My version of a truly relaxing vacation is a place in Northern Thailand called Chiang Mai. It may be a kept secret for most but those who know this place can instantly relate to the calmness, relaxation, and humbleness this city brings you. If Bangkok were Los Angeles, then Chiang Mai is San Francisco… hence my second home. But since I like to keep things super interesting, I decided to get a little wild here to add some spice, in this case, saltiness to this blog.
I seriously don’t know why people in Asia cook and eat bugs. Maybe its a great source of protein and daily vitamins which takes less resources than raising cows, chickens, or pigs. Maybe its the lack of money families have to survive, so everything is a possibility. Or maybe its just a great snack. Either way, I found the bug lady and here is my bug review. You can’t find this shit on yelp!
Big Cricket – Good source of protein, calcium, and iron. Both chewy and crunchy but with added salt, can be good appetizer. Don’t mind the head part when it makes the loud crunchy sound. Doesn’t he look so cute.
Grass Hopper – Good source of protein, fat, and carbs. Must take off the legs before consuming. But very tasty. Almost like a pretzel snack. Yummy!
Bamboo Worms – Not sure what its good for but great snack with beer. Almost like a light and small potatoe chip that dissolves in your mouth. Definite my favorite if there was a choice. I could easily eat a hundred of these with some Coors Light.
Silk Worm – Good source of calcium and fat. Very soft and hollow like texture with a bit of juice inside. Kinda like a bigger version of a bamboo worm but with a kick. A juicy, squirting kick!
Mackerel – (pretty sure the lady got this wrong on her sign) I think this was a huge ass cockroach. Not sure the nutritional value. But very hard to eat. Crunchy, chewy, salty, juicy, and took about four bites to finish. Was quite full after this one. It may look totally disgusting but as I always say in Asia, don’t knock it until you try it.
Stay tune for more Asia experiences.
This post reminds me of the blog Deep End Dining, and that is a good thing.
does your poo come out looking different due to an insect diet?
i’d like to think I’d try anything once, but that last one makes me…ugh. I can’t even think anymore, the idea of crunchy I get, but juicy??? Oh god, I don’t feel well…
What does PETA have to say about eating insects?
to report on the poo Roger, it was quite grand! must truly be all the nutrition.
That roach-lookin’ mackerel is fucking revolting. I can’t believe you even touched it with your hand, much less put in your mouth. I would so fail at reality shows.
I wish there were bug stands here in Taiwan. I need more fiber in my diet.
Believe that last bug, the big un, is what North Americans would call a water bug. It’s an aquatic thing, scoots and swims well and feeds on other invertebrates in ponds and lakes, warm ones. Hemoptera, I think.
On the other hand, that piece of crap is a mouthful I don’t care to id further nor place in my maw anytime soon. But on hot rice with a garlicy black bean sauce….
[...] stomach satisfying start. Of course I can eat beef noodles, rice plates, hot pot, street food, and deep fried bugs til my heart contents. But while I was traveling abroad, I truly missed some of my favorite, easy [...]