Dangerous Plant-Based Dishes

March3,2025

Fermented to the point of a strong ammonia-like odor, this dish tests the olfactory limits of even the bravest food lovers.

Stinky Tofu (China, Taiwan)

Made from one of the world's hottest chilies, this chutney can set your mouth on fire and leave you gasping for breath

Bhut Jolokia Chutney (India, Northeast)  

Fermented soybeans with a sticky, slimy texture and strong pungent aroma—definitely not for the faint-hearted.  

The Slime Factor – Natto (Japan)  

Cassava leaves contain natural cyanide and need to be thoroughly cooked to become edible.  

Cassava Leaf Stew (Africa, South America)  

This dish is loaded with Sichuan peppercorns, which create a numbing and tingling sensation that can be overwhelming.  

Sichuan Mala Tofu (China)  

This seemingly simple potato dish uses Timur pepper, which numbs the tongue and alters taste perception.  

Jhol Aloo (Nepal, Northeast India)

Ackee fruit, when improperly ripened, can cause severe poisoning due to its hypoglycin content.  

Ackee and Salted Veg (Jamaica)

Known for its intense smell that resembles rotten onions and sewage, durian-flavored vegetarian dishes are not for the faint-hearted. 

Durian Dishes (Southeast Asia)