Ep 1. No Cooking Required

In Bizarre Foods season 13 episode 1, titled "No Cooking Required," Andrew Zimmern explores a variety of dishes from around the world that require no cooking.

The episode features a range of ingredients and techniques, from raw fish to fermentation. Andrew travels to Japan to try "mukbang," an internet trend where people eat large quantities of food on camera. He also samples a Korean delicacy called "sannakji," which is live octopus served sliced up and still moving.

Andrew heads to Mexico to taste the local ceviche, a dish of raw fish marinated in citrus juices and spiced with chili peppers. In Peru, he tries "chifa," a style of Chinese-Peruvian fusion food that combines raw seafood with spicy chili sauces.

Moving to the Middle East, Andrew tries various forms of "shakshuka," a popular dish made with eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce. In Israel, he samples "warak enab," a traditional dish of stuffed grape leaves.

Andrew also travels to Italy to explore the world of cured meats and cheeses. He visits a prosciutto factory where he watches the aging process and samples various types of cured meats.

Throughout the episode, Andrew explores how cultures around the world have developed unique ways to prepare and enjoy raw and cured foods. He emphasizes the importance of understanding local traditions and respecting the ingredients and techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Overall, "No Cooking Required" offers a fascinating look at the diversity of global cuisine and the varied ways in which different cultures approach food preparation. Andrew's enthusiasm and curiosity make for an engaging and informative episode that is sure to leave viewers hungry for more.