The world is full of wonders, and each community in different countries has its way of doing things. The weirdest foods worldwide include eating rotten cheese, raw horse meat, tuna eyeballs, maggot cheese, and raw guinea pigs. But when it comes to strange foods, America knows how to bring them.
From pizza with Provel cheese to chipped beef on toast, there are all kinds of food in America (or no one, as the case may be). If you’re looking for a truly unique and stomach-turning dining experience, look no further than our great nation.
Here are some of the weirdest, funkiest, and most strange foods from the four corners of the US for your consideration. See how many of these weird foods you can stomach!
Weirdest & Strange Foods in America to Try
1) Geoducks, West Coast
This is one of the strange foods enjoyed by many Americans. Imagine if you had an aroused clam watching too much clam porn. That’s many people’s image when they see their first geoduck. Pronounced like a “gooey duck,” the long protrusion from the critter is the siphon of the shellfish.
These things can weigh up to 3 pounds, live for over a century, and dig them up yourself with proper licensing in the Pacific Northwest. Many people like to eat the siphon of the geoducks in a sashimi-style dish, though cooking them with seasonal vegetables and mushrooms is common. The body of the shellfish is quite tender and good with butter, and it will be a dish you’ll remember eating for some time.
2) Chitlins, Virginia
If you’re eating sausage regularly, you’re likely eating some pork intestine without thinking about it. What makes Chitlins different is that you know you’re eating the pig’s small intestine because that’s all it is. Batter up their intestines, cut them into reasonably sized pieces, then fry them suckers up in some nice, hot oil until they crackle.
Just don’t forget to clean the intestines first… or slow cook them intestines so you can eat them without issue. In the South, Chitlins are often considered to be soul food. Just don’t think about the fact that you’re eating part of the organ that the pig uses to process digested food, and you’ll be a-ok.
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3) Provel Cheese, Missouri
Provel Cheese is one of the weirdest food in the world. The idea of a gooey, melty cheese product will get the mouths of many Americans watering profusely. From nachos to noodle casseroles, processed cheese is used in many dishes around the country. What makes Provel cheese unique, coming from the St. Louis area is its combination of flavors:
- mild cheddar,
- swiss,
- provolone, and
- liquid smoke.
Where are you going to find Provel cheese commonly? On a thin-crust pizza, that’s where! Add some peppers and sausage, and you’ve got a pizza you’ll either adore… or never eat again.
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4) Scrapple, Philadelphia
Once again, coming back to the pig, the early Colonial settlers needed to be able to salvage every part of every animal to guarantee their survival. However, eating a bunch of organs and head meat certainly turns most people’s tummies.
Scrapple was invented to make the food keep going so that nothing was wasted. True Scrapple involves taking the leftover parts of the pig you’ve got, which could even include the skin, and then it is boiled with cornmeal until the protein strands disassemble.
Once this happens, the organs, head meat, skin, and other pig parts cooked are mashed like pig-mashed potatoes. Once a consistent texture is achieved, it’s all pressed into a loaf pan and then baked to get one big chunk of meat. Slice it while it’s hot, and enjoys!
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5) Poop On a Shingle
The dish uses a less family-friendly blogging word, but you get the picture. This dish has its regional versions as well, such as Hot Browns, but the concept is always the same: you create an open-faced sandwich, then place something that looks a bit like what would come out on top of it so that you can put it in your mouth and chew.
For Poop on a Shingle, you take your preferred ground meat – if you want a high-class Poop on a Shingle, use ground bison or lamb – then brown it on. Use salt and pepper to season it, and then add a can or two of cream of mushroom soup to the meat.
Stir it all up, add more seasoning if desired, and then serve it on a slice of toast. You would use a Mornay sauce with turkey and bacon as the meat products for Hot Browns.
6) Eskimo Ice Cream, Alaska
Who screams for ice cream? If you knew what was in it, you might not be screaming for Eskimo ice cream. Authentic Eskimo ice cream has berries in it, but it also contains polar bear fat, oil from a seal, and snow. Then you blend the bejeezus out of this combination until it becomes silky smooth, sweet ice cream.
Hunters in the Alaskan region are thought to have been enjoying this dish for thousands of years because it packs well and lasts for a long time – Alaska in winter is pretty cold, you know!
Modern Eskimo ice cream calls for butter, shortening, and sugar, so it’s not overly weird. Don’t ask a polar bear for some of his fat to make your own… chances are good, that wouldn’t end very well!
