Do you have a taste for exotic foods? Ever wondered what kind of “strange” stuff they eat at places like China? Now, as China opens its door to the rest of the world you–and possibly your family–too can enjoy some unique delicacies by flying to China for free. You can even avail of some extra money on the side just so you can buy some really delicious meals.

Being from two very different cultures, Americans would most likely have their stomachs turned upside down at the sight of jellyfish, or pig intestines. But, one shouldn’t be ignorant to dismiss the thought that Chinese people would probably react the same way if ever they were asked to eat caviar or bull testicles (which is considered food at some areas in the U.S.)

So, in the spirit of cultural awareness here is a brief list of comparisons between American and Chinese common and exotic foods, and even things that both cultures (uniquely) find disgusting.

Common Food- these are what you’d normally find being sold on the street or at a local grocery store

Americans: Sour Cream, Cheese, Salty Beans, Raw Vegetables, Sausages

Chinese: Chicken Hearts, Pig Intestines, Pumpkin Drink, Durian, Stinky Tofu, Squid Jerky, Blood Sausage

If we think about it, sour cream is made from dairy gone bad, and, well, cheese is also made from milk inside a cow.  So, there’s no difference from eating what’s inside a pig or chicken. Durian is a kind of fruit that smells a lot like gym socks, but raw vegetables sometimes do too.

Delicacies – usually expensive and are more than likely only available in limited supplies.

Americans: Caviar, Goose Liver Pate, Frog’s Legs, Live Lobster

Chinese: Jellyfish, Pigeon Soup, Beef Tendons, Shark’s Fin Soup, Bird’s Nest Soup

It seems that both cultures enjoy a little taste of the exotic now and then. As most of us know, caviar is actually eggs laid by a particular fish, hence canceling out bird’s eggs used for soup. Americans only eat frog’s legs and not the rest of the frog, while the Chinese just have a taste for the shark’s fin—you get the picture.

Gross Foods – here are some menu stuffers that gross most people out regardless of their culture.

Americans: Deer/Bull Testicles

Chinese: Rat, Worms.

I really don’t need to say anything. These will definitely make you vomit at plain sight, but at least this goes to show that a few people from both cultures enjoy what most people deem as disgusting.

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