Food makes the party every time. Certain foods are reminders of comfort—be it mom’s apple pie or Thanksgiving mashed potatoes. As kids we turned our noses up at strange food and as adults many of us still haven’t outgrown that habit. For a few however, the world is nothing but a buffet of new tastes. These culinary adventurers try anything no matter how repulsive it looks or smells.
So why do some of us try everything on the table and others just push food aside? It could be in your genes. “In the past few years some evidence has come out that willingness to try new foods, which is part of adventurousness, has some genetic basis,” says Dr. Marcia Pelchat of the Monell Chemical Senses Center. Whether you’re a plain Jane when it comes to new flavors or if you’re the type to knock down a dozen oysters like they’re water—check out our list of some of gastronomy’s weirdest festivals around the world.
1. Waikiki Spam® Jam • Waikiki, HI
If you’ve always longed to try new Spam® dishes created by innovative Hawaiian chefs in a festive street fair vibe, this is your event. The annual celebration of all things canned meat includes Spam® memorabilia, live music, and crafts. And best of all it benefits the Hawaii Foodbank.
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