Eating actively is essential; otherwise, there's something wrong with your brain. Chinese cuisine is vast and profound. Even many foreign friends fall under its spell. However, there are some foods that Chinese people consider staple fare but foreigners find hard to swallow. Do you know what they are?
10th: Pig's Head Meat
When it comes to pig's head meat, mouths water instantly. It's well-known that foreigners prefer beef, while Chinese favor pork. Every year, China consumes 700 million pigs. If you ask what Pigsy (a character from the classic novel "Journey to the West") fears the most, it's probably what you see in the picture.
9th: Hairy Eggs
Speaking of hairy eggs, you might not be unfamiliar with them. They are found everywhere. Simply put, they are chicken eggs that failed to hatch. Although they don't look very appealing, their taste is beyond words. At least four stars. When fried in oil, their fragrance fills the air, making nearby kids cry with envy. However, for foreigners, they are a disaster on the tongue!
8th: Intestines
When it comes to offal, intestines are the undisputed king. Despite once containing "waste," they still captivate foodies. If you think only men enjoy them, you're wrong. Even girls devour them fiercely. The law of true deliciousness applies, and foreigners are instantly unsettled, saying they wouldn't touch them even if they were paid.
7th: Chicken Feet
Chicken feet have a long history in China, dating back to the "Spring and Autumn Annals." Today, they've become a popular snack. If there were a global competition for eating chicken feet, the Chinese would surely win. The reason for our obsession with chicken feet is simple: they're just so delicious. Especially boneless ones, which steal many a foodie's heart. However, foreigners refuse to touch them, fearing they might be cursed.
6th: Animal Blood
As the saying goes, "Eat what you need." Animal blood is rich in elements like iron and zinc, as well as high-quality protein, making it a favorite of foodies. One commendable dish is blood sausage, made from pig's blood, cooked and ready to eat. It's tasty, fragrant, smooth, and elastic. Taking a bite, you feel a burst of refreshment!
5th: Fried Insects
When it comes to eating insects, no one beats the Chinese. As long as they're not poisonous, they're in high demand. This one, still wriggling, is called silkworm pupa. Many people played with them as kids. As the saying goes, "A silkworm spins silk until death; it hasn't even had a chance to become a butterfly before ending up in a foodie's stomach." Let's dedicate a song to it.
4th: Stinky Tofu
When it comes to stinky tofu, we're all familiar. Its foul smell is irresistible, and not eating it for a meal makes us anxious. High-end ingredients only need the simplest cooking methods. A quick fry on the iron plate, and the taste emerges instantly. It's so delicious that you can't stop. However, in the eyes of foreigners, it's a nasal disaster!
3rd: Rabbit Head
When it comes to rabbit heads, many people think of Sichuan. If Chongqing residents love pig trotters, then Sichuan is crazy about rabbit meat. Every year, Sichuan consumes 300 million rabbits. In the eyes of Sichuan people, rabbits are so cute, they must be fresh and spicy, especially rabbit heads. They have a unique "violent aesthetics" that is terrifying yet tantalizing. However, foreigners say it's unbearable to even look at them.
2nd: Cow Stomach Hot Pot
When it comes to hot pot, China has the final say. Beijing has copper hot pot, Chaozhou has beef hot pot, and Sichuan has spicy hot pot. But there's also a hidden king in the hot pot world: Guizhou's cow stomach hot pot. Made from undigested Chinese herbs in cow stomachs, simmered with cow bile, it's a local delicacy. Only honored guests get to taste it. Foreigners are at a loss, calling it cow dung!
1st: Century Egg
The century egg making the list might surprise many. In our recipe book, it's a must-have. Whether it's cold-dressed century eggs or century egg lean meat porridge, they'll make your mouth water. However, in the United States, it's a completely different story. They dare to eat raw meat but ban century eggs, calling them eggs from the devil. It's superman without underwear; Americans don't follow the usual path.
