Bizarre Foods America Season 6 Episode 4 Madagascar
- February 8, 2011
In Bizarre Foods America season 6 episode 4, the host Andrew Zimmern travels to the exotic island of Madagascar, known for its unique flora and fauna. The episode begins with Zimmern sampling some of the most unusual dishes in the capital city of Antananarivo, including skewered zebu meat, an avocado and tomato salad, and banana and cassava pancakes.
Zimmern then ventures into the countryside to explore the rich culinary traditions of the Malagasy people. He discovers a wide variety of exotic fruits and vegetables, including a type of banana that tastes like vanilla ice cream and an endemic fruit called the rambutan, which has a sweet and sour taste.
Next, Zimmern visits the Angavo forest, home to the elusive lemur. He samples a traditional hunting dish, comprising of lemur meat, onions, tomatoes, and ginger, all simmered in a sour broth made from tamarind leaves. Despite the controversy surrounding lemur hunting in Madagascar, Zimmern acknowledges the importance of this dish to the local culture.
Later on, Zimmern travels to the remote village of Andoany, where the locals prepare a unique dish called the hena ritra. This hearty meal consists of rice, beans, vegetables, and meat, all stuffed inside a freshly-harvested bamboo hollow. The bamboo is then roasted on an open fire, giving the dish a smoky flavor.
As the episode progresses, Zimmern continues to explore the diverse culinary landscape of Madagascar. He samples a delicacy called the air puan, which consists of locusts, ginger, and onion, all sautéed in oil. He also tries a traditional Malagasy sausage made from pork and fried rice.
The episode wraps up with Zimmern visiting a coastal village, where he participates in a unique fishing ritual. The locals wade into the water with nets and catch small fish called the varata. They then stir-fry the fish with garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and onions, creating a delicious and nutritious meal.
Throughout the episode, Zimmern marvels at the exotic ingredients and unusual cooking techniques that define Malagasy cuisine. He also highlights the importance of preserving this rich culinary heritage in the face of environmental threats and economic challenges.
Overall, Bizarre Foods America season 6 episode 4 is a captivating exploration of Madagascar's unique food culture, showcasing the rich diversity of ingredients, techniques, and traditions that define this enchanting island nation.