You’re in Hangzhou (one of the biggest cities in China). You’ve been sightseeing for the whole day. It’s got dark and you haven’t eaten anything since lunch. Your stomach is loudly complaining about its mistreat. You don’t have a choice. You start looking around in search of something to eat. You turn around the corner and – jackpot! There’s whole alley with street food. You walk from one stand to another mesmerized by the colours, shapes, and smells. So many choices. You’re hesitant what to buy. Then you see something that really differs from any other food you’ve seen so far. By the first look you know you’ve found your place…
Fried centipede
Fried scorpions There’s a stand that (judging by its merchandise) could be run by a member of the Addams Family. Dried snakes, fried spiders and centipedes… You’re at loss as what to choose. You put some thought into it:
What is left? Little scorpions fried on a stick. You can it them whole (literally whole – frying process inactivates the venom). So simple! You’ve made up your mind. Now all you need is to take a bite…
How does it taste? Not like chicken – that’s for sure. It doesn’t resemble the taste of anything you’ve eaten so far. It’s salty, little spicy and very crunchy. In general – wonderful! Probably it’s one of the best things you’ve tried in China up till now.
Any drawbacks? One – it’s quite pricey. One stick (3 little scorpions) costs 15 RMB (~ 2,5$). That’s a snack that can satisfy your taste buds, not your hunger.
Last suggestion. If you’re in China and you’ve found one of those ‘Little Shops of Horror’ don’t be discouraged by its looks. Try something. The taste will surprise you.
In Hangzhou you can find it in the evening at Zhongshan South Road (near the Drum Tower).
Bon appetite!
- dried snakes doesn’t look to tasty
- you have no idea how to eat the spider (you don’t know which parts are edible and you don’t know how to ask)
- centipede scares the hell even out of your adventure spirit.
What is left? Little scorpions fried on a stick. You can it them whole (literally whole – frying process inactivates the venom). So simple! You’ve made up your mind. Now all you need is to take a bite…
How does it taste? Not like chicken – that’s for sure. It doesn’t resemble the taste of anything you’ve eaten so far. It’s salty, little spicy and very crunchy. In general – wonderful! Probably it’s one of the best things you’ve tried in China up till now.
Any drawbacks? One – it’s quite pricey. One stick (3 little scorpions) costs 15 RMB (~ 2,5$). That’s a snack that can satisfy your taste buds, not your hunger.
Last suggestion. If you’re in China and you’ve found one of those ‘Little Shops of Horror’ don’t be discouraged by its looks. Try something. The taste will surprise you.
In Hangzhou you can find it in the evening at Zhongshan South Road (near the Drum Tower).
Bon appetite!
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