From Porcupine to Red Ants: 8 Unusual Meats Eaten in India

When we think about Indian food, we usually picture biryani, kebabs, dosas, butter chicken and more. But you will be surprised to know that India’s food scene is much more diverse than that. Beyond these dishes, many communities across India are known for enjoying exotic foods and meats, like porcupine, frog legs and more. Keep reading to know about these unique delicacies, where they are enjoyed and how they are prepared.

8 Types Of Exotic Meat & Food Items Enjoyed In India

1. Porcupine

Yes, you will be surprised to know that many indigenous and tribal communities traditionally enjoyed porcupine. It was considered a delicacy among the Adis of Arunachal Pradesh and in some communities of Bihar too. Porcupine was often slow-cooked in a clay pot with oil and heavily spiced like a curry. Talking about the taste, it has a savoury flavour and is often compared to chicken. However, hunting and consuming Indian porcupines is illegal under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

2. Red Ant Chutney

Red ant chutney, locally known as Kai Chutney, is a tribal delicacy mainly enjoyed in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. The chutney also has a GI tag and is made by crushing red ants with garlic, ginger, red chillies, coriander and mint leaves. You will be surprised to know that this unusual chutney is rich in Vitamin C and has high nutritional value. Furthermore, it has a spicy and tangy flavour and is often enjoyed with rotis, rice and fried snacks.

3. Frog Legs

Frog legs have traditionally been consumed in Goa and parts of Kerala. People in these regions considered them an exotic delicacy. The legs are usually pan-fried or sometimes roasted in coconut oil with ginger, garlic, red chillies and curry leaves, and enjoyed as a snack. However, hunting frogs is illegal in India, and very few places serve this dish today.

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4. Silkworm Pupae

Silkworm pupae are a traditional delicacy in Northeast India. This exotic food is commonly eaten in Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. People pan-fry the pupae with onions, garlic, ginger and chilli peppers. They are also mashed and added to soups and curries. And yes, their taste is often compared to chicken liver and mushrooms.

5. Baby Shark

Baby shark, locally known as Mori, is another exotic seafood traditionally enjoyed in parts of Goa, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. It is sold in some seafood markets. The meat has a tender, flaky texture and is often compared to white fish. In Goa and Maharashtra, it is cooked as Mori Masala, in coconut curry or as spicy Goan Shark Fry. On the other hand, in Tamil Nadu, it is boiled, shredded and stir-fried with mustard seeds, onions, green chillies and spices.

6. Stingray

Stingray is an exotic seafood enjoyed in the coastal regions of India. It is popular in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha and West Bengal. One reason this fish is popular is that it has cartilage instead of small fish bones. The meat is cut into cubes and simmered in a tangy tamarind-based curry with tomatoes and spices. It is also marinated and shallow-fried until crispy.

7. Pigeon Meat

Pigeon meat is also eaten in parts of Northeast India, Bihar and rural Madhya Pradesh. People usually prepare it as a rich, spicy curry with vegetables. It is also added to broths and soups, which are believed to help build immunity, especially during winter. The meat is lean, savoury and has an earthy flavour.

8. Water Beetles

Water beetles are a rich source of protein and essential fatty acids. They are commonly eaten in Manipur, Assam and Nagaland. The wings and legs are removed before the beetles are deep-fried or roasted over an open fire. They are seasoned with salt and spices and enjoyed as a snack. People also mash them into a spicy chutney, which is often eaten with rice.

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So, these are some of the exotic foods and meats enjoyed in India. Did you know about any of these, or do you know of any other exotic delicacies from India? Do let us know!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Elisabeta Dirjan and @Magnetopause/X