When it comes to unconventional culinary rankings, ‘Aloo Baigan’ has surprisingly claimed a spot on the list of the world’s worst delicacies, securing the 60th position with a modest 2.7 out of 5 rating. Aloo Baigan, a popular Indian vegetarian dish featuring a blend of potatoes, brinjal, onions, tomatoes, and an array of spices, is a staple in Indian households and a favored choice in Indian restaurants worldwide.
Surprisingly, at the pinnacle of this peculiar list is Iceland’s Hakarl, a dish made from cured shark meat, particularly from sleeper sharks. The meat undergoes a three-month fermentation process, followed by four to five months of hanging and drying. Despite its intense flavor, Hakarl is considered an acquired taste, especially when accompanied by a shot of brennivin, a local liquor.
In an unexpected turn, the Ramen Burger, born in Brooklyn, New York in 2013, claimed the second spot. Comprising meat-filled buns crafted from ramen noodles, it’s a fusion creation that sparked polarizing opinions. Following closely is the Yerushalmi kugel, a Jewish casserole featuring sweetly caramelized noodles, often served during Jewish holidays like Yom Kippur and Shabbat.
The list continues with diverse entries such as the Swedish Kalvsylta (jellied veal), the Latvian Sklandrausis (a rye-based carrot and potato pie), the Chilean Chapalele (a potato bread), the Swedish Calskrove (a calzone pizza stuffed with hamburgers), the Spanish Bocadillo de carne de Caballo (a sandwich traditionally made with horse meat), the New Zealand Marmite and chip sandwiches, and the Finnish Ryynimakkara (a sausage made with oats and fat), completing the top 10.
Despite its global ranking, Aloo Baigan remains a beloved dish in India. The next time you encounter it on a menu, consider giving it a chance to form your own opinion about this Indian delicacy. After all, exploring the less mainstream side of food is what adds intrigue to our culinary adventures.
