All across the globe, there are hundreds of cultures that exist. Out of these, there are various eating habits that are unique to these cultures and the concerned people groups.
While most of them may sound good and interesting, there are some very weird ones and here are probably the weirdest ones of them all!
- Eating deadly fish in Japan
The Japanese pufferfish, also known as fugu, is one of the most poisonous foods in the world. It has deadly tetrodotoxin, which by the way has no antidote. Japanese chefs are trained for years to be able to prepare the fish in such a way that most of the tetrodotoxin is removed so that it doesn’t kill anyone but leaving just enough toxin in it to give a tingling sensation in the mouth. The interesting part is that this particular fish is considered a delicacy in Japan!
- Blood drinking in Kenya
In African history, when food and water was short for travellers who were traveling across deserts, they turned to drinking the blood of cows for their nutrition. The crazier part is that Maasai warriors in Kenya still follow this blood drinking ritual as a delicacy! They mix it with milk or drink it directly from the veins of the cows. Now, this is super weird.
- Burping in Egypt
In most places around the globe, burping is considered ill-mannered and rude while in public. If you burp, you’re being disrespectful. It is not quite the same in Egypt. In Egypt, burping is a compliment. Actually, one of the best ones you can give to appreciate the meal you’ve just eaten! So, when you visit Egypt, make sure you give a good burp to your hosts after they feed you a meal!
- Meditating with magic mushrooms in Siberia
In Siberia, there is a tribe called the Koryak tribe. They are known to mix magic mushrooms with urine as a recipe for meditation as they communicate with spirits. This is an integral part of their religious customs and is practiced very strictly among the tribe. They eat the mushrooms and drink their own urine as a way to withstand the toxic effects of the mushrooms while talking to spirits and connecting with the dead. Spooky, ain’t it?
- Finishing your food in China
In China, according to the culture, it is considered rude to finish everything that’s on your plate. Wait, what? Yep, if you do so, it implies that your host was not able to serve you enough food to eat. Therefore, to be on the good side of the Chinese culture, it is always advised to leave some rice after you’re done with your meal. This shows that you enjoyed the food, but are also very full to not be able to finish all of it.
Now you know why you got those weird looks in China right after you wiped your plate clean.