The best (and weirdest) snacks from countries around the world

What would a beer at the bar be without the obligatory bowl of peanuts to snack on? We all love a snack, a quick bite on the run to satisfy those hunger pangs, whether it’s a packet of crisps or something gooey and sweet. But not all countries offer the same food when it comes to snacks.

Take a look at some of the weird and wonderful snacks that can be found around the globe.

Snacks from around the world

The ultimate South African snack – Biltong

The first pioneers of South Africa – The Voortrekkers – spent much of their time on the road and to keep their meat from spoiling, they spiced it and hung it out to dry.

This spicy, dried meat became a long-lasting chewy snack and is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s most popular snacks – especially when watching a rugby game with a beer.

The United Kingdom – Pork Scratchings

Hard, crunchy, dried and salted, hairy pork fat… delicious as they are, these snacks definitely not for the faint-hearted. Pork scratchings originated in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom as a food of the working classes in the 1800s and have grown to become the perfect companion to a pint down at the pub.

Australia – Witchetty Grub

The witchetty grub is a large, white, wood-eating moth larvae that have historically been a staple in the diets of Aboriginal Australians and more recently, adventurous bushwhackers.

High in protein, the raw witchetty grub has a taste similar to almonds and when cooked, the skin becomes crisp while the inside becomes light yellow and apparently tastes like scrambled egg. 

snacks
Witchetty grub. Image via Adobe Stock

Indian snacks – Vada Pav

Packed with garlic, chili, turmeric, mustard seeds, and ginger, this delicious deep-fried potato snack served on a white bread roll is a staple in Mumbai and other cities in India, often being called an “Indian burger” by tourists.

Mexico – Tamales

Traditionally served on “The Day of the Dead” (El Dia de Los Muertos), these steamed corned husks are a Mexican favourite.

Originating in Mesoamerica as early as 8000 BC, this portable snack can be filled with meats, vegetables, cheese, fruits, or chillies.

Nigeria – Puff Puff

Originating in Nigeria, these deep-fried spongy, sweet donut-like balls made of flour, sugar, and yeast are a staple in most West African countries.

Colombian snacks – Hormigas Culonas (‘Big-Bottomed Ants’)

These “big-bottomed ants”, as they are called in Spanish, are a traditional treat in most South American countries.

The ants are farmed during the rainy season and soaked in water saltwater before they are roasted to a crisp and served as a snack.



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