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Vietnam is famous for its vibrant cuisine, from the savory pho to the crunchy banh mi. But beyond these popular dishes lies a world of culinary oddities that might shock even the most adventurous eaters. If you’re curious about the weirdest food in Vietnam, here are the top 5 dishes that stand out for their unusual ingredients and preparation methods.

1. Trứng Vịt Lộn (Balut) – The Duck Embryo Snack

Trứng Vịt Lộn (Balut) – The Duck Embryo Snack. Source: Internet.

Topping the list of the weirdest food in Vietnam is trứng vịt lộn, or balut. This is a fertilized duck egg, incubated for about 17-21 days until the embryo partially develops, then boiled and eaten straight from the shell. Locals enjoy it with salt, ginger, and herbs, praising its rich, protein-packed taste. However, seeing a tiny duckling with feathers and bones makes it a stomach-churning experience for many foreigners.

2. Tiết Canh—Raw Blood Pudding

Tiết Canh—Raw Blood Pudding. Source: Internet.

Next up is tiết canh, a dish that redefines boldness in Vietnamese cuisine. Made from fresh animal blood (usually duck or pig) mixed with fish sauce and allowed to coagulate, it’s often topped with minced meat or cartilage. While locals savor its unique texture and flavor, the idea of eating raw blood makes tiết canh one of the weirdest foods in Vietnam for outsiders, not to mention the hygiene concerns it raises.

3. Đuông Dừa—Coconut Worm Larvae

Đuông Dừa—Coconut Worm Larvae. Source: Internet.

For a truly bizarre treat, đuông dừa takes the spotlight. These plump larvae of palm weevils are harvested from coconut trees and served raw, grilled, or fried. The creamy, fatty taste is a delicacy in southern Vietnam, but the wriggling, worm-like appearance lands it firmly among the weirdest foods in Vietnam. Dare to dip it in fish sauce and take a bite?

4. Thịt Chuột—Rat Meat

Thịt Chuột—Rat Meat. Source: Internet.

Yes, you read that right—thịt chuột, or rat meat, is a specialty in some rural areas of Vietnam. Field rats are caught, cleaned, and cooked into dishes like grilled rats or stir-fried rats with lemongrass. Packed with protein and said to be tastier than chicken, it’s a sustainable choice for locals. Still, the association with pests makes this one of the weirdest foods in Vietnam for Western visitors.

5. Rươi—Ragworm Delicacy

Rươi—Ragworm Delicacy. Source: Internet.

Rounding out our list is rươi, a seasonal dish made from ragworms—small, multi-legged sea creatures resembling centipedes. These worms are turned into patties or fermented sauces, offering a rich, earthy flavor loved in northern Vietnam. But their creepy, crawly look ensures rươi ranks high among the weirdest foods in Vietnam.

Why Try These Unusual Dishes?

Vietnam’s culinary diversity reflects its resourcefulness and deep cultural roots. While these dishes might seem strange, they’re cherished by locals for their taste and tradition. If you’re a foodie looking to explore the weirdest food in Vietnam, step out of your comfort zone—you might discover a new favorite!

Ready to taste the unexpected? Vietnam’s quirky eats are waiting to challenge your palate!