World’s second-worst deep-fried delight a blessing?

[webfact]

In the bustling Saturday night market of Phiman subdistrict, Satun’s Mueang district, a fried silkworm vendor stands proudly behind her sizzling cauldron of the world’s second-worst dish.

 

The vendor, Patcharee Thongprasom, revealed that since the TasteAtlas verdict hit the headlines, it’s been raining customers.

“Before, I’d shift around 2 kilogrammes a night. Now? Doubled to a whopping 4 kilos!”

 

For just 20 baht a spoonful, patrons are lining up to sample this unconventional delicacy. One enthusiastic customer attests to its crispiness, tantalising taste, and pleasant aroma.

On February 8, TasteAtlas dropped a bombshell: their list of the 70 worst-rated deep-fried dishes in the world placed Cambodia’s fried spider (A-ping) at the dubious summit, with Thailand’s fried silkworms trailing closely behind, reported The Nation.

 

According to the website, once fried, these silkworms undergo a miraculous transformation – turning crunchy and greasy, with a flavour profile sometimes described as mildly bitter. Yet, amidst the scepticism, these Hon mhai silk worms are hailed for their protein-rich goodness and even believed by some to possess medicinal properties.

 

In related news, a Singaporean TikTok user documented her gastronomic adventure at the night markets of Bangkok on January 14 when her intrigue in freshly fried insects landed her in hospital. In a 30-second video, Nicolette Wee enthusiastically showcased her purchase of a bag of grasshoppers.

 

Undeterred by her insect escapade, the Singaporean tourist revisited the stall for more, this time opting for a bag of silkworm larvae. However, it seems her digestive system wasn’t prepared for this exotic feast, suffering what she described as a culture shock.

In other news, a Thai food vendor sparked a debate on social media after giving free food to a foreign backpacker in the southern province of Surat Thani. Many netizens hailed the vendor’s gesture while others said the foreign woman just took advantage of Thais’ kindness.

 

The vendor explained that she was preparing food on the table for her son. However, her son was too busy with customers and did not have time to eat. The foreign backpacker thought the food was leftover and asked if she could eat it, which the vendor allowed.

 

by Samantha Rose

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-20

 

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[retarius]

I can't stand the smell of these critters. 

[Pouatchee]

wonder where the fish and chips the brits are so proud of is in the ratings.

 

sorry cousins... couldnt help myself. i just aint a fan of fish in any guise

 

                                                              

 

[Classic Ray]

I have consumed fried bamboo worms on several occasions and can attest to their crunchy goodness.

[tjintx]

I am surprised that no one has come up with deep-fried balut.

[Srikcir]

Oklahoma has calf fries, Texas has Rocky Mountain oysters.

Wonder if Thailand has similar delicacies?

[PETERTHEEATER]

Another vendor in the market selling deep-fried threadworms reported low sales.

[CanadaSam]

I am desperate to try these fried insects, but every time I pass a stall, I simply can't get myself to do so!

[johng]

Won't be long till you have no choice

global warming and all that   means "you will eat the bugs" 

[billd766]

6 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

wonder where the fish and chips the brits are so proud of is in the ratings.

 

sorry cousins... couldnt help myself. i just aint a fan of fish in any guise

 

                                                              

 

I wonder where the Scottish chip shops deep fried ice cream, deep fried Mars bars and deep fried Haggis rate.

[scottiejohn]

19 minutes ago, billd766 said:

I wonder where the Scottish chip shops deep fried ice cream, deep fried Mars bars and deep fried Haggis rate.

Don't forget the deep fried Pizza!  It is scrumptious, but don't go for the ones with pineapple as the pineapple gets all mushy in the center and hard on the outside and also burns like hell!

 🍕

 

[scottiejohn]

Sorry about the size of the photos above but when I got back to edit their size I was too late!

[SiSePuede419]

On 2/20/2024 at 10:52 AM, webfact said:

silkworms undergo a miraculous transformation – turning crunchy and greasy

Crunchy?  Greasy?

 

Silkworms are soft, buttery and taste like bland pork roast. 

Only with more protein ounce for ounce.

I don't think they've ever tried it. 🫢

[brianthainess]

They even look more appetizing than their fried eggs, although I wouldn't eat either.  

[richard_smith237]

I can take them or leave them... but certainly don't go actively seeking them out.

Its usually when we have guests visiting and pass a market that sells them, we give them a try....   the video of them eating silk worms and scorpions etc (usually he kids) is usually up on facebook within a few hours.....

 

I did encounter a Western colleague at work who had "gone native," believing himself to be more Thai than the Thais. He would bring in a bowl of these "delicacies" and offer them around, much to the bemusement and discomfort of the Thai staff. They would look at him as if he were a complete oddity. His attempt to impress the locals with his "Thai-ness" had the opposite effect of what he intended. Instead of gaining their respect and admiration, he became a source of amusement for everyone. We all had a good laugh at his misguided efforts.