Eating Insects: Here’s What I Learned
From Creepy to Crispy
When it comes to food, we all have our usual preferences, don’t we? What may seem unusual to me could be entirely normal for others. Let me share my personal story: I vividly remember the time I discovered a rotten apple with a worm inside; my immediate reaction was to throw it out without a second thought. Similarly, I recall my initial astonishment and unease when I first witnessed people in my home country, Indonesia, consuming grasshoppers as a snack. Yes, you read that correctly — grasshoppers! In certain cities in Indonesia, they are considered a delicacy.
However, as they say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” This principle became clear to me during my journey to Mexico. Mexico, a country rich in culture, holds a unique culinary tradition: the consumption of insects. Not just grasshoppers, known as chapulines, but even scorpions and tarantulas find their way onto plates as crispy snacks. Creatures that we typically know as dangerous are transformed into safe and delectable treats in Mexican cuisine.
As the old saying goes, “Visit the local market to truly understand a nation’s culture. It was among the hustling vendors that I learned about the important role of bug eating in Mexican culture. Speaking to a seller, this behavior is deeply rooted in their traditions. So I decided to…
