Ep 3. Stinky Tofu and Iron Eggs

In season 14 episode 3 of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern travels to Taiwan to explore the country's unique and daring cuisine. In this episode, titled Stinky Tofu and Iron Eggs, Zimmern sets out to uncover some of the most intriguing and unusual dishes that Taiwan has to offer.

The episode begins with Zimmern meeting up with a local food expert who takes him to a bustling street market. Here, they sample a variety of Taiwanese street food, including oyster omelets, crispy fried chicken, and some of the famous stinky tofu that the country is known for. Zimmern is hesitant at first, as the dish has a pungent odor that can be off-putting to some, but he ends up being pleasantly surprised by the intense flavors and textures of the fermented tofu.

The next stop on Zimmern's culinary tour is a small restaurant known for their iron eggs, which are made by repeatedly boiling and marinating quail eggs in a mixture of spices and soy sauce. Zimmern describes the eggs as "salty, sweet, and rich," and remarks that they are a popular snack item in Taiwan.

Zimmern then travels to a mountainous region of Taiwan to meet with a tribe of indigenous people who are known for their unique cooking traditions. Here, he learns about a dish called "bamboo rice," which is made by stuffing a mixture of meat, rice, and vegetables into a bamboo stalk and then cooking it over an open flame.

The episode also highlights some of the challenges that come with filming a food show in a foreign country, such as communication barriers and cultural differences. Zimmern admits that some of the ingredients and flavors he encounters are unfamiliar to him, but he approaches each dish with an open mind and a sense of curiosity.

Overall, Stinky Tofu and Iron Eggs is a fascinating and informative episode that offers viewers a glimpse into the diverse and sometimes surprising cuisine of Taiwan. Zimmern's enthusiasm for the food and his willingness to try new things make him a compelling host, and his interactions with local food experts and vendors provide valuable insights into the country's culinary traditions.