The world is full of wonders and each community in different countries has its own way of doing things. Some of the weirdest foods around the world include eating foods like rotten cheese, raw horse meat, tuna eyeballs, maggot cheese, and raw guinea pigs. But when it comes to strange foods, America knows how to bring them.
From pizza with Provel cheese to chipped beef on toast, there’s something for everyone in America (or no one, as the case may be). If you’re looking for a truly unique and stomach-turning dining experience, you need to look no further than our great nation.
Here are some of the weirdest, funkiest, and most strange foods from the four corners of the US for your consideration. See how many of these weird foods you can stomach!
Weirdest & Strange Foods in America to Try
1) Geoducks, West Coast
This is one of the strange foods enjoyed by many Americans. Imagine if you had an aroused clam that had been watching too much clam porn. That’s the image many people have when they see their very first geoduck. Pronounced like a “gooey duck”, the long protrusion from the critter is the siphon of the shellfish.
These things can weigh up to 3 pounds, live for over a century, and you can dig them up yourself with proper licensing in the Pacific Northwest.
Many people like to eat the siphon of the geoducks in a sashimi-style dish, though cooking them with seasonal vegetables and mushrooms is common. The body of the shellfish is quite tender, good with butter, and it will be a dish that you’ll remember eating for some time.
2) Chitlins, Virginia
If you’re eating sausage regularly, you’re likely eating some pork intestine without really even thinking about it. What makes Chitlins different is that you know you’re eating the small intestine of the pig because that’s all it is. Batter up their intestines, cut them into reasonably sized pieces, then fry them suckers up in some nice, hot oil until they begin to crackle.
Just don’t make the mistake of forgetting to clean the intestines first… or slow cook the intestines so you can eat them without issue.
In the South, Chitlins are often considered to be soul food. Just don’t think about the fact that you’re eating part of the organ that the pig uses to process digested food and you’ll be a-ok.
See Related: Best Places to Live in Virginia
3) Provel Cheese, Missouri
Provel Cheese is one of the weirdest food in the world. The idea of a gooey, melty cheese product will get the mouths of many Americans watering profusely. From nachos to noodle casseroles, processed cheese is used in many dishes around the country. What makes Provel cheese unique, coming from the St. Louis area, is its combination of flavors:
- mild cheddar,
- swiss,
- provolone, and
- liquid smoke.
Where are you going to commonly find Provel cheese? On a thin crust pizza, that’s where! Add some peppers and sausage and you’ve got yourself a pizza you’ll either adore… or never eat again.
See Related: Best Things to Do in Rolla, Missouri
4) Scrapple, Philadelphia
Once again coming back to the pig, the early Colonial settlers needed to be able to salvage every part of every animal to guarantee their survival. The idea of eating a bunch of organs and head meat, however, certainly turns most people’s tummies.
To make the food keep going so that nothing was wasted, Scrapple was invented. True Scrapple involves taking the leftover parts of the pig you’ve got, which could even include the skin, and then it is boiled together with cornmeal until the protein strands start to disassemble.
Once this happens, the organs, head meat, skin, and whatever other pig parts were cooking are mashed together like pig mashed potatoes. Once a consistent texture is achieved, it’s all pressed together into a loaf pan and then baked so that you get one big chunk of meat. Slice it while it’s hot and enjoys!
See Related: Airfarewatchdog Review
5) Poop On a Shingle
The dish uses a less family-friendly blogging word, but you get the picture. This dish has its regional versions as well, such as Hot Browns, but the concept is always the same: you create an open-faced sandwich, then place something that looks a bit like what would come out on top of it so that you can put it in your mouth and chew.
For Poop on a Shingle, you take your preferred ground meat – if you want a high-class Poop on a Shingle, use ground bison or lamb – then brown it on up. Use salt and pepper to season it, and then add a can or two of cream of mushroom soup to the meat.
Stir it all up, add more seasoning if you desire, and then serve it on a slice of toast. For Hot Browns, you would use a Mornay sauce with turkey and bacon as the meat products.
