A trip to Thailand brings so many unusual discoveries! Take a look at the street vendors’ stalls, for example—they amaze tourists with their diversity. For locals, this is a common occurrence, but for tourists, such things become a true culinary adventure.

Worms
In Thailand, bamboo worms are a common snack eaten throughout the country. This delicacy resembles a cross between cornflakes and popcorn.

Also popular in Thai cuisine are coconut worms—parasites that live inside coconut palms. They are often baked. Those who dare to try them claim that the meat has a savory flavor. Another popular snack is silkworms. They are fried with kaffir lime leaves and served with soy sauce and pepper. According to connoisseurs, the taste is reminiscent of tofu.

Orthoptera Insects
An experiment conducted by American scientists found that 100 grams of fried grasshoppers contained over 20 grams of protein and 35 grams of calcium. This means their nutritional value and mineral content even exceed those found in beef. Other experts also confirm that insect meat has low cholesterol.

Maeng Da Water Beetles
These giant beetles, up to 8 cm long, live in water and are bred in the provinces of Kalasin and Sisaket. They are eaten as a snack or added to hot chili paste. Serving maeng da requires some effort: the shell, wings, and claws must be removed before placing the delicacy in the mouth. Some tourists describe the taste of the insect’s thorax as salted melon with hints of fish and banana, while the abdomen is compared to scrambled eggs and a slight bitterness. Interestingly, water beetles have a green apple aroma.

Red Ant Eggs
Red ant eggs are often used as a filling for bread and butter and added to salads or soups after being pickled. They are also used in traditional medicine, considered a means of boosting the immune system, improving digestion, and even a natural aphrodisiac.

Tarantulas
For arachnophobes, this information may be quite shocking. In Thai cuisine, fried spiders are considered an exotic delicacy that will capture the imagination of any traveler. After removing their venom glands, tarantulas are marinated and deep-fried.