Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 11 Episode 10 Dangerously Delicious
- TV-PG
- January 6, 2014
- 42 min
In this episode, Andrew Zimmern takes us on a journey through some of the world's most "dangerously delicious" foods. From an infamously spicy noodle dish in Indonesia to frog fallopian tubes in China, Zimmern explores the fine line between food that's exciting and food that's downright dangerous.
Zimmern begins his culinary adventure in Indonesia, where he samples mie pedas, or "spicy noodles." The dish features what the locals call "devil's poop," or an intense blend of chilies and spices that will have even the most adventurous eaters sweating bullets. Zimmern finds the dish satisfyingly spicy, but takes caution not to overindulge.
Next, Zimmern travels to Ghana, where he tries his luck with a special type of grasshopper. These insects are considered a delicacy in Ghana and can be found in most local markets. Zimmern finds the flavor to be similar to that of crispy fried chicken, but can't resist making a few jokes about the insects being a tad too crunchy.
In China, Zimmern samples something truly bizarre: frog fallopian tubes. These slimy delicacies are not for the faint of heart, but Zimmern finds them to be surprisingly tasty once he gets past the texture. He also tries some more mainstream dishes, like spicy lamb skewers and pork dumplings, but admits that the frog fallopian tubes might make a more memorable meal.
In Japan, Zimmern attempts to make his peace with fugu, or pufferfish. The fish is highly toxic and can only be prepared by licensed chefs. Zimmern is understandably nervous as he watches his chef prepare the dish, but finds himself pleasantly surprised by the subtle and delicate flavor. He admits, however, that the experience may not be worth the risk.
Finally, Zimmern travels to Jamaica and tries his hand at eating raw conch, a type of sea snail. The meat is slimy and chewy, but Zimmern takes it in stride and adds a few drops of hot sauce to add some flavor. He also samples some more traditional Jamaican fare, like jerk chicken and ackee and saltfish, but finds the conch to be the most unique and challenging dish of the trip.
Throughout the episode, Zimmern reflects on the danger and thrill of trying new and exotic foods. He acknowledges that much of the world's cuisine is shaped by necessity rather than choice, and that what we consider "strange" or "bizarre" is often simply a cultural difference. He advises viewers to approach new foods with an open mind and to always be respectful of local traditions, even when they challenge our own comfort levels.
Overall, Dangerously Delicious offers a glimpse into the wild and sometimes intimidating world of international cuisine. Zimmern's infectious enthusiasm and willingness to take risks make for an engaging and often stomach-churning experience. For viewers looking to expand their culinary horizons, this episode is sure to provide some unforgettable inspiration.