6) Eskimo Ice Cream, Alaska
Who screams for ice cream?
You might not be screaming for Eskimo ice cream if you knew what was really in it. Authentic Eskimo ice cream has berries in it, yes, but it also contains polar bear fat, oil from a seal, and snow. Then you blend the bejeezus out of this combination until it becomes silky smooth, sweet ice cream.
Hunters in the Alaskan region are thought to have been enjoying this dish for thousands of years because it packs well and lasts for a long time – Alaska in winter is pretty cold, you know!
Modern Eskimo ice cream calls for butter or shortening and sugar, so it’s not overly weird at all. Just don’t ask a polar bear for some of his fat to make your own… chances are good that wouldn’t end very well!
7) The Famous Garbage Plate, New York
A dish that typically stays in New York, the Garbage Plate is about what you’d expect it to be. Its several components, which would normally be a separate dish on their own, are all thrown together onto one plate.
There are several variations, but there are three primary ingredients: macaroni salad, potatoes, and some sort of meat. Hot dogs, ground beef, Spam, steak… whatever – if it’s meat, it’s neat. On top, you’ll get some chopped-up onions and mustard.
If you’ve got a good Garbage Plate, it’s going to weigh in at a hefty 3 lbs! Check out these best restaurants in New York City.
See Related: Best Parks in New York
8) Won tons
Do you know those little packets of goodness that are popular in Chinese cuisine? That’s right, Won tons. But did you know that they were invented in America?
The first-ever recorded recipe for won tons appeared in 1849, and it called for minced lamb and water chestnuts. Since then, the dish has undergone a few tweaks, but the concept remains the same.
Won tons are typically filled with either a meat or vegetable mixture, and then they’re boiled or steamed until they’re cooked through. They can then be served with a dipping sauce or simply eaten on their own. They might seem like an innocent appetizer, but once you pop, you can’t stop!
9) Frog Legs, Michigan
If there’s one thing frog legs are known for, it’s their taste. And by “taste,” we mean “slimy.” These little amphibians have been eaten all over the world for centuries, but they took off in America during the 1920s and 1930s. Restaurants started offering them as a delicacy, and people went wild for them.
Frog legs can be sautéed, pan-fried, or boiled. They’re often served with a garlic butter sauce or some type of Hollandaise sauce. If you’re feeling brave, give them a try – but be warned, they’re not for everyone.
10) Fried Rattlesnake, Oklahoma
Oklahoma is known for its many rattlesnake festivals, and one of the most popular items on the menu is, of course, fried rattlesnake. This weird food can be made in a variety of ways, but it’s typically battered and deep-fried. Some recipes call for a coating of flour or cornmeal before frying.
Fried rattlesnake is considered a delicacy in Oklahoma, and there are even restaurants that specialize in this dish.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to do in Detroit, Michigan
11) Voodoo Donut, Oregon
Portland is known for its eccentricities, and Voodoo Doughnut is no exception. This doughnut shop is famous for its weird and wacky flavors, like the Dirt Doughnut (made with Oreo cookies), the Bacon Maple Bar (duh), and the Grape Ape (a grape-flavored doughnut).
But Voodoo Doughnut doesn’t just serve regular old doughnuts – they also have some pretty strange specialty items. How about a doughnut topped with Fruit Loops or one made of French Toast? And for those who want to push the envelope, there’s the Voodoo Doll doughnut, which is filled with raspberry jelly and has a pretzel stake sticking out of it.
12) Koolickle, Mississippi
Koolickle is a drink that was invented in Mississippi. It’s made by mixing Kool-Aid and pickle juice, and it’s said to be a cure for the common cold.
People have been mixing Kool-Aid and pickle juice for years, but it wasn’t until 2010 that someone came up with the name “Koolickle.” The drink has become quite popular in Mississippi, and there are even restaurants that serve it on their menus.
13) Pickle Dog, Minnesota
A pickle dog is a hot dog that’s topped with pickles. It’s a popular snack in Minnesota, and several restaurants serve it on their menus.
