Fugu, live octopus, maggot cheese, giant bullfrog… are some of the unique delicacies that can be deadly when tasted.
>> “Be amazed” by the royal delicacies of ancient times
Delicacies that Come with Risks
Fugu (Japan): If not prepared properly (removing all the liver and ovaries), eating fugu can lead to death within hours. To serve this dish, chefs in Japan must undergo 3 years of training. The largest fugu market in Japan is in Shimonoseki, and nowadays you can also find it in supermarkets.
Improperly prepared fugu contains tetrodotoxin, which can paralyze muscles and lead to suffocation. There is currently no antidote, but victims can survive if they receive mechanical ventilation until the toxin dissipates. If you survive the first 24 hours after poisoning, the chances of recovery are quite high.
Sea Crab (Latin America): Although cholera is treatable, remember the rule of “cook thoroughly, boil, peel” when consuming seafood. In the early 1990s, a group of tourists contracted cholera from eating crabs in Latin America. Shrimp, clams, and mussels can all carry this virus. Cholera can be fatal if the victim becomes severely dehydrated.
Casu Marzu Cheese (Sardinia, Italy): This rather challenging delicacy is made from sheep’s milk and has a taste similar to Gorgonzola cheese. However, upon closer inspection, you will see wriggling maggots in the cheese. This cheese has been banned by the EU, but enthusiasts insist that as long as the maggots are alive, the cheese is safe to eat. Currently, Casu Marzu cheese is still “sold underground” in Sardinia. However, when you eat this frightening delicacy, the live maggots can survive and nest in your intestines, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and severe intestinal distress before exiting through the anus.
Sannakji (Korea): Sannakji is a famous local dish in Korea made from live octopus seasoned with salt and sesame oil. This dish is known worldwide for its unique preparation and inherent dangers. The live octopus is served to diners immediately after the tentacles are cut into pieces and they still squirm on the plate, or if you’re more daring, you can eat the whole octopus raw.
This dish gained worldwide fame, partly due to its appearance in the 2004 film “Oldboy”, where a famous character eats live octopus at a sushi restaurant. It has been described as a “strange and bold culinary experience.”
The popularity of Sannakji extends beyond cinema, with many YouTube videos showing thrill-seeking tourists trying this dish at local fish markets.
Despite the risks, this dish is extremely popular in Korea, and many YouTubers and content creators often share videos of themselves devouring it.
The issue is that the suckers on the tentacles can grip tightly in the mouth or throat, easily causing choking or suffocation. In Korea, about 6 people die each year from this dish. If you’re brave enough, be sure to chew thoroughly and drink plenty of water, and avoid eating it while intoxicated.
Giant Bullfrog (Namibia): The reason why the French like to eat frog legs, only the legs, is that the other parts of the frog (especially the skin and internal organs) can be toxic. However, frog meat is considered a delicacy in Namibia. The locals believe that eating frog meat after the breeding season significantly reduces toxicity. If unfortunate enough to eat the toxic parts, you may contract Oshiketakata, a temporary kidney ailment that requires immediate hospitalization. Some cases that did not receive timely medical attention have resulted in death.
Ackee Fruit (Jamaica): The red and black parts of this fruit are very toxic and can be deadly. The yellow part inside is a popular food in Jamaica. Eating the red and black parts can cause vomiting, seizures, and even death due to a sharp drop in blood sugar levels.
The yellow part is used to make a Jamaican delicacy – Ackee and saltfish.
Silver Striped Blaasop (Mediterranean Countries): Many fishermen in the Mediterranean have died from consuming this fish. The toxins in their liver and reproductive organs can cause paralysis, difficulty breathing, and even death.
