Weird foods around the world: disgusting, gross or just simply different from what you know? The different ways we put our food together varies tremendously around the world; while travelling, some of us will seize any opportunity to try new tastes, whereas others might simply say 'yuck!' and move on. This article will help you decide for yourself which camp you're in...

There's certainly nothing weird when it comes to our intrigue with strange food. In Sweden, the city of Malmö has its very own Disgusting Food Museum, which explores our fascination with all things edible (and arguably inedible...).

Or are you convinced that you've got a strong stomach? Well, there are loads of weird foods to try – or for want of a better word, unusual food – around the world. Whether you prove yourself right or wrong, there's only one way to find out! From cheese maggots to rotten eggs, these are some of the world's weirdest foods.

In the market for more weird and wonderful travel inspiration? Discover 20 seriously weird places around the world.

1. Shirako, Japan

Japan is also home to a number of weird vending machines, serving the likes of beer, bananas and live crab! Before you go, find out more fascinating facts about Japan. When you're there, try a Street food-hopping tour in Osaka, the so-called Kitchen of Japan, to explore further.

2. Tuna eyeballs, Japan

There are various tuna eyeball recipes – as you do – but the simplest way of cooking them it to simply boil or steam, and season with garlic or soy sauce. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they taste a little like squid.

If you want to see more fish, join Tokyo's famous fish market and tuna auction at Tsukishi and Toyosu Fish Markets with a guide.

3. Balut, the Philippines

You’re supposed to tap a hole in the top of the shell, sup the savoury liquid and then crunch down the rest of what’s inside – feathers, bones and all. It's unsurprising that Filipino balut might not sound overly appealing, but it is a duck egg delicacy for a reason...

4. Fried tarantulas, Cambodia

Want to give eating tarantulas in Cambodia a go? Or prefer other, lesser-legged snacks? Hop on a Vespa and join a foodie tour in the evening in Siem Reap, gateway to famous Angkor Wat.

Wondering when's the best time to go (tarantula-munching optional)? Read our guide to when to visit Cambodia.

5. White ant eggs soup, Laos

Want to try cooking some Laotian delicacies yourself? Take a tour from Luang Prabang and learn to cook traditional Hmong cuisine.

Ahead of your trip, read our Laos travel tips for planning and on the go.

6. Jellied moose nose, Canada

For the less adventurous foodies who find themselves in Canada, maybe try a Craft Beer and Wine tasting tour through Gastown in Vancouver?

Not sure how to tackle exploring this vast country? Read our experts' suggested Canada itineraries.

7. Boshintang, Korea

There's certainly better parts to the Korean cuisine and drinks culture, like the traditional liquors and Hanok style restaurants. Discover more about South Korean culture and etiquette.

8. Huitlacoche, Mexico

If you'd rather have a more traditional foodie tour, join an authentic tour from Mexico City to discover the best street tacos and other delicacies. You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to cool places to visit in Mexico.

9. Airag, Mongolia

Mongolians have been drinking airag for centuries and is similar to kumis which is found throughout Central Asia.

If imbiding fermented horse milk isn't your cup of tea, be amazed by beautiful pictures of life and landscapes in Mongolia.

10. Casu marzu, Italy

If prefer a more luxurious dinner, consider wining and dining in one of Rome's most luxurious restaurants, and read our guide to eating and drinking in Italy.

11. Muktuk, Greenland

While you might be quick to pass on this snack, muktuk is a good source of vitamins C and D. But perhaps don’t eat if wearing dentures...

12. Hakarl, Iceland

Smoked puffin, lamb soup, Skyr dessert - Iceland has much more to offer in their cuisine. Join a guide and explore the many options. You might also want to find out about things not to miss in Iceland.

13. Century egg, China

Curious to find out what the locals of Shanghai eat? Consider joining a guided tour through Shanghai's vibrant restaurant and foodie scene, and read up on Chinese street foods you need to try.

14. Salo, Ukraine

15. Stargazey Pie, England

Now you're clued up about England's food scene, book your own tailor-made trip with one of our local experts.

For the less adventurous, London has plenty to offer on gastronomic delicacies, such as the East End Food Tour.

16. Locusts, Israel

Many people used to think that insects and bugs were some of the weirdest foods around the world, but they've seen something of a resurgence in recent years – don't be surprised to find them popping up on an increasing number of menus worldwide.

Besides locusts, there's plenty of Bureka, Hummus, and Malabi to taste (just to name a few). You can find them all over Israel or join one of the foodie tours like the Local Food Experience from Tel Aviv.

Travelling on a budget? Discover how to explore the city that has it all in our guide to visiting Tel Aviv on a budget.

Fancy finding out about more of the world's weird cultural wonders? Read up on weird world-fashion that takes you around the world in 20 costumes.

You might also be interested in weird things to do in Europe, and discovering off-the-beaten-track, beautiful places you've never heard of.

Top image: Century egg, China © YANGYANG FANG/Shutterstock

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