The pickle dog is simple but delicious – it’s just a hot dog topped with pickles. Some people like to add ketchup or mustard, but others prefer to eat it plain. If you’re ever in Minnesota, be sure to try a pickle dog – you won’t regret it!
14) Ambrosia Salad, Alabama
Ambrosia salad is a popular side dish in Alabama. It’s made of fruit, marshmallows, and whipped cream, and it’s usually served cold.
Ambrosia salad can be made with a variety of different fruits, but the most common ingredients are grapes, oranges, and bananas. Marshmallows and whipped cream are added to give the salad a creamy texture, and it’s often served with a light dressing or syrup.
Ambrosia salad is a refreshing side dish that goes well with just about any meal. If you’re ever in Alabama, be sure to try some ambrosia salad.
See Related: Outer Banks vs Myrtle Beach: What’s Better?
15) Chocolate-Covered Grasshoppers, Colorado
In Colorado, it’s not unusual to find chocolate-covered grasshoppers as a snack. The unique combination of chocolate and crunchy insects is a popular treat in the Rocky Mountain state, and it’s one that you’re likely to remember after trying it!
Grasshoppers are a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine, and chocolate-covered grasshoppers are a spin on this traditional dish. They’re often sold at festivals and fairs in Colorado, and they’re quickly becoming a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
16) Clamato Juice, California
Clamato juice is a beverage made from tomato juice and clam broth. It was invented in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in the early 1960s by Julius Caesar Tomasone, who owned a food concession at the Winnipeg Jets hockey arena. He combined his Italian immigrant parents’ recipes for tomato sauce and clams.
Clamato juice is a popular drink in California, and it’s also popular in other parts of the United States. This is a delicious drink that’s perfect for quenching your thirst. It’s also a great way to get some of your daily vitamins and minerals.
See Related: New Mexico vs Colorado: Which Is Better?
17) Bug Juice, Florida
Bug juice is a beverage made by extracting juice from insects. It is consumed in some parts of the world, such as Southeast Asia, where it is considered a delicacy. In the United States, bug juice is not commonly consumed, but it can be found in some ethnic food stores.
The most common insects used to make bug juice in Frolida are grasshoppers, crickets, and cockroaches. The juice is extracted by boiling the insects in water, then straining the liquid. The resulting juice is either drunk fresh or fermented into an alcoholic drink.
18) Crawfish Étouffée, Louisiana
Crawfish Étouffée is a popular Creole dish in Louisiana. It is made with crawfish tails, butter, onions, celery, green bell peppers, and garlic. The crawfish tails are simmered in a sauce made from butter, flour, and stock until they are cooked through.
Crawfish Étouffée is a hearty dish that is perfect for a winter meal. It’s also very affordable – a serving of crawfish étouffée typically costs less than $10. If you’re ever in Louisiana, be sure to try this delicious weird food.
19) Snow Crab Legs, Maryland
These crustaceans are native to the cold waters of the North Atlantic, and they’re a popular item on seafood menus all over America. Snow crab legs are usually served steamed or boiled, and they’re often dipped in melted butter or sauce.
Some people love them, others hate them – but there’s no denying that snow crab legs are a distinctly American food. So if you’re ever visiting our great country, you should try this delicacy.
See Related: Virginia Beach vs Ocean City: What’s the Difference
20) Beef Tongue, Texas and Hawaii
Beef tongue is a dish that is popular in Texas and Hawaii. It is made by braising beef tongue in a sauce made from beef stock, onions, carrots, and celery. The beef tongue is cooked until it is tender, and then it is sliced and served with the sauce.
Beef tongue is a fatty cut of meat, so it is best enjoyed in moderation. However, if you’re looking for an interesting and unique dish to try, beef tongue is a good choice. It’s not for everyone, but those who like it say that it’s delicious.
21) Cactus Fries, Arizona
Cactus fries are a popular dish in Arizona. They are made by cutting cactus into thin strips, then frying them in oil until they are crispy. The cactus fries are often served with ranch dressing or salsa.
Cactus fries are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional French fries. They are packed with nutrients, and they are a great way to refuel after a long day of hiking or biking.
