Fried Insects: Exclusive Delicacy or Daring Experience?
They eat everything that flies and crawls. That saying fits Thailand perfectly — here, you’ll find unusual exotic snacks everywhere: fried insects and arthropods of all kinds. Larvae, grasshoppers, cockroaches, scorpions… the variety of “appetizing” options is truly overwhelming. Fried insects are one of the most extravagant foods for tourists and an integral part of Thailand’s culinary culture. Let’s explore what exotic treats you can try in Phuket.
Why Do People Eat Insects in Thailand?
Fried insects in Thailand are more than just a nod to exoticism. They’ve been a crucial part of the local diet since ancient times, especially when other sources of protein were scarce. Insects are rich in protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals, making them a highly nutritious food. Plus, they’re easy to farm and harvest in large quantities.
Of course, this tradition in its original form survives mostly in poorer Thai provinces like Isan. In Phuket, insects aren’t eaten as commonly — at least not in such large quantities.
Types of Fried Insects in Thailand
The greatest variety of fried insects can be found at night markets. Typically, the bugs are deep-fried in oil and seasoned with salt and spicy herbs. Here are some of the most popular:
Bamboo worms – the easiest snack for those new to insect eating. They don’t have wings or legs, which makes them more approachable. In terms of taste and texture, bamboo worms resemble a crispy, salty corn puff.
Silkworm larvae have a soft shell that becomes crispy when fried. Their taste is somewhat similar to plant-based tofu, but even creamier. The perfect combination? Silkworms with soy sauce and pepper.
Red palm weevil larvae are somewhat similar to silkworm larvae. They’re fairly large in size, but after frying, they turn out to be almost hollow inside. Their crispy skin, however, has a taste somewhat reminiscent of bacon.
Grasshoppers taste similar to crispy shrimp or salted sunflower seeds. To avoid choking on the tough legs, it’s best to remove them before eating. The tastiest option is considered to be locusts — they’re larger and meatier.
Crickets are a true delicacy from northeastern Thailand. They look similar to grasshoppers but taste quite different — more like salted nuts or popcorn.
Water beetles are large, winged insects that can grow up to 8 cm in length. They live in rice fields and are mainly popular in northeastern Thailand. Eating water beetles can be a bit of a hassle, as you first need to remove the wings and legs. They have a rather strong smell, and their taste is salty and creamy. Some even compare the flavor to red caviar. So, if you happen to miss that delicacy while in Thailand — now you know where to find a substitute.
Red ant eggs — a true delicacy! They’re hard to find, which is why they’re rarely seen on market stalls and tend to be quite expensive. Red ant eggs are added to various dishes and are even preserved, much like black caviar. In terms of flavor, they resemble mushrooms, while their texture is very similar to fish roe.
Scorpions — surprisingly, these venomous arthropods are also eaten. When prepared properly, they’re not dangerous — the venom is located in the tip of the tail, which is removed by the cook beforehand. In terms of taste, scorpions are said to resemble raw shrimp or chicken feet.
Why Should You Try It?
Fried insects are a great way to fully experience Thai cuisine. They are also an environmentally friendly food source. Insect farming requires significantly less water, feed, and land compared to traditional livestock, making them a sustainable and nutritious source of protein. Insects also produce fewer greenhouse gases, which reduces their environmental footprint.
Tourists’ attitudes toward fried insects vary greatly depending on cultural background and personal biases. For some, it’s a real shock; for others — an exciting adventure worth trying for the unique experience. Still, most people who take the plunge report that the taste isn’t nearly as bad as they expected. Fried insects often have a texture similar to chips or nuts, and the flavor largely depends on the spices and seasonings used.
Even if you don’t feel brave enough to try fried insects, Thai cuisine offers countless other authentic dishes you absolutely must try! You can find them at numerous cafes & restaurants, and night markets — the best of which are listed in the relevant sections of our website.
