Yep! I sure did... I'll try anything once (okay that may be an overstatement, indulge me).
My first question when meeting a local is "If this was your 1 and only time in this country, what do you HAVE to eat". Sometimes I get normal answers, and sometimes I'm like "Whaaaaaaaaaaat... Challenge Accepted".
1. Hong Kong - Grilled Squid Tentacles
My friend and I were challenged by our Bartender "Xay Xay" (random man in the vest) in Hong Kong to eat an exotic dish. Anyone who has crossed my path, knows that I find it difficult to turn down a challenge.
Anywho, he took us down a dark alley to a road full of street vendors and bought a cup of squid. The tentacles are grilled with a chewy and rubbery texture.. a little tougher than calamari. What makes it stand out is not the texture, it's the SAUCE. Mine were teriyaki flavored, but they come in honey, barbecue, or chilli. You can tell by smile that I absolutely loved it.
Definitely a must try! Let me know your thoughts
Here is where I got the squid:
Food stalls @ FUK WA Street
Fuk Wa Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Greedy Tip: Try the Egg Waffles too
2. Turks and Caicos - Conch Tube
In Turks and Caicos, there are many fishermen on the beach catching their lunch or dinner. We ran across a guy who caught conch shells, and was kind enough to give us some background on his catch.
Legend has it that if you eat the worm-like translucent tube found inside the conch, it will work as an aphrodisiac. The tube didn't have a taste, it's the texture that was interesting. I have eaten conch my entire life growing up in Miami, but I had NO IDEA that this tube was eaten, nor that it even existed. This is why I encourage speaking to the locals and getting to know about the culture.
Want to try it?
Go to "Da Conch Shack" Restaurant and chat with local fishermen :)
Greedy Tip: Try the Cracked Conch and Fries
3. Cape Town, South Africa - Ostrich
South Africa has "Game Meat". What they catch is what they eat. I had no idea that Ostrich was eaten, and that it is a common dinner in Africa.
Would you believe that Ostrich is red meat, and it tastes like a tender steak? That nearly blew my mind. My Mom stepped out of her box and ordered an ostrich steak. To our surprise, it was delicious and it is also the leanest alternative to beef.
Where to try Ostrich Steak?
The Butcher Restaurant - Camps Bay
87 Victoria Road Cape Town WC 8005
Greedy Tip: Try the Raw Oysters as an appetizer
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