Weirdest Thai Dishes
Discover five of Thailand’s strangest and most daring dishes that challenge even adventurous eaters. From crispy insects to unusual flavors, these unique foods offer a taste of Thai culture unlike any other. Ready to test your palate and curiosity? These dishes are sure to surprise and intrigue you.
1 Bamboo worms (Rot Duan)
Among tourists, bamboo worms are by far the most popular fried insect, often featured as an appetizer on exotic menus. Despite their unusual look, these grubs—known locally as “Rot Duan” or “express train” because of their shape—have a crispy yet spongy texture. Fried with spices, bamboo worms are a common street food across Thailand, though some adventurous eaters even consume them raw and alive.
2 Silkworm (Nhon Mhai)
Silkworms are another popular worm delicacy in Thailand’s exotic cuisine. Visitors who have tried roasted silkworms often describe them as tasty, with a subtle peanut-like flavor. Similar to bamboo worms, they’re commonly enjoyed as a snack alongside drinks, especially when prepared with soy sauce and pepper.
3 Grasshoppers (Tak Ka Tan)
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, many agree that ‘Tak Ka Ten,’ or Thai fried grasshoppers, have a flavor reminiscent of fried shrimp and pair perfectly with a cold beer. This crunchy delicacy is even crispier than potato chips, making it a popular snack in Thailand.
4 Locusts (Jing Reed)
In Thailand, locusts aren’t just known for their nighttime noise—they’re also considered a tasty treat. Visitors often enjoy fried locusts, which share a similar crunchy texture to fried grasshoppers, making them a popular choice among adventurous eaters.
5 Water beetle (Maeng Kee Noon)
Alongside cockroaches, water beetles are often seen as some of the most unwelcome pests in homes. But if the thought of them crawling around makes you uneasy, a visit to Thailand might change your mind—sampling these tasty aquatic beetles could turn fear into appreciation.