22) Potato Ice Cream, Idaho
Potato ice cream is a dessert that is popular in Idaho. It is made by blending cooked potatoes, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. The potato ice cream is then poured into a container and frozen until it is solid.
Potato ice cream is a unique and delicious dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. It is made with simple ingredients, and it is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. If you’re ever in Idaho, be sure to try some potato ice cream – you won’t regret it!
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Twin Falls, Idaho
23) Brain Sandwich, Indiana
The brain sandwich is a type of sandwich that contains, as the name suggests, the brain. The brain is often considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, so it is not surprising that it would appear on a sandwich. The brain is marinated in a spicy sauce before it is placed between two slices of bread.
Some people might be put off by the idea of eating brain, but those who have tried it say that it has a delicate, slightly nutty taste. The brain sandwich can be found at certain restaurants in the United States, and it is also popular in other countries such as Mexico and India.
See Related: The Ultimate 5 Days in Mexico City Itinerary
24) Muskrat, Maryland
Muskrat is a dish that is made from the meat of the muskrat. The muskrat is a rodent that is found in the United States and Canada. The meat of the muskrat is often used in dishes such as stews, soups, and casseroles.
Muskrat is an affordable dish that is popular in Maryland. It is a healthy source of protein, and it is low in fat and cholesterol. If you’re ever in Maryland, be sure to try this unusual but delicious food.
25) Lutefisk, North Dakota
Lutefisk is a type of fish that is popular in North Dakota. It is made by soaking codfish in lye until it becomes soft. The lutefisk is then boiled and served with melted butter or white sauce.
Lutefisk is a unique and unusual dish that is sure to spice up your dinner table. It is a great way to introduce your family to new types of cuisine, and it is sure to be a hit with everyone.
26) Fried Pig Ears, South Carolina
Fried pig ears are a popular weird food in South Carolina. They are made by frying pig ears in oil until they are crispy. The fried pig ears are often served with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
Fried pig ears are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional French fries. They are packed with nutrients, and they are a great way to refuel after a long day of hiking or biking. If you’re ever in South Carolina, be sure to try some fried pig ears – you won’t regret it!
See Related: Best Restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina
27) Rocky Mountain Oysters, Colorado
Rocky mountain oysters are a type of food that is made from the testicles of bulls or pigs. The testicles are often chopped up and then deep-fried. The rocky mountain oysters are often served with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
Rocky mountain oysters may not be for everyone, but they are a popular dish in many parts of the United States. They are packed with protein and other nutrients, and they are a great way to refuel after a long day of exercise. Do you dare try this unusual food during your visit to Colorado?
28) Bison Tartare, Wyoming
Bison tartare is a weird food that is made from raw bison meat. The bison meat is chopped up and mixed with onions, capers, and other spices. The bison tartare is often served with toast or crackers.
Bison tartare is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional beef tartare. It is packed with protein and other nutrients, and it is perfect for those who are looking for a quick and easy meal.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to do in Cheyenne, Wyoming
29) Fried Alligator, Louisiana
Fried alligator is a popular weird dish in Louisiana. It is made by frying alligator meat in oil until it is crispy. The fried alligator is often served with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
Fried alligator is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional French fries. It is packed with nutrients, and it is a great way to refuel after a long day of exercise. If you’re ever in Louisiana, be sure to try some fried alligator – you won’t regret it!
See Related: Best Things to do in Nashville, Tennessee: Top Attractions
30) Roadkill, Montana
Montana is a state that is known for its abundance of roadkill. Roadkill is the term used for the meat of animals that have been killed by cars. The meat of roadkill can be used in a variety of dishes, including stews, casseroles, and tacos.
Roadkill is an unusual dish, but it is a popular one in many parts of the United States. It is a great way to introduce your family to new types of cuisine, and it is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Be sure to give it a try the next time you’re in Montana!
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Idaho Falls, Idaho
31) Beer Cheese Soup, Wisconsin
Wisconsin is well-known for its delicious beer cheese soup. The beer cheese soup is a creamy and hearty soup that is made with beer, cheese, and other spices. The beer cheese soup is often served with bread or crackers.
