Insect Delicacies from the Land of Smiles

  Posted on March 12, 2015  by insectrecipes  No comments

Thai people are known for their friendliness and exotic foods, including over 150 types of insects. When you see the street vendors in Bangkok or Phuket, don’t be fooled into thinking these meals are low class choices; they’re often considered hard-to-get delicacies. Here are details on some of the many Thai delicacies that come with a buggy crunch. After mustering up some courage on a few late night cocktails, you might be brave enough to take a bite on your next trip to Thailand.

Ching rit—Crickets and grasshoppers

These are probably the most common deep-fried snacks you can find. They’re seasoned in a variety of ways, such as with chili and lemongrass, and make for a great bar snack. Apparently the crickets are usually caught in the wild while grasshoppers are raised on farms in the northeastern part of the country.

Phung—Bees

Bee eggs, larvae, and nests are all considered distinct foods in Thailand. Even the intermediary stage between larva and adulthood is a choice dish. Bee nests with eggs intact are a hearty meal that you can find by the kilo. Eat them raw if you dare, or have the vendor roast the nest in banana leaves for a BBQ treat.

Khai mot—Ant eggs

They look like a pile of beans, but don’t be fooled. Khai mot are a popular component of salads, served raw of course. If that’s a bit much for you, then you can also try them in various soups or fried with eggs. They are a great source of protein and add body to any dish, while the adult versions mostly serve as a tangy garnish.

Non mai phai—Bamboo worms

These are the larvae of the bamboo borer moth and are often referred to as rot duan, which translates to “express train,” supposedly for their appearance. As far as fried snacks go, they’re pretty expensive, at about 120 baht ($15) per kilo. The general consensus is that they taste like potato chips.

Maenga da—Giant water bugs

Giant water bugs are great fried, but are also a key component of nam phrik maeng da, a delicious chili dip. Most insects are crunchy and bland without proper seasoning, while maenga da are known for their meaty body and chewy texture.

Note: These last two are technically arachnids, but they are too wild not to mention!

A-ping—Zebra tarantulas

Commonly referred to as the “edible spider,” the zebra tarantula is usually fried in garlic, oil, and plenty of MSG. Tarantulas are a rare treat, however they are sought after for their aphrodisiac qualities. Locals describe the abdomen as very sweet with a soft texture.

Maeng-ping—Scorpions

Fried black scorpions are another rare treat that many vendors have to special order. After frying them in salt and oil, these guys lose their poison and can be eaten whole.

The most frightening part of this meal is obviously the stinging tail—which also happens to be most prized for locals, who believe it will help them become strong.