Results: Cooking Up Some Curious Cuisines! Part 4 of 7
Published on 08/13/2025
Many cuisines are tied to specific geographic areas and their available ingredients. There are plenty of beloved local delicacies that to an outsider may seem quite surprising or unusual. In this series we take a look at some of the more curious foods from around the world. Cheapism is my source for this series.
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Huitlacoche, also known as corn smut or corn truffle in Mexico, is a traditional food that can be an acquired taste for some. Huitlacoche is a fungus that feeds off of immature corn kernels, resulting in blue-grey bulbous formations that farmers in the U.S. usually toss aside. It's enjoyed for it's rich, smoky and earthy flavors and if you want to try it, huitlacoche can usually be found in cans and jars in Latino supermarkets. Had you ever heard of huitlacoche before this survey?
Yes
11%
240 votes
No
74%
1557 votes
Undecided
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303 votes
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Hákarl, a traditional Icelandic food, is fermented shark, typically Greenland shark or sleeper shark. It's known for its strong ammonia smell and unique taste, often described as an acquired one. The fermentation process involves burying the shark in the ground for several weeks to neutralize toxins and then drying it. A shot of Brennivín (Icelandic schnapps) is often consumed alongside Hákarl to help mask the strong taste. It is considered a national dish of Iceland and it's often eaten during the mid-winter Þorrablót festival, which celebrates Icelandic heritage and traditions. Trying Hákarl is often seen as a rite of passage for both tourists and locals. Have you ever been to Iceland?
Yes
10%
208 votes
No
90%
1892 votes
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