7) The Famous Garbage Plate, New York
A dish that typically stays in New York, the Garbage Plate is about what you’d expect it to be. Its several components, normally a separate dish, are all thrown together onto one plate.
There are several variations, but there are three primary ingredients: macaroni salad, potatoes, and some meat. Hot dogs, ground beef, Spam, steak… whatever – if it’s meat, it’s neat. On top, you’ll get some chopped-up onions and mustard. If you’ve got a suitable Garbage Plate, it weighs a hefty 3 lbs! Check out these best restaurants in New York City.
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8) Won tons
Do you know those little packets of goodness popular in Chinese cuisine? That’s right, Won tons. But did you know that they were invented in America?
The first-ever recorded recipe for won tons appeared in 1849, and it called for minced lamb and water chestnuts. Since then, the dish has undergone a few tweaks, but the concept remains the same.
Won tons are typically filled with either a meat or vegetable mixture, then boiled or steamed until cooked through. They can then be served with a dipping sauce or eaten independently. They might seem like an innocent appetizer, but you can’t stop once you pop!
9) Frog Legs, Michigan
If there’s one thing frog legs are known for, it’s their taste. And by “taste,” we mean “slimy.” These little amphibians have been eaten all over the world for centuries, but they took off in America during the 1920s and 1930s. Restaurants started offering them as a delicacy, and people went wild for them.
Frog legs can be sautéed, pan-fried, or boiled. They’re often served with garlic butter sauce or some Hollandaise sauce. Try them if you’re feeling brave – but be warned, they’re not for everyone.
10) Fried Rattlesnake, Oklahoma
Oklahoma is known for its many rattlesnake festivals, and one of the most popular items on the menu is, of course, fried rattlesnake. This weird food can be made in a variety of ways, but it’s typically battered and deep-fried. Some recipes call for a coating of flour or cornmeal before frying. Fried rattlesnake is considered a delicacy in Oklahoma, and even restaurants specialize in this dish.
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11) Voodoo Donut, Oregon
Portland is known for its eccentricities, and Voodoo Doughnut is no exception. This doughnut shop is famous for its weird and wacky flavors, like the Dirt Doughnut (made with Oreo cookies), the Bacon Maple Bar (duh), and the Grape Ape (a grape-flavored doughnut).
But Voodoo Doughnut doesn’t just serve regular old doughnuts but has some pretty strange specialty items. How about a doughnut topped with Fruit Loops or French Toast? And for those who want to push the envelope, there’s the Voodoo Doll doughnut, filled with raspberry jelly with a pretzel stake sticking out of it.
12) Koolickle, Mississippi
Koolickle is a drink that was invented in Mississippi. It’s made by mixing Kool-Aid and pickle juice, and it’s said to be a cure for the common cold. People have been mixing Kool-Aid and pickle juice for years, but it wasn’t until 2010 that someone came up with the name “Koolickle.” The drink has become quite popular in Mississippi; even restaurants serve it on their menus.
13) Pickle Dog, Minnesota
A pickle dog is a hot dog that’s topped with pickles. It’s a popular snack in Minnesota, and several restaurants serve it on their menus.
The pickle dog is simple but delicious – it’s just a hot dog topped with pickles. Some people like to add ketchup or mustard, but others prefer to eat it plain. If you’re ever in Minnesota, try a pickle dog – you won’t regret it!
14) Ambrosia Salad, Alabama
Ambrosia salad is a popular side dish in Alabama. It’s made of fruit, marshmallows, and whipped cream and is usually served cold. Ambrosia salad can be made with a variety of different fruits, but the most common ingredients are grapes, oranges, and bananas.
Marshmallows and whipped cream are added to give the salad a creamy texture, and it’s often served with a light dressing or syrup. Ambrosia salad is a refreshing side dish with just about any meal. If you’re ever in Alabama, be sure to try some ambrosia salad.
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15) Chocolate-Covered Grasshoppers, Colorado
It’s not unusual to find chocolate-covered grasshoppers as a snack in Colorado. The unique combination of chocolate and crunchy insects is a popular treat in the Rocky Mountain state, and it’s one that you’re likely to remember after trying it!
Grasshoppers are a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine, and chocolate-covered grasshoppers are a spin on this traditional dish. They’re often sold at festivals and fairs in Colorado, and they’re quickly becoming a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
16) Clamato Juice, California
Clamato juice is a beverage made from tomato juice and clam broth. It was invented in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in the early 1960s by Julius Caesar Tomasone, who owned a food concession at the Winnipeg Jets hockey arena. He combined his Italian immigrant parents’ recipes for tomato sauce and clams.