The beer cheese soup is a popular dish in Wisconsin, and it is sure to please everyone at your dinner table. It is a great way to warm up on a cold day, and it is perfect for any occasion.
Be sure to give it a try the next time you’re in Wisconsin!
32) Burgoo, Kentucky
Burgoo is a type of stew that is popular in Kentucky. The burgoo is made with beef, pork, chicken, and other vegetables. The burgoo is often served with bread or crackers.
Burgoo is a hearty and delicious stew that is perfect for any occasion. It is packed with protein and other nutrients, and it is sure to satisfy your hunger. Be sure to give it a try the next time you’re in Kentucky!
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Williamstown, Kentucky
33) Muktuk, Alaska
Muktuk is a type of food that is made from the skin and blubber of whales. It’s usually chopped up and mixed with onions, capers, and other spices. The muktuk is eaten raw and often served with toast or crackers.
Muktuk is a healthy and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is packed with protein and other nutrients, and it is a great way to introduce your family to new types of cuisine.
Be sure to give it a try the next time you’re in Alaska!
See Related: Best Day Trips From Anchorage, Alaska
34) Blood Boudin, Louisiana
Blood boudin is a type of blood sausage that is made with blood and pork. The blood boudin is often served with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
Blood boudin is a unique and weird dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is packed with protein and other nutrients, and it is sure to satisfy your hunger. Be sure to give it a try the next time you’re in Louisiana!
See Related: 15 Best Places for Bachelorette Party Around the World
35) Fried Butter, Iowa
This concoction was originally invented by an Iowa State Fair vendor, and it’s essentially just a ball of butter that’s been dipped in batter and fried. It may not sound very appetizing, but it tastes pretty good. The butter becomes nice and crispy on the outside while staying soft and melted on the inside.
It’s all fatty and bitter when you eat this, and everyone reacts differently to the delicacy.
Final Thoughts
In this article, you’ve learned about the many strange foods in America. From strange dishes to tasty snacks and everything in between, there are several different types of food out there that might catch your interest.
We hope this article is informative for you! Feel free to tell us what your favorite bizarre foods are.
Related Resources
Lock In Your Travel Now
Find Cheap Flights
Use Skyscanner to find flight deals. As my personal favorite flight search engine, Skyscanner scours websites and airlines across the globe, leaving no stone unturned to help you find the best deal possible. And if you really want to take your savings to new heights, pair Skyscanner with Going (Formerly Scott's Cheap Flights). With access to exclusive mistake fares delivered straight to your inbox, you'll be packing your bags and jetting off on your next adventure before you know it.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a low cost way to ensure your travel plans go smooth no matter what's thrown at it. Cover yourself against illness, injury and theft, and protect the arrangements you've made with our flexible travel cancellation insurance. My favorite options for travel insurance are:
Book Your Accommodation
In order to capture the widest selection of properties and the best price, use Booking.com as they have the cheapest rates for guesthouses, hotels, luxury condos, B&Bs and so much more.
Want More Destination Ideas Direct to Your Inbox?
Be sure to join the ViaTravelers Newsletter for expert tips, tricks and inspiration for your next travel journey!
Discover the Best Travel Tools
Be sure to visit our page on our favorite travel resources to learn how you too can visit over 10 countries in year.
Hans Jonas Hansen
Sunday 22nd of December 2013
I don't think I ever tried any of those foods when I was in the US. The provel cheese seems delicoius. Is it real cheese?
In Denmark they use to sell something they called cheese but it turned out that it wasn't cheese, so they are not allowed to call it that anymore. But I guess EU regulation is more strict than the US.
Graeme Sandlin
Monday 23rd of December 2013
For many, Provel is an acquired taste. Some people love it... some just don't! It is a pasteurized process cheese that's actually a lot like The Laughing Cow... so much so that if you add a little liquid smoke to the cooking process with The Laughing Cow, it actually tastes almost exactly like Provel!