The tofu is then covered with water and left to ferment for several days. Once the fermentation process is complete, the stinky tofu is ready to be cooked and enjoyed. A weird Chinese food to make at home!
Main photo
Hermann Luyken, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons