India is a land of diversity, culture and traditions. It is also the land of rich and delicious cuisines! Indian food is a beautiful blend of culture and customs of various regions. It boasts of robust flavours, a mind blowing variety, spices and surprises. But, this time around, let’s take the road less travelled and venture into the unexplored side of Indian food.
Below is the list of ‘unusual’ food, not your innocent everyday classics, but a bucket list of the fearless foodie! Bizarre, weird, exotic - decide for yourself!
1. Red ants chutney - Chattisgarh
The great Indian chutney makes every dish come alive, but this one right here, can make you have second thoughts before consuming it! From the wilderness of Batsar region in Chhattisgarh, comes a red hot chutney called ‘chaprah’, a dip made with red ants and their eggs. The ants are dried and then crushed with salt and spices. Ants contain Formic acid which is believed to render medicinal qualities. The local Dhuruva tribe will tell you that it’s not just a dish, but an adventure.
2. Snail stew and Steamed Hornets - Kohima (Nagaland)
Let the ‘fearless’ in you come to surface when you are about to eat a meal in Nagaland. One of the most famous and delicious dish here is snail stews and steamed hornet larvae, sold majorly on the streets and it’s believed to be yummy!
3. Frog legs in Sikkim and Goa
This French delicacy has been pleasing Indian taste buds since a long time. The Lepchas community in Sikkim swears by the medicinal quality present in this dish, to cure various stomach ailments. In Goa, it is more famously known as ‘jumping chicken’. Although, it’s recognised as a threatened species by the Government of India, yet you will find some restaurants serving it.
4. Eri Polu - Assam
An exotic dish prepared with Silkworm pupas. Eri silkworm is the primary ingredient and is used to after it has spun its cocoon. Eri Polu is usually served with ‘Khorisa’ which is yet another exotic dish of Assam, prepared from fermented bamboo shoots, a traditional condiment used in Assam.
5. Doh Khleh - Meghalaya
This dish takes extreme cuisine up a notch! It’s a pork and onion salad garnished with pig’s brain which is simply steamed. It’s is believed to be absolutely healthy and lip smacking at the same time
Which one would you dare to eat?