17 Dishes That Could Give Grandma Nightmares

Not every recipe is meant for family gatherings. These seventeen dishes are guaranteed to haunt grandma’s dreams. Good luck getting a hug after dinner.

Durian

Asia’s notorious “king of fruit” is banned in many public spaces due to its legendary stench. Open one near grandma and she’ll never forget you.

Mouse Wine

This Chinese tonic, made by fermenting baby mice in rice wine, is served as a cure-all. Grandma might pass out before you pour the first glass.

Casu marzu

Live maggots in cheese? Sardinia’s infamous delicacy is enough to send grandma running for the cheddar.

Fried Spider

Cambodia’s fried tarantulas are crunchy and protein-packed, but grandma will need smelling salts just to stay in the kitchen.

Stink Bugs

These pungent insects are a delicacy in parts of Africa and Asia. One whiff, and grandma might lock up her spice cabinet forever.

Hákarl

Iceland’s fermented shark is famous for its ammonia-rich aroma. Just unwrapping it will have grandma lighting candles and opening windows.

Balut

Duck embryo, feathers and all, is a Filipino favorite. If grandma grew up on chicken noodle soup, this will be a lifetime shock.

Blood Soup (Dinuguan)

This dark Filipino stew is made from pork blood. Grandma’s tomato soup never looked so safe and innocent.

Escamol

Mexico’s ant larvae “caviar” is buttery and nutty, but your grandma might prefer good old scrambled eggs.

Century Egg

Preserved in clay and ash until black and gelatinous, this Chinese delicacy will keep grandma up at night wondering what happened to breakfast.

Jellied Moose Nose

A northern Canadian classic, this gelatinous treat will have grandma rethinking that family road trip.

Guinea Pig (Cuy)

Served whole and crispy in Peru and Ecuador, this rodent roast is the fastest way to get grandma to say “never again.”

Mopane Worms

These African caterpillars are crunchy and high in protein. Grandma will need a cup of tea and a sit-down after this surprise.

Fugu

Japanese blowfish is as risky as it gets. One wrong cut and it’s lights out—definitely not grandma-approved.

Bat Soup

This Pacific Islands delicacy features a whole bat in your bowl. Just the sight will have grandma calling for the pastor.

Beondegi

Steamed silkworm pupae are sold as snacks in Korea. Grandma may never knit again after seeing these.

Chicken Feet

This dim sum favorite is a textural adventure. If grandma grew up making chicken pot pie, this will be a surprise she won’t forget.