Clamato juice is a popular drink in California, and it’s also popular in other parts of the United States. This is a delicious drink that’s perfect for quenching your thirst. It’s also a great way to get daily vitamins and minerals.
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17) Bug Juice, Florida
Bug juice is a beverage made by extracting juice from insects. It is consumed in some parts of the world, such as Southeast Asia, where it is considered a delicacy. Bug juice is not commonly consumed in the United States but can be found in some ethnic food stores.
The most common insects used to make bug juice in Frolida are grasshoppers, crickets, and cockroaches. The juice is extracted by boiling the insects in water, then straining the liquid. The resulting juice is either drunk fresh or fermented into an alcoholic drink.
18) Crawfish Étouffée, Louisiana
Crawfish Étouffée is a popular Creole dish in Louisiana. It has crawfish tails, butter, onions, celery, green bell peppers, and garlic. The crawfish tails are simmered in a sauce made from butter, flour, and stock until cooked through.
Crawfish Étouffée is a hearty dish that is perfect for a winter meal. It’s also very affordable – a serving of crawfish étouffée typically costs less than $10. If you’re ever in Louisiana, be sure to try this delicious weird food.
19) Snow Crab Legs, Maryland
These crustaceans are native to the cold waters of the North Atlantic and are a popular item on seafood menus all over America. Snow crab legs are usually served steamed or boiled, and they’re often dipped in melted butter or sauce.
Some people love them, others hate them – but there’s no denying that snow crab legs are a distinctly American food. So if you’re ever visiting our great country, you should try this delicacy.
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20) Beef Tongue, Texas and Hawaii
Beef tongue is a dish that is popular in Texas and Hawaii. It is made by braising beef tongue in a sauce from beef stock, onions, carrots, and celery. The beef tongue is cooked until tender and then sliced and served with the sauce.
Beef tongue is a fatty cut of meat, so it is best enjoyed in moderation. However, if you’re looking for an interesting and unique dish, beef tongue is a good choice. It’s not for everyone, but those who like it say it’s delicious.
21) Cactus Fries, Arizona
Cactus fries are a popular dish in Arizona. They are made by cutting cactus into thin strips, then frying them in oil until they are crispy. The cactus fries are often served with ranch dressing or salsa.
Cactus fries are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional French fries. They are packed with nutrients and a great way to refuel after a long day of hiking or biking.
22) Potato Ice Cream, Idaho
Potato ice cream is a dessert that is popular in Idaho. It is made by blending cooked potatoes, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. The potato ice cream is then poured into a container and frozen until solid.
Potato ice cream is a unique and delicious dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Made with simple ingredients, it is a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes. If you’re ever in Idaho, be sure to try some potato ice cream – you won’t regret it!
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23) Brain Sandwich, Indiana
The brain sandwich is a type of sandwich that contains, as the name suggests, the brain. The brain is often considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, so it is not surprising that it would appear on a sandwich. The brain is marinated in a spicy sauce before being placed between two bread slices.
The idea of eating brain might put some people off, but those who have tried it say that it has a delicate, slightly nutty taste. The brain sandwich can be found at certain restaurants in the United States, and it is also popular in other countries such as Mexico and India.
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24) Muskrat, Maryland
Muskrat is a dish that is made from the meat of the muskrat. The muskrat is a rodent that is found in the United States and Canada. The meat of the muskrat is often used in dishes such as stews, soups, and casseroles.
Muskrat is an affordable dish that is popular in Maryland. It is a healthy source of protein, and it is low in fat and cholesterol. If you’re ever in Maryland, be sure to try this unusual but delicious food.
25) Lutefisk, North Dakota
Lutefisk is a type of fish that is popular in North Dakota. It is made by soaking codfish in lye until it becomes soft. The lutefisk is then boiled and served with melted butter or white sauce.
Lutefisk is a unique and unusual dish that is sure to spice up your dinner table. It is a great way to introduce your family to new types of cuisine, and it is sure to be a hit with everyone.
26) Fried Pig Ears, South Carolina
Fried pig ears are a popular weird food in South Carolina. They are made by frying pig ears in oil until they are crispy. The fried pig ears are often served with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
Fried pig ears are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional French fries. They are packed with nutrients and a great way to refuel after a long day of hiking or biking. If you’re ever in South Carolina, be sure to try some fried pig ears – you won’t regret it!
