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In the Western world, we tend to perceive the practices, cultures, and diets of the Eastern world as exotic or taboo. Though some of what is heard actually is true, many of the extreme and gruesome stories that are told about the exotic foods in Asia are merely overexaggerated legends. With an open mind and the proper knowledge we can see that it is not as repulsive as it may seem.

Delicacies of the Asian cultures may include things such as jellyfish, beef tendons, and shark’s fin soup. Though these dishes may make any American squeamish, in retrospect, our delicacies in the Western world would make some one of a different culture just as disgusted with our practices. Not many Easterners would be willing to eat things such as cavier, frog’s legs, or pate. The stories of cat and dog meat being eaten in China holds some truth, but not nearly to the extent that the stories make it seem. Cat and dog are served as rare delicacies is some areas, but in the more modern parts of the East it is becoming more commonly illegal to kill cats and dogs for the purpose of food. And once again, our culture serves foods that are equally repulsive, such as haggis and head cheese.

There are some legends that should be laid to rest, for they are aimed to make the Eastern cultures appear to us as barbaric. Live animals are not sacrificed at feasts as the story suggests. Some medicinal uses make particular items acceptable from any view point, once it is realized that these items are not taken or served inhumanely. Bear paw, animal penis, and antlers are a few examples of the exotic foods in Asia that serve a medicinal purpose.

Economic hardships have been the main reason for some of the less palatable dishes that have been served in China. Dishes such as chicken hearts and pig intestines are quite unappealing to anyone, but are a cheap and adequate source of protein when circumstances prevent one from eating the higher quality and better tasting foods. Once again, the cultural differences set things into perspective. Easterners are disgusted with the idea of eating foods like salty beans or sausage.

With the facts, it is not so hard to understand the culture and the reason for such exotic foods in Asia. Just as with anything, tastes are accustomed to the person more than the culture, so what some find appalling, others may find to be delicious. It is important to keep in mind that people tend to exaggerate the stories of inhumane and disgusting easting practices merely because they don’t understand the way of life. Perhaps this may help shed some light on a very misunderstood culture and put an end to the horrendous, widely spread fables.

By: Wendy Pan

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Chinese Food used to be exotic in itself but with takeaways everywhere this isn’t the case nowadays. If you want really exotic food though, China is the place to come, and there’s nowhere better to start your tasting experiences than right in the heart of the nation’s capital. Beijing’s Wangfujing Dajie is a popular shopping street for visitors. It can be found just East of Tiananmen Square and is easily reached by taxi or the efficient metro system.

During the daytime, you will find some exotic foods on display in Snack Street, a side alley off to the west side of Wangfujing Dajie. For a more interesting atmosphere, go in the evening. A whole series of stalls set up each day at the north end of the pedestrian section. It’s more fun to walk up and down these, taking photos and trying as many items as you feel brave enough to try.

So, what’s on offer?

To name just a few …

Squid: If you are a fan of Calamari then you will know that squid is in fact very tasty. It should never be cooked for too long else it does become a bit rubbery. Scorpion: Yes, the real thing, with the nasty tail clear to see. Don’t worry about the poison; cooking breaks this down. Scorpions are a warming food and good for when the weather changes to cold, or to correct an imbalance in your system. Cicada: The large and noisy bugs look frightening and completely unpalatable. Only the truly brave will eat this down, though there really is nothing to fear. I suspect that these are a recent addition to the menagerie as no-one seems able to explain the supposed benefit of eating Cicada. Starfish: You have seen them on the beach. Now you can see them on sticks. I know which I prefer. Again, purely for novelty, as far as I can tell. Seahorse: Strangely, the shape of the seahorses tail has given rise to the belief that eating seahorses assists with men’s sexual prowess. Strange – but here’s your chance to find out.

Wangfujing Snacks are exotic but not distressing. You will not see dogs or cats, nor any other ‘cute’ animals. Most of what you see has been eaten in China for generations, often in the belief that there are health benefits. You can treat the experience as a bit of fun.

If you do want to try gou rou (dog meat) then find a Korean restaurant. There are plenty to choose from. They are easily distinguished by the extractor fans sitting over each table. The meat is served ready for your BBQ and is hard to distinguish from any other red meat. It is a warming food and therefore not typically eaten in summer.

Whatever you get up to in Beijing, don’t forget to go to Wangfujing Dajie and check out the exotic food. You don’t have to eat it all but you should take lots of photos whenever you do, and impress your friends and family back home.

By: Ian Ford

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