The Most Expensive Foods in the World

Foods such as saffron, white sturgeon caviar, and Wagyu beef are extremely expensive. The reasons lie in their rarity and the difficult harvesting methods.

Bird’s Nest

Referred to as the “caviar of the East,” high-quality bird’s nest is priced between $1,000 and $2,500 (approximately 58 million VND) per kilogram. Despite its high cost, bird’s nest remains one of the most favored delicacies due to its exceptional nutritional benefits.

Bird’s nest has high nutritional value, containing over 18 types of amino acids and 31 rare elements, including amino acids that the body cannot synthesize on its own. With a protein content of 50-55%, bird’s nest helps children boost their immunity and develop intelligence. In traditional Chinese medicine, bird’s nest nourishes the lungs, alleviates phlegm, suppresses coughs, and treats ailments such as fatigue, weakness, fever from tuberculosis, asthma, and blood deficiency. It is also used to restore health for those recovering from illness, those with poor appetite, and sleep issues.

However, experts advise that the use of bird’s nest for nourishment should depend on individual health conditions and should not be overused. Individuals with conditions such as diabetes or dyslipidemia should consult a doctor before consumption.

Sturgeon Caviar

One kilogram of sturgeon caviar is sold for $2,000 to $2,500 (46-58 million VND), with some varieties reaching up to 1.8 billion VND per kilogram. It is considered a “superfood” by many countries and is only affordable for the wealthy.

Sturgeon caviar is a nutritious food source, containing phosphorus, calcium, protein, selenium, iron, magnesium, various vitamins (B12, B6, B2, B4, C, A, and D), and amino acids that can reduce the risk of depression and cardiovascular diseases.

Premium sturgeon caviar contains up to 30% protein and over 20% easily absorbable fats. Doctors recommend sturgeon caviar for individuals suffering from tuberculosis, nutrient deficiencies, body weakness, vitamin deficiencies, and neurological fatigue. Additionally, arginine, a compound in sturgeon caviar, helps increase blood circulation, provides nutrition, and nourishes nerve cells, making it a “superfood” for sexual health.

Nut Oil

This fruit is often referred to as “liquid gold,” as 1000ml of nut oil from Morocco costs $1,400 (approximately 32 million VND). Stylish and wealthy women often use this type of oil for beauty, despite its high price. Nut oil is known for its moisturizing, cooling, brightening, and smoothing effects on the skin, as well as its anti-wrinkle and skin-tightening properties. Moroccan nuts are rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, thus holding high economic value.

Abalone

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is said that “one abalone is worth one piece of gold.” Currently, abalone is quite expensive, sometimes reaching 7-15 million VND per kilogram, depending on the type. Even at its most affordable price, it is still in the millions, making it a luxury item.

In traditional Chinese medicine, abalone is recognized as one of the seafood sources with rich nutritional value. It can help improve the immune system and may assist in destroying cancer cells during metabolism. Most people can consume abalone, especially those suffering from nocturia, blood deficiency, unstable blood pressure, and lack of concentration. However, some individuals, such as those with gout or high uric acid levels, should avoid it.

Lobster

Fresh lobster prices in major cities are very high, ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 million VND per kilogram. Lobster is celebrated as the king of seafood due to its high nutritional value and versatility in gourmet dishes. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the fatty acids and Omega-3 found in lobster can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Lobster meat also helps lower the risk of arrhythmias.

Lobster broth is believed to have beneficial effects on male physiology, enhancing sexual performance. Lobster is also a good choice for those who are malnourished but want to supplement their diet without gaining weight.

Matsutake Mushrooms

Matsutake mushrooms, also known as Tricholoma matsutake, are priced at $2,000 per kilogram (46 million VND). This mushroom is not only expensive but also extremely rare, as it cannot be cultivated or artificially propagated and can only be harvested in the wild.

According to many studies in Japan, Matsutake mushrooms contain eight essential amino acids and a significant amount of vitamins B1, B2, C, and PP. In terms of medicinal properties, this precious mushroom is known to strengthen the body, benefit the intestines, relieve pain, boost energy, reduce phlegm, combat inflammation, expel worms, and has various other values in cancer prevention and diabetes management.

Moose Cheese, Sweden

Moose cheese is one of the most expensive cheeses in the world, produced only at the Moose House farm in Sweden. This pure white cheese costs around €1,000 (27 million VND) per kilogram and is produced in limited quantities.

Iberian Ham, Spain

Iberian ham is the most expensive ham in the world, produced in Spain. This is due to the fact that Iberian pigs are fed exclusively on acorns and are free-range in vast areas, which increases their value. The price of 1 kilogram of dry Iberian ham is around €365 (9.8 million VND).

Wagyu Beef, Japan

In Japan, Wagyu bulls are pampered with massages, beer, and classical music daily. As a result, steak from Wagyu beef is one of the most expensive dishes in the world, with prices reaching up to $450 (10.5 million VND) per kilogram.

Ayam Cemani Chicken, Indonesia

Ayam Cemani chickens are raised only in Indonesia and are rarely exported to other countries. This breed is so rare that a chick costs around $200 in Indonesia, and in other countries, this price can soar to thousands of dollars.

White Truffles, Italy

This type of truffle is expensive due to the difficult harvesting and preservation methods required to maintain its delicate flavor and aroma. In Europe, 1 kilogram of white truffles costs about €2,000 (55 million VND).

Saffron, Western Asia

The price of 1 kg of saffron can range from 400 to 1,000 USD (9 million to 23 million VND). The reason is that saffron only blooms for seven days a year, in the middle of autumn. It must be harvested and processed by hand. Furthermore, to obtain 1 kg of saffron, you need to harvest 300,000 flowers.

Kopi Luwak Coffee

Kopi Luwak is the most expensive coffee in the world, with prices ranging from approximately 250 to 1,200 USD per kg (6 to 28 million VND). This coffee is produced in large quantities in Indonesia, the Philippines, and southern India. To produce it, farmers feed the civet cat, which then digests and excretes the finest coffee beans.

Fugu Fish

Fugu, also known as pufferfish, is considered one of the most expensive food items globally and is known as the most dangerous fish. Notably, if not prepared correctly, consuming its meat can be fatal, and there is no antidote for its poison. Only experienced, trained, and licensed chefs are allowed to cook and serve this fish.

This delicacy can cost diners around 300 USD (nearly 7 million VND) for each fish.

Madagascar Vanilla Beans

Madagascar vanilla beans are not actually beans; they are the fruit or pods of the vanilla orchid, Vanilla planifolia. Madagascar vanilla is highly valued worldwide for its flavor and quality.

Vanilla grown in Madagascar is renowned for its sweet, creamy flavor that no other vanilla bean grown in any other country can match. The flavor of Madagascar Bourbon vanilla lingers in the mouth, allowing diners to easily use it in other strong-flavored dishes.

In recent years, the price of this food item has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels. Gourmet Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans can cost over 600 USD (more than 13.7 million VND) per kg. Given the labor-intensive process required for growing, pollinating, harvesting, and processing vanilla, it is no surprise that this bean comes at a high price.

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