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27) Rocky Mountain Oysters, Colorado
Rocky Mountain oysters are a type of food that is made from the testicles of bulls or pigs. The testicles are often chopped up and then deep-fried. The rocky mountain oysters are often served with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
Rocky Mountain oysters may not be for everyone, but they are popular in many parts of the United States. They are packed with protein and other nutrients and are a great way to refuel after a long day of exercise. Do you dare try this unusual food during your visit to Colorado?
28) Bison Tartare, Wyoming
Bison tartare is a weird food that is made from raw bison meat. The bison meat is chopped and mixed with onions, capers, and other spices. The bison tartare is often served with toast or crackers.
Bison tartare is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional beef tartare. It is packed with protein and other nutrients and is perfect for those looking for a quick and easy meal.
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29) Fried Alligator, Louisiana
Fried alligator is a popular weird dish in Louisiana. It is made by frying alligator meat in oil until it is crispy. The fried alligator is often served with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
Fried alligator is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional French fries. It is packed with nutrients and a great way to refuel after a long day of exercise. If you’re ever in Louisiana, be sure to try some fried alligator – you won’t regret it!
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30) Roadkill, Montana
Montana is a state that is known for its abundance of roadkill. Roadkill is the term used for the meat of animals that have been killed by cars. The meat of roadkill can be used in a variety of dishes, including stews, casseroles, and tacos.
Roadkill is an unusual dish, but it is popular in many parts of the United States. It is a great way to introduce your family to new types of cuisine, and it is sure to be a hit with everyone. Be sure to try it the next time you’re in Montana!
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31) Beer Cheese Soup, Wisconsin
Wisconsin is well-known for its delicious beer cheese soup. The beer cheese soup is a creamy and hearty soup that is made with beer, cheese, and other spices. The beer cheese soup is often served with bread or crackers.
The beer cheese soup is a popular dish in Wisconsin, and it will surely please everyone at your dinner table. It is a great way to warm up on a cold day and perfect for any occasion. Be sure to try it the next time you’re in Wisconsin!
32) Burgoo, Kentucky
Burgoo is a type of stew that is popular in Kentucky. The burgoo is made with beef, pork, chicken, and other vegetables. The burgoo is often served with bread or crackers.
Burgoo is a hearty and delicious stew that is perfect for any occasion. It is packed with protein and other nutrients that satisfy your hunger. Be sure to try it the next time you’re in Kentucky!
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33) Muktuk, Alaska
Muktuk is a type of food that is made from the skin and blubber of whales. It’s usually chopped and mixed with onions, capers, and other spices. The muktuk is eaten raw and often served with toast or crackers.
Muktuk is a healthy and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is packed with protein and other nutrients, and it is a great way to introduce your family to new types of cuisine. Be sure to try it the next time you’re in Alaska!
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34) Blood Boudin, Louisiana
Blood boudin is a type of blood sausage that is made with blood and pork. The blood boudin is often served with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
Blood boudin is a unique and weird dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is packed with protein and other nutrients that satisfy your hunger. Be sure to try it the next time you’re in Louisiana!
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35) Fried Butter, Iowa
This concoction was originally invented by an Iowa State Fair vendor, one of Iowa’s best places to visit. It’s essentially just a ball of butter dipped in batter and fried. It may not sound very delicious, but it tastes pretty good. The butter becomes nice and crispy outside while staying soft and melted inside.
Eating this makes it all fatty and bitter, and everyone reacts differently to the delicacy. In this article, you’ve learned about the many strange foods in America. From strange dishes to tasty snacks and everything in between, there are several different types of food out there that might catch your interest.
We hope this article is informative for you! Feel free to tell us what your favorite bizarre foods are.
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Hans Jonas Hansen
Sunday 22nd of December 2013
I don't think I ever tried any of those foods when I was in the US. The provel cheese seems delicoius. Is it real cheese?
In Denmark they use to sell something they called cheese but it turned out that it wasn't cheese, so they are not allowed to call it that anymore. But I guess EU regulation is more strict than the US.
Graeme Sandlin
Monday 23rd of December 2013
For many, Provel is an acquired taste. Some people love it... some just don't! It is a pasteurized process cheese that's actually a lot like The Laughing Cow... so much so that if you add a little liquid smoke to the cooking process with The Laughing Cow, it actually tastes almost exactly like Provel!