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Disgusting Foods the Chinese Eat 77

Shenzhen bans eating BALUT - Balut is a Chinese dish that was China may find scorpions to be a tasty treat.
adopted by the Philippines in the 17th century. It These small scorpions are fried and served on a
dogs, cats in post- is now considered a national dish of the skewer stick. They can be found on the streets of

coronavirus first for China Philippines but it is a Chinese food – hence it’s popular cities to lure tourists into trying
inclusion on this list. “According to a study in something local and bizarre. Since the scorpions
2007, Chinese traders and migrants brought the are thin, they turn out crispy with a nice
Continued from Page 75 custom of eating fertilized duck eggs to the seasoning. It is believed that eating scorpions
Philippines around the 17th century. It’s also can cure certain medical conditions and can
An estimated 30 million dogs and 10 million said the origin is from Chinese’s “Maodan,” or make the blood hotter in cold conditions.
cats are killed for their meat across Asia every “feathered egg.””
year, according to Humane Society International Many of us consume eggs in some form PI DAN - Pi Dan, also known as century egg,
(HSI). They’re something of a niche food, without even questioning it, because they are is a traditional Chinese food that boasts a unique
although Yulin, China, holds a dedicated dog unfertilized and have many nutritious benefits color and fragrance. It is usually a duck or
meat festival every year. for our lives. The Chinese, along with other chicken egg that is preserved in a mixture of
countries, eat eggs in a very different way clay, ash, salt, and alkaline material. The egg
Shenzhen officials say the new ban will come known as balut. Balut is a partially developed yolk may appear yellow, dark green, or brown
into effect on May 1. chicken or duck egg that has been incubated depending on the processing time, but the center
between 14 and 21 days before being boiled and is normally soft in all colors. Refreshing,
Wildlife advocates applauded Shenzhen for the eaten. smooth, delicious, and salty are words that
decision after it was announced. Balut is a popular street food that can be normally describe the unique food.
found at many roadside markets. It may sound During the process of making these eggs,
“This really could be a watershed moment,” Dr. sickening to eat a partially developed duck, but a chemical reaction turns the egg white to
Peter Li, China policy specialist for HSI, told this dish is considered a delicacy in many places transparent, and a snow-flake pattern may be
BBC. such as China. The fertilized egg is boiled for visible on the outside. Pi Dan can be preserved
about 25 minutes and is eaten while the egg is up to five months if the eggshell remains
Advocates with the Toronto-based World still warm. The yolk portion is described as rich unbroken. They can be served in cold dishes
Animal Protection (WAP) group also applauded and creamy with an overall mild taste, and some such as a salad or can be paired with soy sauce
the move, while calling for China to go even eggs contain bones and feathers that are edible, and green chilis for a spicy lunch. Century Eggs
further. which (according to local belief) make the men are also a popular gift for friends and family
eating them appear more masculine. during the traditional Chinese Dragon Boat
“This permanent ban will help to keep people Festival.
safe and protect animals from unnecessary SHEEP PENIS - If you are looking to boost
suffering,” Kelly Dent, WAP’s global director of libido, the Chinese have a bizarre food that may SILKWORMS - Various insects are
external engagement, told Global News in a help. Sheep penis along with other animal considered a delicacy in many cultures. In
statement. penises and testicles are served as a remedy for China, silkworms are one of those insects, and
the problem. A restaurant in China, they are enjoyed by the locals. Silkworm pupae
“However, if deadly outbreaks are to be Guolizhuang, is dedicated to serving all types of remaining after their fibrous cocoons have been
prevented in future, we need to see this ban dishes with animal genitalia such as sheep harvested are used in several different ways for
extended to include the use of wild animals for gonads on a bed of curry and steamed sheep consumption. The flavor is like shrimp or crab
entertainment, for traditional medicine and as penis. and has a chewy consistency.
exotic pets. The coronavirus pandemic is the The locals enjoy the flavor of the dish, Silkworms can be found in local markets
latest wake-up call that we must end the cruel but they also believe it is good for one’s health. cooked several ways or stocked frozen and
exploitation of animals.” Many of the customers at the restaurant are canned. Chinese-style silkworms are added to

males looking to increase potency and sexual stir-fry with your favorite vegetables, soy sauce,
“Shenzhen is the first city in the world to take prowess. The Chinese believe that they can and seasonings. Its normally served up with rice
the lessons learned from this pandemic seriously replenish parts of their bodies by eating dishes or noodles, or the pupae can be deep fried and
and make the changes needed to avoid another with those same body parts, which is why served with your choice of dipping sauce. If
pandemic,” said Teresa M. Telecky, vice- testicles and penises are consumed to improve you’re not sold on consuming the insect in your
president of the wildlife department for HSI. sexual health. Instead of turning to a pill, try this stir fry, you can always start with the sweeter
unique Chinese dish instead. and more tourist-friendly version, chocolate-
“Shenzhen’s bold steps to stop this trade and covered silkworms.
wildlife consumption is a model for FRIED SEAHORSE - A seahorse is one of
governments around the world to emulate.” the cutest small marine fish found in the sea, but BIRD SPIT SOUP - One of the more

it is also found on China streets as a snack. controversial bizarre foods the Chinese eat is
Seahorse has a squid-like consistency and is bird’s nest soup. This famous soup is made from
Disgusting Foods The very salty. They are mostly found in soups or on a swiftlet’s actual nest. This small bird is found
kabobs and found at several street markets. You in Southeast Asia and lives in dark caves like a
Chinese Eat must be careful when consuming seahorse bat. Their nests are made from their own gummy

though, because they have sharp pieces that can saliva produced by the glands under their
The locals in many countries consume foods that get caught in your gums or teeth. tongue. The nest of saliva hardens as it is
we find to be bizarre, but China has one of the The Chinese also believe there are great exposed to the air.
largest varieties of food in the world. Walk down benefits to eating seahorse. One Chinese The common way to cook bird’s nest
any street market in China and you’ll find the proverb says that eating seahorse can keep an soup is slowly steaming it after soaking it in
delicious delicacies, the tourist treats, and even 80-year-old grandad young. Many locals use it water. The texture of the nest is soft like jelly,
the downright disgusting. Some of these dishes as an ancient Chinese medication for energy and but it doesn’t have much taste. The taste is not
are known for their tastes, some for being to boost sexual performance. They can be mixed what keeps locals coming back each day for this
unique, and others for their medicinal purposes with herbs and boiled as tea to treat asthma and soup, but it is the benefits that attract the
and can be made from animals, plants, insects, male sexual dysfunction. Unfortunately, it Chinese. If the soup is consumed regularly, it is
and just about anything else. The saying must be appears that seahorse numbers are declining due believed to help maintain youth and promote a
true, “The Chinese eat everything with four legs, to the high demand. healthy life and strong body.
except tables and chairs, and everything that
flies, except airplanes.” SCORPIONS - Those looking for something
crazy to snack on while walking the streets of (Continued on Page 80)