Durian: Known for its strong smell, durian is a divisive fruit. Some find its taste delicious, while others can't get past its pungent aroma.
Balut: A fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo, balut is a delicacy in some cultures but may be off-putting for those unaccustomed to its appearance.
Natto: Fermented soybeans popular in Japan, natto has a strong flavor and sticky texture that some people find challenging to enjoy.
Surströmming: A Swedish dish consisting of fermented herring, surströmming has an extremely strong and pungent odor that can be overpowering for many.
Lutefisk: A traditional Nordic dish, lutefisk is dried fish that has been reconstituted in a lye solution. Its strong taste and jelly-like texture can be an acquired taste.
Casu Marzu: A Sardinian cheese infested with live insect larvae, casu marzu is illegal in the European Union due to hygiene concerns.
Hákarl: Fermented shark meat is a traditional Icelandic dish. Its strong ammonia smell and acquired taste make it a challenging food for many to try.
Fried Tarantulas: A delicacy in Cambodia, fried tarantulas may not be appealing to those who are squeamish about eating arachnids.
Black Pudding: Made from congealed animal blood, fat, and other ingredients, blood sausage can be an acquired taste due to its rich and distinct flavor.
Century Egg: Preserved duck, chicken, or quail eggs are fermented for several weeks or months, resulting in a translucent, greenish-black appearance.